Sanctuary sewage pathway: schematic sketches (Background Report)

WHAT IS THE ROLE of the sewage pit and its vestigial plumbing? I’m glad you asked! Until this past month, I had only the vaguest idea. But now I can clue you in.

The covered sewage ejection pit

Below the jump are three schematic diagrams, along with brief annotations, that quickly explain the basics of our sanctuary building’s sewage system. Finally, it shows a detail from a revealing City diagram—as interpreted by the late Phil Raider (z"l) some 20 years ago—that provides a key clue.

Effusive effluent: adventures in sewage management (Activity Report)

DURING ONE INTENSE WEEK last month, Fleming and I narrowly managed to avoid two near-catastrophes—namely a flood of sewage in the basement, not only during our main Hanukkah party, but also two days later during the big Hanukkah Happy Hour & Young Professionals Mingle. 

On 12/11, a normally empty 600-gallon sewage pit
in the basement was found to be nearly full.

If things had gone just a little differently, the results would not have been pretty! 😬 Below the jump, I outline the harrowing story, day by day.…