©2007 Thermaco, Inc. All rights reserved • Patented/Patents Pending • Specifications subject to change without notice
Thermaco, Inc. • 646 Greensboro St. • Asheboro, N. C. 27204-2548 • Phone (336) 629-4651
MNL-IS14000 6
®
Big Dipper
®
IS System Series
Troubleshooting
Big Dipper unit overflows
(1) Check to see that the outlet pipe is not reduced to a
smaller size, the outlet piping is vented, has as few 90
degree outlet turns as possible, and that no “P” trap is
installed on the outlet. Re-plumb the piping, if neces
-
sary. Check outlet piping for clogs. Have a plumber
clean the line, if necessary.
2) Make sure that the solids strainer is in place and
emptied daily.
3) Check the bottom of the grease chamber for exces
-
sive solids and silt buildup which may be blocking the
outlet baffle. Disconnect the power and use a long
handled spatula or similar instrument to stir the bottom
while water flows through the unit. If necessary, drain
and clean the sediment from the unit. To prevent recur
-
rence, schedule this cleaning to be done on a regular
basis (properly used, a wet vac may be appropriate for
cleaning sediment from the bottom of the unit).
4) Make sure the flow rate to the unit does not exceed the
maximum flow rate, which is shown on the nameplate.
If necessary, have a plumber install an approved flow
control to restrict the inlet flow to the specified level or
install a properly sized Big Dipper for the application.
Excessive water observed in the grease
collection
container
1) Check Timer for excessive “on” time. Unit will pick
up incidental water after all grease is removed.
2) Make sure that the water flow to the unit does not
exceed the rated flow and there are no drain line clogs
downstream from the unit.
No grease is collected in the container
(1) Check to be sure the power is on and the time con
-
trol is set correctly. The “on” time should be no less
than 15 minutes per day. There is a Power Indicator
Light under the Timer which indicates that Power is
reaching the unit. If this light is not Red, power is not
reaching the unit.
(2) Remove the lid and clean away any buildup that
may be present on the wiper blades or collection trough.
Make sure the wiper blade(s) are properly in place on
the skimmer wheels. Replace wiper blades when worn
or warped.
(3) Set the time control to the “ON” position & ensure
that the skimmer turns. CAUTION: Keep your hands
away from moving parts to avoid possible injury. If the
skimmer motor does not come on, the motor assembly
must be replaced.
(4) Check for congealed grease in the unit. If the Big
Dipper’s heating element is not warming the unit, the
heating element must be replaced.
(5) Some sites do not generate enough grease to be
captured by the skimming process. Set Timer for mini
-
mum operation - 1 Tab (15 Min.)
Objectionable odor
(1) Make sure grease/oil is being skimmed properly
from the unit.
(2) Check the timer settings for excessive “on” time.
Also check to see if any water is collected in the grease
collector. Reduce operating time until water is no longer
observed in the grease collector.
(3) If excessive sediment has collected on the bottom
of the unit, clean the unit as described in item 3 in “Big
Dipper unit overflows.”
(4) Clean the solids strainer and grease collection
container more frequently.
(5) Grease interceptors, grease traps, automatic re
-
covery units, grease removal devices and other similar
plumbing devices receiving kitchen flows from sinks,
floor drains, woks and other food bearing sources may
generate odors. There are many factors influencing
odor evolution and dissemination. These include room
ventilation, kitchen menu, ambient temperatures, ware
washing practices, grease/oil input, daily input fluid vol
-
ume, sanitizers, installation plumbing design and product
maintenance/upkeep. Odors are usually prevented by
good area ventilation, frequent fluid inputs, good product
maintenance practices and proper product installa
-
tion. Additional steps, including aeration, chlorination,
improved area ventilation and additional maintenance
control, may be needed at some sites.
