Seven Signs that You Need to Pump Your Septic Tank

Septic tank overflow can be off-putting and expensive, which is why it pays to know the signs that your septic tank needs to be drained. Here are seven such signs and what to do when it is time to call a septic tank pump out service.

1. It Isn’t Draining Like it Used to

Septic tanks can often drain less efficiently as they age, meaning that you will need to drain it more often. If your septic tank is older, be sure to have it checked for possible draining more often. Regular maintenance can help ensure that it doesn’t need increased draining as well, especially when you partner with a professional company.

2. There’s a Smell

The smell can often be the first indicator that a septic tank is overflowing as the smellier compounds can rise to the surface before any visible signs. If you think you can smell your septic tank, then it is likely time for it to be pumped out.

3. You Have Sewage Backup

A sewage backup is one of the worst symptoms of septic tank overflow. You will, unfortunately, know when this is happening for a number of reasons and will likely already be in contact with someone to have your septic tank drained. If you haven’t, contact a professional fast, as sewage backup can be just as dangerous as it is smelly.

4. Nitrate Content in Your Well Water

An indirect way to know if your septic tank is leaking is through testing your well water for nitrates. A high level of nitrates in your well water can mean that your septic tank is leaking underground and impacting the chemical compounds present in the water. In these instances, it is incredibly important to have your septic tank not only drained but checked for leaks. Other compounds could make your well water dangerous to consume or use. If you find high nitrate levels in your well water, be sure to contact a septic tank professional to assess your tank and have any repairs or replacements made.

5. Pooling Water

One of the most potentially expensive signs that your septic tank is leaking is pooling water, which can get into your home, other infrastructure or simply ruin your yard or driveway. If you notice pooling water where it doesn’t usually pool, especially if that water isn’t where it typically gathers after rain, then your septic tank is likely in need of draining.

6. Very Green and Lush Grass

The contents of a septic tank can actually be very good for your lawn, especially with the nitrates that can infiltrate your well water supply. So if your lawn or plants are looking particularly green and lush around the drain field, then your septic tank is likely leaking.

7. It’s Simply Time

Regular maintenance and monitoring of your septic tank is the best way to avoid all of the problems above, and that can be easily accomplished by partnering with a septic tank company like Drane Ranger.

Drane Ranger can set up a regular schedule to empty your septic tank and, while we’re there, we can make sure that it is working properly as well. If you have a septic tank and want it to last as long as possible, then this is the best way to have your septic tank emptied by a professional septic tank pump out service.

How Often Do You Need Septic Tank Pumping Done?

Nobody wants their septic tank to overload or break. The smell is awful, and repairs can be costly. But, just how often do you need to empty your septic tank? A lot of homeowners ask this question, and it’ a good question to ask. However, the question is a bit more complicated than a single answer.

Why Empty a Septic Tank?

Neglecting your septic tank maintenance can lead to some serious household issues. If your septic tank gets too full, it can lead to clogging of lateral field pipes and absorption into the surrounding soil first, and later will mean the sewage is reaching the surface. It’s not a pleasant smell for you, or your neighbors is hazardous to both yourself and the environment around your house and will need to be repaired. Even if you’ve never experienced an overload, this isn’t something to take chances with.

General Rule:

As a general rule, you should call one of your local septic tank pumping companies about once every three to five years. This timeline may be larger or smaller depending on a lot of factors, though.

Septic tank Size:

Your septic tank size will play a large role in how often you must hire septic tank pumping companies. A smaller septic tank will hold less sewage before being filled, so it will need to be emptied much more frequently than a large septic tank. For example, an average household size with a small septic tank may need to pump out the tank every one to two years instead, whereas as much larger septic tank will perhaps only need to be emptied every six to seven years.

Household Size:

Household size is also important to consider. A larger amount of people using the septic tank means that it will need to be emptied more frequently than a smaller amount of people. For example, if you are a single person using a moderately sized tank, you might go as long as a decade before needing to have it pumped out. However, a large family using the same tank might need to call septic tank pumping companies about every two years or less.

Volume of Solids in Wastewater:

The amount of solids that are in the wastewater will also impact how often you must call septic tank pumping companies. The more solids, the more room is taken up in your septic tank, and the more often it will need to be emptied out. Be sure to consider this when deciding how often your septic tank needs to be emptied.

Total Wastewater Generated:

Depending on your toilet’s efficiency, any leaks, and the amount of flushes per day, you may have to have your septic tank emptied. If you have an efficient and good quality toilet, you’ll likely make fewer calls to the septic tank pumping companies. However, if your kids flush the toilet five times per hour, you might be emptying your septic tank much more often.

Overall, there are a lot of factors determining how often you need to pump out your septic tank, including septic tank size, household size, solid volumes, and water generation, however, as a general rule of thumb, it’s good to hire a septic tank pumping company about every three to five years.

The Importance of Grit Trap Cleaning

Like grease, grit build-up needs to be cleaned regularly. Grit is dirt and sand and, although it may seem harmless, needs to be disposed of safely and properly, just like grease. Drane Ranger provides grease and grit trap cleaning services, collecting and disposing of it safely and properly.

