Wastewater Skimmer Arm Repair: Lessons from a 30-Year-Old Problem
While we love a good challenge, this whole situation could have been avoided with simple preventive maintenance. Here’s what happened, what Crane Engineering's Wastewater Team did to fix it, and what you can learn from it.
The Problem: When “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Backfires
The skimmer arm—responsible for removing floating debris in an industrial wastewater clarifier—had been running without frequent inspections or service. The result?
❌ Fatigued structural steel that had reached its breaking point
❌ Emergency downtime that disrupted operations
❌ Costly, last-minute repairs that could have been prevented
The Fix: A Skimmer Arm Overhaul
Our team arrived on-site and got to work:
✅ Locked out the clarifier and signed into the confined space
✅ Set up scaffolding and leveled the structure for safe access
✅ Cut and removed the old, failing skimmer arm and all associated supports
✅ Installed new stainless-steel supports, brackets, and a doubler plate for reinforcement
✅ Made additional improvements, including L-brackets for easier balancing and rubber for better skimming efficiency
What You Can Learn from This
We love saving the day, but reactive repairs are always more expensive and disruptive than proactive maintenance. Here’s what we recommend to keep your skimmer arm (and other critical wastewater equipment) running smoothly:
✔ Annual Draining & Cleaning: This alone could have prevented the structural failure.
✔ Regular Inspections: Catching small issues before they become big ones saves time and money.
✔ Material Upgrades: Stainless steel replacements offer longer life and better durability.
The bottom line? A little preventive maintenance goes a long way. Don’t let a 30-year oversight turn into an emergency—plan ahead and keep your system running strong.
Need help inspecting or upgrading your wastewater equipment? Let’s talk. Contact us today!