How to Deal with a Clogged Pump Hose

A clogged pump hose is a problem that’s all too common for portable restroom operators and drivers. Random items get accidentally or intentionally tossed in your toilets. And when your driver begins pumping, the vacuum hose has very little or no suction. There’s no way of knowing whether it’s a diaper or a miniature liquor bottle clogging it. But drivers must act fast to avoid breaking the pump motor. Here’s how your team should deal with a clogged pump hose.

Steps to Clear a Blocked Vacuum Hose

Fast action is critical to preventing damage to your pump. Run through various equipment issues with your team and make sure they know how to troubleshoot problems. Ask senior team members to recommend tips or tricks to newer employees so that everyone can address pump or hose blockages and vacuum troubles.

Remove a blockage by:

1. Immediately turning off the pump
2. Reversing the pressure to blow out the clog
3. Using a metal rod to dislodge the clog if reversing the pressure didn’t work

If these steps don’t work, the best solution is to replace the vacuum hose. But, if you’re at the customer’s site without a spare hose, you can cut the hose near the clog. Remove the item and use a hose repair kit or duct tape as a temporary fix.

Encourage drivers to document all incidents. They should include a photo of the clogged hose and, if possible, the item that caused the blockage. Also, your field employee should jot down a rough time estimate on their report. These details can help PROs identify a problematic pattern and, if needed, levy charges.

Perform Follow-up Maintenance

Since a blocked hose can damage the pump, it’s a good idea for your service technicians to follow up after an incident. They may need to replace or repair the hose that was temporarily fixed at the job site. Next, ensure that there is proper suction and that the pump is performing correctly.

If there are pump or vacuum concerns, consider using a flush kit to clear the pump. Then, clean it and look for any leaks or malfunctioning parts. Remember to check and clean all valves. Your service staff should document any further issues on the original incident report and list the cost of replacement items and a time estimate.

Avoiding a Clogged Pump Hose: Preventative Measures

Equipment problems are common and can set your team back. In most cases, you won’t be able to prevent a blocked vacuum hose. But you can ensure your field crew knows what to do and how to document it.

Be proactive with these tips:

• Keep a spare pump hose in your truck
• Alternatively, store duct tape or a hose repair kit in your vehicle
• Display signs asking people not to toss items in the toilet
• Place trash cans near the toilet
• Track preventable incidents by client and event
• Consider requiring a deposit for customers or events with previous issues

Solve Your Equipment Challenges

Those in the portable restroom business deal with the results of poor human behavior all of the time, and plenty of awful things end up in your porta-potty. The bottom line is that your units and equipment may be damaged intentionally or accidentally. The best plan is a proactive one. Keep repair supplies in service trucks and document all incidents, regardless of who is at fault.

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