What is a grit trap?

A grit trap is the first essential step to wastewater treatment. Typically, establishments such as car washes, auto repair shops, and manufacturing facilities will have grit traps. Grit traps use two chambers, one primary and one secondary, to separate oily petrochemicals and solid wastes (dirt, sands, and solids) from water. These protect public sewer systems from being inundated with all the junk that collects in the water at businesses like these, whereas grease traps help to collect liquid fats and prevent them from flushing downstream. Food businesses, like restaurants, always have a grease trap.

Why do you need to clean your grit trap?

Using grease and grit trap cleaning services is essential and helps keep costly repairs to a minimum. Having grit and debris reduces process capacity and increases maintenance costs. Grit traps help keep oil, debris, and dirt out of our wastewater collection systems. A grit trap maintenance program is essential to prevent the escape of large quantities of solids. If you aren’t maintaining your grit trap, you risk having it back up either because it needs to be cleaned or because of a blockage. These types of issues can result in costly repairs for your business.

Grit and other solid materials are a costly component of both process water and wastewater, clogging systems, reducing efficiencies and causing abrasion damage and wear that leads to increased cleaning, maintenance, and repair. Grit and debris can be passed downstream and cause big problems. Effective grit removal eliminates abrasive solids and sand before they have the chance to cause major and costly damage. Grease and grit trap cleaning services performed on a regular schedule will ensure things run smoothly.

How often do you need to clean a grit trap?

The City of Houston requires a quarterly pumping schedule and will fine any establishment that is non-compliant. The City reserves the right to conduct site inspections and take samples if needed. The general rule when it comes to grease and grit trap cleaning services is about once a month. However, higher volume establishments will require more frequent cleanings. Don’t get caught between service providers or trying to stretch the time between grit and grease trap cleaning service to save a buck – it’s not worth it!

Are you searching for grease and grit trap cleaning services? Drane Ranger has everything you need to process your general wastewater needs. Drane Ranger is committed to the safe, responsible, and sustainable treatment and disposal of all non-hazardous wastewater. The city of Houston requires cleaning of all traps and, with over 35 years of experience in the Houston area, Drane Ranger is the best choice for grease and grit trap service. Call for a free quote today!

When Does Your Wastewater Lift Station Need Professional Assistance?

Is your wastewater lift station in Houston struggling to do its job effectively? There are a number of problems that can occur as a result, so let’s take a quick look at how you can tell when it’s time to call in a professional.

But first things first—what is a wastewater lift station?

Wastewater lift stations in Houston are basically systems installed to move wastewater between different elevations—specifically from lower elevations to higher elevations (hence the term “lift”)—through a system of pipes. The systems are most often installed in an enclosed structure, called stations, and these come in two forms: the dry-pit or dry-well lift station, and the submersible lift station. The type of system you have will dictate how it needs to be serviced. Dry-well lift stations, for instance, house their pumps and valves in an easily accessible pump room, and the wet-well (which contains a screen to remove course materials, pumps and piping, motors, a power supply system, an equipment control and alarm system, and an odor control and ventilation system) is attached as a separate chamber. Most lift stations, whether custom-designed or prefabricated, usually feature equipment, like floor hatches or openings and a bridge crane or portable hoist, for easy pump removal.

How do you know when there’s a problem?

Wastewater lift stations in Houston are required to undergo frequent inspections for potential problems and to ensure they are functioning normally and efficiently. Warning signs that there is a problem could include:

• Unusual noises

• Vibration

• Heat

• Leakage or discharge

• Lower speed, suction, or pressure.

Of course, as with anything, preventative maintenance is key.

How often does your wastewater lift station need to be maintained?

This depends on the size and type of system. Typically, wastewater lift stations require weekly inspections to ensure everything is working correctly and to collect and properly dispose of any course materials collected by the grinder bar screens. Scrubber systems for odor control need to have their chemicals replenished every three months, but chemical feed stations should also be inspected weekly.

Why should you call in a professional to inspect and maintain your wastewater lift station?

The routine preventative maintenance of your wastewater lift station in Houston is a labor-intensive task, and it is extremely important when it comes to preventing costly repairs as a result of unnecessary equipment wear. It can also prevent system downtime, which can have other unfortunate repercussions (you don’t want those chemical scrubbers that were installed for odor control to experience any downtime, nor do you want too much course material to pile up before you arrange for safe and sanitary removal). It’s also important to remember that there are strict sewage control rules in Houston, and that means your wastewater lift station in Houston, whether on your property or at your business, needs to be regularly maintained to the highest standards.

Who should you contact for routine maintenance?

Ideally, the same professionals you would contact if you were experiencing a problem. You need someone you can call in a crunch as well as someone who can offer regular maintenance and repair of your lift station and the wet well inside, as well as safe disposal of sewage and other related materials. To avoid sewage issues now and in the future, contact Drane Ranger today.