thesmug
Hazard to Others
Posts: 370
Registered: 17-1-2014
Location: Chicago, Il (USA)
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
|
|
Sump pump damage
I do a lot of chemistry in the basement since it's somewhat cold outside and I (obviously) have to dispose of my chemicals somehow. I used to simply
flush them down the drain with plenty of water, but there are concerns of damaging my house sump pump. What do you advise?
|
|
|
Nickdul
Hazard to Self
Posts: 96
Registered: 13-2-2012
Location: Bulgaria
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
|
|
Be wary of solvents and anything more volatile/flammable. I think solutions of salts are pretty safe to dispose, so long as heavy metals are avoided.
Silver, copper, zinc and aluminum salts can cause problems with septic tanks, AFAIK. Neutralize acids and bases before disposal, because they may
damage the pump's turbine/impeller and casing.
|
|
|
HgDinis25
Hazard to Others
Posts: 439
Registered: 14-3-2014
Location: Portugal
Member Is Offline
Mood: Who drank my mercury?
|
|
What are your pumps made of? If they´re metal neutralise your acids and bases and precipitate any soluble transition metal salts, in order to avoid
displacement reactions.
If they're plastic than your safe regarding acids and metals but must avoid organic solvents. If you have to dispose of them dilute them first.
|
|
|
thesmug
Hazard to Others
Posts: 370
Registered: 17-1-2014
Location: Chicago, Il (USA)
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
|
|
They're metal, so I will be sure to follow your suggestions.
|
|
|
HgDinis25
Hazard to Others
Posts: 439
Registered: 14-3-2014
Location: Portugal
Member Is Offline
Mood: Who drank my mercury?
|
|
My statement on precipitating metal salts could be misunderstood. I'm talking about using solutiuons with OH, CO3, HCO3, etc. to make insoluble metal
compounds so they don't react with your pump. Sorry for any confusions.
|
|
|
![[*]](images/xpblue/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
