Pit plumbing help

[APW]

Redoing a site and got the old pits cleaned out to find the drain is is at one end of the pit and lower then I like. The pits I have built I have always put the drain in the middle because it seems the dirt always builds up on both ends of the pit first. Would you leave it like it is, put a couple elbows to get it higher to allow more dirt so as not to have to clean it as often, or cut the concrete and run it to the middle of the pit? Thanks!

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Don't go cutting any concrete! Cover that end with a metal plate. I started doing that 20+ years ago. I have had mud so high that it fills the gaps between the grate pipes, but it still drains. Piping it up to get it higher will make it even better.

 

[MEP001]

I agree, covering at least that end with metal will make a big difference. I'd recommend extending the pipe up and out a little with an elbow on the end facing down so floating debris can't enter the drain.

 

[carwashireland]

I agree, covering at least that end with metal will make a big difference. I'd recommend extending the pipe up and out a little with an elbow on the end facing down so floating debris can't enter the drain.

Great tip MEP..I will be using that one!

 

[2Biz]

I have similar SS pitts...The suggestions to cover the trap end with solid plate is good advice. That's how mine are done. One thing to add, mine has a dam about 2 feet from the trap and within about an inch or two from the top where it helps trap mud in the main pit and keep it away from the drain. Water overflows the dam and into the trap basin. The PVC pipe and elbow is basically stuck in the drain hole...Makes it easy to remove and shovel out any sediments that is in the trap basin. I must have snapped the pic just after cleaning the pitts...Water is usually at the top of the Elbow....The pipe that is stuck in the drain hole is fairly snug and seals up better than you'd think. The elbow helps keep sediment out of your drain pipes.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Instead of a down elbow I use a T with a threaded cap/ plug on the end and the open end facing down. Prevents floating stuff from going in and I unscrew the cap / plug if I need to shove something in for cleanout without removing it.

 

[2Biz]

Occasionally one of the elbows flip upside down and it seems to work ok. 99% of the time its facing up and works ok...I think the dam is the key...Never had a stopped up drain either way!