I am haveing problems with ordors emanating from my drains in one of my treatment area. I have tried Drain Gel, which works for approx. one day, the odor returns the next day. Bleach really has no effect other than to make the bad odor smell chlorinated, which is even worse. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Bioman,

We had the same problem in one of my facilities and found that it was being caused 2 different factors but were both related to the bleaching of the machines.

1. Our policy is to bleach the machines 2x/week. The machines were only being bleached once/week on Tuesdays so the goop had almost a full week to accumulate before it was hit with bleach again. For optimum disinfection of the drains, one of the days should be Saturday so that they are not sitting with goop over the weekend.

2. The machines were being bleached at various times of the day instead of at the end of the day. All machines should be bleached at the end of the day so that the entire drain line is disinfected at the end of the day instead of being "contaminated" by machines that are still in use.

Chuck

[This message has been edited by Chuck W (edited 06-01-2004).]

We, too, have had this problem. We cleaned out the drains with a toilet brush and now bleach the drains themselves twice per week at the end of the night. This has really helped with the biofilm formation that we had been seeing. We use about 2 cups of bleach (straight) and pour it not only down the drain, but around the sides of the drain. At one point it was so bad that we had drains getting plugged with the stuff. YUK! We have not had the plumber here for more than 2 years now. Hope this helps.

If you're using Fresenius machines, another good idea would be to set them for extended pre-rinses which will flush hot water down the drain lines for an additional 20 minutes during each heat disinfect. (If your evening staff has the time.)

Even if your staff doesn't have time in the evenings, you can set the machine to turn off after heat disinfect.

quote:

Originally posted by Bioman:
I am haveing problems with ordors emanating from my drains in one of my treatment area. I have tried Drain Gel, which works for approx. one day, the odor returns the next day. Bleach really has no effect other than to make the bad odor smell chlorinated, which is even worse. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Try citric acid.
Available from Edlaw in powder form, you can mix with water to a minimum 1% solution, perhaps stronger depending on the state of your indirect drain system.
If this doesn't work, you're in for some capital spending for a new indirect drain system.

The increased frequency of disinfection has worked wonderfully, Not only have the odors been eliminated, but the protien deposits took care of themselves also. I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions.

Richard

i would be cautious in regards to having staff leaving the facility even with the "H" machines programed to shut off when heat disinfect is completed.we have had clear lines come off the red wand that plugs into the front panel for whatever reason just prior to the staff leaving for the evening.we now have one of the staff stick around until all machines have completed and turned off;just being pro-active!