EHC‑33™
Grease Control Bacteria for Sewer Systems

Grease-related issues commonly arise within 300 feet of high grease generators, such as restaurants. Since grease emulsifies at 140ºF and dishwashers typically rinse with water at 180ºF, grease often bypasses grease traps and flows directly into the city’s sewer lines. As the water cools, the grease solidifies and blocks the line. Many restaurant owners are aware that running hot water can temporarily emulsify the grease, pushing it further down the line.

If there are no restaurants on the line, potential sources of grease buildup may include apartment complexes, schools, catering kitchens, food processing plants, or any location where large-scale cooking occurs.

Additional concerns arise in areas where sewer lines have sagged due to ground erosion or in siphons running beneath streams or bridges. These lines are especially challenging to clean as heavy debris (e.g., stones) can accumulate, trapping grease and worsening blockages.

A consistent EHC‑33™ treatment program can significantly reduce or eliminate these grease blockages, ensuring more efficient sewer line performance.

Key questions to determine the necessary dosing include:

• What is the diameter of the line?
• How long is the section where grease is accumulating?
• How many manholes are involved?
• How many high grease generators (e.g., restaurants) are connected?
• Which sections of the line are historically problematic?
• Do any of these lines have sags?

Applying EHC‑33™ is simple—it comes in 8‑oz water‑soluble packets that require no pre-mixing. Just open the manhole and drop the packet into the flow.

The Cleanup/Inoculation Phase

Treat the line in 500‑foot sections to clear the line and establish a population of grease‑eating bacteria. Start downstream and work upstream, and for lines over 1,000 feet, begin the maintenance dose while continuing inoculation.

Maintenance Phase

After the initial doses, treat up to one mile of line by multiplying the dose by 5.2. Weekly inspections are recommended, and after six months, reduce the dose by 50% if no buildup is detected. Consistent application (e.g., Monday and Friday dosing) is key.

Treating the grease‑generating sewer lines leading to a lift station with EHC‑33™ can significantly reduce grease buildup within the station itself. Cleaning the lines often results in a cleaner lift station, although initial treatment may temporarily increase grease levels before resolving the issue within three to four months.

If cleaning the lift station beforehand isn’t feasible, document the initial grease cap with measurements and photos for comparison. For thick grease caps, punch holes to allow proper bacterial activity.

Even if only one line enters the lift station, isolating and treating the grease‑generating section may be possible. Safety and consistency in application remain paramount.

Flow Rate	Initial Dosage	Maintenance
Up to 1,000 GPD	½ lb. per day for 3 days	½ lb. per week
Up to 5,000 GPD	½ lb. per day for 3 days	1 lb. per week
Up to 20,000 GPD	5 lbs.*	1 ½ lb. per week
Up to 50,000 GPD	8 lbs.*	2 lb. per week
Up to 250,000 GPD	15 lbs.*	¼ lb. per day
Up to 500,000 GPD	25 lbs.*	½ lb. per day
Up to 1 MGD	50 lbs.*	1 lb. per day
Up to 5 MGD	50 lbs. per MGD*	1 lb. per MGD per day
Up to 12 MGD	50 lbs. per MGD*	¾ lb. per MGD per day
Up to 100 MGD	30 lbs. per MGD*	½ lb. per MGD per day

* Spread this initial dosage out over the course of 10 days.

* * Add as regularly as possible. If a day is missed, add that day’s product with the next dosage.

Dosage rate will vary with flow rates, retention times, and system variations. Do not dose where adverse pH, dissolved oxygen, or temperature conditions exist.

For optimal results the wastewater and treatment system should meet the following conditions:

	Optimum	Minimum
Influent pH	7.0	5.0
Dissolved oxygen, ppm	2.0+	1.0+
C/N/P ratio	100/10/1	100/5/1
Temperature	30°C (86°F)	10°C (50°F)
Toxic metals, ppm (E.g., hex., chromium)	0	0

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place

Handling: Wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water after handling

See label and SDS for safety information.