Even though the POA has in the past discouraged homeowners from performing any maintenance on them, technically, the homeowner is the one who owns and has always been accountable for the grinder tank systems.
Five or six years ago, the POA consented to handle system repairs for the grinder systems in exchange for a $1 monthly charge on property owners’ sewer accounts.
The problem is that no one keeps up with them, particularly checking to ensure the alarm system is operating. This is the most crucial component. Public Services Director Ken Unger said his current suggestion is to make it plain that property owners are, in fact, the owners of these systems from their residences up to the POA box at the road and to advise concerned homeowners to have their alarms tested annually by a licensed electrician.
The resident should contact the POA for alarm repair.
Three staff members are assigned to grinder tank system repairs, but Unger said we don’t have adequate staff to perform yearly checks on the thousands of alarm systems. “Any halfway competent electrician can check the grinder tank alarms’ continuity to ensure they are working and the buzzer is working,” stated Unger.
At a recent Public Services Committee meeting, visitor Angela Brinker asked if it would be feasible for the POA to hire electricians to perform the yearly grinder alarm checks and then charge the residents when the check is performed. Unger explained that it is already difficult to fill staff positions. “I tried to do that for RPZ testing. I hired people, and as soon as they obtained certification to do the RPZ backflow preventer testing, they quit. Now I am on the hook for testing the RPZs, and I have no one to do it. We can’t put ourselves in a position where we are making a promise that we can’t keep. Historically, and especially today, it is hard to hire qualified electricians,” said Unger.
Unger said grinder alarm testing is not a requirement, only a recommendation.
A permit is not needed to hire an electrician to test your grinder alarm system. If the electrician determines your alarm for your grinder system is inoperable, the POA will make the repair, not the electrician.
As previously reported, Unger also recommends homeowners talk to a licensed plumber about installing a popper relief valve. Click here to read the article addressing the popper relief valve.
Click here to read about the event that started the grinder discussion and the proposed policy change Unger presented at the May 17 Board Meeting. This article is titled “Wastewater backup floods home – leads to policy change proposal.”
The POA does not recommend contractors. At the meeting, Larry Siener, Board Director Liaison to the committee, said, “I recommend you do not get into recommending vendors. You potentially assume some liability if you make recommendations.” Siener said this is his personal opinion and not that of the Board.
Committee Member David Whitehead expressed, “However it ends up landing, there is so much confusion out there.”
“The problem is that I have multiple mechanisms to communicate, but many people do not pay attention until there is a problem.”
Ken Unger, Director of HSVPOA Public Services
If you have an issue with your grinder tank, including the system alarm, use the link below to complete a Public Services Request Form. It is recommended that you submit your request on the website so you will have a record of submittal, whereas if you call in your request, you will not have a formal record.
You may also call the Public Services Department at 501-922-5524 during normal business hours. If they do not answer, please leave your name, contact number, email address, street address, and your issue. For water, sewer, or other issues after regular business hours, you may call 501-922-1323.
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Contact Information for Public Services Director
Ken Unger
Director Public Services
Hot Springs Village
501-226-9609
Kunger@hsvpoa.org
Four years ago the bracket that holds the floats in the tank broke. It was a Sunday and the maintenance person hung them on another pipe and said they would be back Monday. For the past 4 years I have called and have heard the same response. Three weeks ago a man came out and now states they need to dig a hole which would be too much bother. So….when the other pipe or bracket breaks who will be responsible?? I was originally told to NOT touch them and to always call. I can understand the economy now but shouldn’t it be changed for new building or buyers instead of past residents since we supposedly have been contributing to the maintenance since we have lived here?
Can you elaborate a little more on Mr. Unger’s statement on RPZ valve testing. In the article above, Unger said the testing is not a requirement, only a recommendation.
There is some confusion in this statement because at the present time printed on the bottom of POA monthly water bills the RPZ valve test results have to turned into the POA or risk disconnection of service.
Which is it….a requirement or recommendation?
Grinder tanks only? A RPZ valve is a RPZ valve whether on a tank or irrigation system.
Steven, RPZ testing is a requirement. Grinder alarm testing is not a requirement. This article was not about RPZs and the mention of RPZs was only made because some people want the POA to do the alarm testing and the POA does not have the staff to do this and what happened with the RPZ situation was just an example of the POA trying to provide property owners a service, but then because of staffing issues, it was not possible. Ken Unger expressed he didn’t want to make promises he couldn’t keep (due to staffing issues). Since COVID, staffing has been a problem, and this is not just for the POA, but for many businesses. I apologize for any confusion in the article, which was due to me, not Ken Unger. Thank you.
I don’t see a problem with the POA putting together a list of fully “competent” electrician who would understand what is required to check our grinder alarm and system. We have no manuals or diagrams for the system or control box. The POA could spend a few hours vetting a list of electricians. If you search online you will find other communities across the country that are in the same situation and they compile a list of electricians and plumbers who are capable for their communities. You can put a disclaimer at the top of such a list. The POA should not be afraid to do the right thing for its members. That is called leadership.
Additionally, a pop up is a $30 item from Home Depot that takes about a minute to install. It will require a wrench to remove the current cover and the pop up screws in, hand tight.
Completed last week. The POA could explain this to people with a sketch and Home Depot part no. Again, put a disclaimer if they are afraid.
I agree with George.
The POA can supply a list of at least THREE vetted electricians and provide diagrams of what the POA suggests to be done. I have worked for several government agencies, and this is common to provide resources of support. It relieves the burden on the agency (POA) and provides guidance to the public.
As far as the training and then people quitting, that can be resolved as well. Agencies offer a bonus or pay increase after a specified time on the job. Make that part of the job offer. Or a requirement of reimbursement for training costs if person resigns before a certain date. I am sure HR can assist with this.