How to Use the Old Incinerator in My Basement
Before you use an old basement incinerator for the first time, have it inspected by a professional. Incinerators have expendable parts that must be replaced every two to three years. Older models must be refurbished once every five to seven years. A damaged or malfunctioning incinerator poses a significant threat of fire, gas leak or smoke damage. The technician will check the gas lines, inspect the burner and show you the location of the incinerator's basic parts. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Remove any ash from the interior of the incinerator with a whisk broom and dustpan or industrial vacuum. Wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask. Make sure no ash or debris blocks the incinerator.
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Pre-heat the incinerator. Some incinerators have a "Pre-heat" switch that heats the auxiliary burner until the incinerator reaches the optimal temperature. The burner in the main, trash-receiving chamber will switch on. Most incinerators have a light or other indicator that switches on signifying that the incinerator's main chamber is lit and ready to receive waste. If there is no "Pre-heat" switch, light the burner manually. In very old units, you must fill the lower chamber one-third of the way full with wood and light it. Allow the fire to burn for 30 minutes with all of the chamber doors locked and secured.
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3
Load the incinerator with trash. Do not load the incinerator more than one-third of the way full. Keep the trash roughly 10 inches away from the compartment's burner if there is one. Close and secure the compartment door.
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Allow the incinerator to complete its burn cycle. In most incinerators, both burners will fire for roughly 4.5 hours. The burners will often automatically shut off after that amount of time has elapsed. If the burner has not shut off after 6 hours, shut it off manually by pressing the "Stop" button or turning off the burner. If your burner does not have an "Off" switch, allow the fire to continue to burn until the trash is reduced to white ash. Then allow the wood fire to burn itself out or turn off the gas supply. If the incinerator is part of your home's heating system, simply allow the fire to keep burning as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Every load should burn down to a white ash.
Check on the incinerator frequently. If you notice any escaping smoke or fire, shut the incinerator down immediately.
