Anyone have a grease pit in their garage? or thinking of putting one in, I'm going to build a garage in the next year and was pondering putting in a grease pit, any pro's or con's on this topic

 

the only draw back I have seen with a grease pit is that they fill with grease and you really cant use a tranny jack or other simmilar tools in the bottom of a pit in my opinion a hoist is much better and also with a pit you are stuck with a certain pit depth while a hoist is adjustable just my 2 cents

 

Compare the cost of excavating the hole, removing the dirt, forming around it when the concrete is poured, making a cover for it when not in use, etc. to the purchase of a new 2 post lift. A frined of mine has a pit, but he had that put in 30 years ago when having a lift at home was unheard of. Look into the lifts, they just might be cheaper and more convenient.

 

I agree with wiseguy , lifts have really become affordable in recent years . If you are planning a new garage the lift is the way to go !

 

Another issue could be your local building Code. One reason pits have fallen out of favor is they can be considered "confined spaces" which brings with it a whole slew of code complications - especially when dealing with flammable liquids. I'm not sure how places like Jiffy Lube get around them... Our architect here said pits had a lot of EPA problems which makes them hard to get approved these days.

Of course, this sort of thing will vary wildly depending on where you are and your relationship with your local building inspector, but this is definitely the sort of thing I'd do some research on before digging. I wouldn't want to dig the thing and then have to fill it in... I recently read a book about "ultimate garages" and one of them had a service pit under one of the bays, so it can be done. Personally, I'd rather have a lift.

 

It's not too hard to find a nice 2 post above gorund lift for ~$2000.00...or a 4 post drive on for that same range.

All you need is a 4-5" thick (IIRC) concrete pad, and enough overhead clearance. For my city, the outside of the garage can't be more than 15' tall at the peak, so we had to use a scissor truss which gives plenty of clearance.

HTH,

DaveW

 

CO, gasoline, propane, and exhaust fumes are heavier than air and seek the lowest level, like a grease pit. Nuff said!


Commercial grease pits have exits and power ventilation, and in some cases, fire protection.