When grease from homes, restaurants, and various commercial or industrial facilities accumulates in wastewater systems, it can reduce flow capacity, create foul odors, and result in hazardous and costly sanitary sewer overflows.
EHC-33™ offers a cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution to minimize grease buildup in sewer lines and lift stations. Each 8-ounce, water-soluble bag contains a concentrated blend of safe bacteria designed to break down and digest fats, oils, grease (FOG), and other organic materials. By converting these substances into simpler compounds like water and carbon dioxide, EHC-33™ effectively reduces foul odors, prevents blockages, and helps mitigate the risk of backups and sanitary sewer overflows.
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, leaving the city to manage the problem.
If there are no restaurants on the line, potential sources of grease buildup may include apartment complexes, schools, catering kitchens, food processing plants, golf courses, or any place where cooking is done in large quantities.
Additional concerns arise in areas where sewer lines have sagged due to ground erosion or in siphons that run beneath streams or bridges. These lines are especially challenging to clean. Heavy debris, such as stones, that accumulate at the bottom of these lines can trap large amounts of grease, making it difficult to remove.
In sagged lines, the effective pipe diameter is reduced. For instance, an eight-inch pipe with a four-inch sag is effectively reduced to a four-inch pipe, significantly restricting flow. Regular cleaning is essential, as any grease buildup further narrows the pipe and leads to predictable blockages.
A consistent EHC-33™ treatment program can significantly reduce or eliminate grease blockages, ensuring more efficient sewer line performance.
Here are some of the questions we will ask to determine the necessary dosing:
Applying EHC-33™ is simple. It comes packaged in 8 oz. water-soluble packets, safe to handle, and requires no pre-mixing, measuring, or soaking. Simply open the manhole and drop the packet into the flow of the line.
If you are a new user, we recommend starting the program with a historically troublesome line. Many operators face at least one line that frequently backs up.
Occasionally, when EHC-33™ removes buildup, large pieces of grease may fall off and temporarily block the line. For this reason, some operators prefer to mechanically clean the line before starting the EHC-33™ program to ensure it stays clean.
The Cleanup/Inoculation Phase
The line should be inoculated with EHC-33™ in 500-foot sections. This phase achieves the following:
Starting from the downstream section, treat the line for four days. Then move upstream to the next 500-foot section, repeating the process until the entire line has received its initial dose. For lines over 1,000 feet, begin the maintenance dose in the first 1,000-foot section while continuing the inoculation process upstream.
Maintenance Phase
After the initial doses, maintenance dosing begins. You can treat up to one mile of line from a single point by multiplying the maintenance dose by 5.2.
We recommend inspecting the sewer line weekly for at least four or five manholes to monitor for grease buildup. After six months, if no buildup is detected, reduce the maintenance dose by 50 percent and continue monitoring.
Many operators apply EHC-33™ on a designated day each week. For particularly problematic lines, we suggest dividing the weekly dose in half and applying it twice per week. Monday and Friday are generally effective days, as weekends often produce the highest levels of grease from restaurants. However, the key is consistency. Stick with the scheduled days for the best results. Inconsistent application can lead to inconsistent outcomes.
By treating the grease-generating sewer lines leading to the lift station with EHC-33™, you can significantly reduce grease buildup in the lift station itself. These grease-generating lines are identified and treated using regular sewer line doses. Often, cleaning these lines will also clean the lift station. Initially, the lift station may accumulate more grease as EHC-33™ begins to work, but within three to four months, the issue should be resolved.
Ideally, the lift station should be cleaned before starting the EHC-33™ program. If cleaning isn’t feasible, make sure to take accurate measurements and photos of the grease cap on day one for comparison.
If there is a thick grease cap in the lift station, ensure holes are punched through the cap to expose the water. This is important because the bacteria in the water consume oxygen and release hydrogen sulfide or carbon dioxide. If these gases become trapped, they can lift the grease cap off the water surface, slowing down biological activity at the water-grease interface, which is where most of the work occurs. Keep the holes open for optimal results. Alternatively, we can provide a degreaser or emulsifier to temporarily soften and reduce the grease cap.
If there is only one line entering the lift station, you may still be able to isolate the grease-generating section of the line and treat it at the source. It’s always a good idea to investigate and treat the source before treating the lift station directly.
After using EHC-33™ for a few weeks, if you want to clean the lift station walls, simply hose them down—the grease will easily come off.
Whether treating lift stations or sewer lines, it's best to apply EHC-33™ at least one or two manholes upstream. Always choose a location with safety in mind.
EHC-33™ is easy to use, cost-effective, safe, and we are always here to assist you.
| 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.* | ¼lb. per day |
| Up to 500,00 GPD | 25 lbs.* | ½lb. 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 MGDD | 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 it is required to miss one day, add that day’s product with the next dosage.
Dosage rate will vary with flow rates, retention times and system variations.
Do not add to the treatment system at a location where toxic or otherwise adverse pH, dissolved oxygen or temperature conditions may exist at peak levels.
| 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: Store in a cool, dry place
Handling: Wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water after handling
See label and SDS for safety information.