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Can we service a high-rise unit from the floor below?

Hector V.asked 0 viewsConstruction & Job SitesHigh rise unitService visitVacuum truckConstruction site

We've got a 40-story high-rise under construction in Phoenix. The exterior elevator is down for two weeks, and the standard portable toilets on the 30th floor are full. The superintendent wants us to run hoses up the side of the building from the 29th floor to pump them. The vacuum truck can park at ground level, but we'd need about 300 feet of hose to reach. I'm worried about the pressure, the weight of the waste column, and whether the hoses can handle the vertical lift without bursting. Has anyone tried servicing a high-rise unit from below like this? Is it even possible, or are we risking a major spill?

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Deb K.Akron, OH

No, you cannot safely service a high-rise unit from the floor below with 300 feet of hose. The vertical lift exceeds the vacuum truck's capability, risking hose collapse or a waste spill.

A vacuum truck typically handles vertical lifts up to about 25 feet. At 300 feet, the weight of the waste column alone would overwhelm the vacuum pressure. Hoses are not rated for that much suction over such a distance, they could burst or detach, causing a hazardous spill down the building exterior.

For high-rise construction, the standard practice is servicing units via exterior elevator or crane. If the elevator is down, the only safe option is moving the units to ground level for service. This might require a crane lift, which adds cost due to equipment and labor. Explain to the superintendent that attempting this hose setup violates safety protocols and could lead to significant cleanup liabilities and OSHA citations. Prioritize relocating the units temporarily to maintain sanitation compliance on site.

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