Are Septic Tanks Under or Inside Your House Safe?

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Septic tanks are usually something that we don’t have to think about. Located underground or away from a home, they are often something we would prefer to have located far away. Despite this, some people have their septic tanks in or under their homes, or they are curious about the impacts of building them there. Let’s look at whether or not this practice is safe, where a septic tank should be located, and how its location can impact things like maintenance and getting a septic tank pump out service (https://draneranger.com/services/septic-tank/).

Is it Safe to Have a Septic Tank Under or Inside Your Home?

“safe” is probably not the right word to use in this situation. Technically, a properly maintained and well-made septic tank is safe just about anywhere. The problem is whether it will be that way in the long run, and whether that’s the best place for it.

Septic tanks are essentially tanks full of sewage and bacteria that break down that sewage. They are, by their very nature, something we would generally prefer to keep out of sight and, more importantly, far away from our nostrils. This is why most septic tanks are located away from the home on a drain field. This ensures that any potential problems can be detected but won’t overwhelm, and that the septic tank can drain properly away from where people are living.

There are potential safety hazards that can come about due to a septic tank being in or under a person’s home. Sewage exposure and potential methane gas are major issues that can arise, especially if something happens to the tank that causes leaks or problems.

From a septic tank pump out service perspective, having your septic tank in or under your home poses access issues. They can be difficult to properly maintain if they are in a cramped or unsuitable space. If they are under your home, you could encounter issues that require a pump out, but, because it’s underfoot instead of somewhere easily accessible, you could be unaware of them.

Where to Locate Your Septic Tank

If you are looking to install a septic tank, then you should ideally place it on high, level ground and avoid steep slopes and areas with lots of tree roots and other obstructions. Of course, any and all digging for a septic tank should be done with full knowledge of what may be below, be it buried power lines, aquifers, or other things that can’t be disturbed.

Who to Call for a Septic Tank Pump Out Service

Did you know that your septic tank will regularly need to be pumped out? The timing differs for every tank. Some need it more often. Others will need it quite regularly. The best way to know if you need a septic tank pump out service is by calling the professionals here at Drane Ranger. Our team of septic tank professionals can set up regular maintenance and cleaning schedules to inspect your septic tank and pump it out as required. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your septic tank and waste-related needs.

What Types of Cleaners are Safe with a Septic Tank?

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Is your septic tank in need of a deep clean? Perhaps you have noticed a smell or some discoloration around its location. Or maybe you want to make sure that it’s working fine. In all of these instances, a good cleaning and some septic tank maintenance can help. But what do you use? What are some important maintenance tips for doing the job right? We cover all of this in the following article.

Before we get into what cleaners can work best, it’s important to mention that septic tank maintenance and cleaning is not for everyone. Not only can you risk exposure to sewage, but septic tanks themselves also need to be treated carefully to ensure they continue doing their job. If you have experience with septic tanks, then simple cleanings can be done with the right procedures, equipment, and chemicals. If you don’t, then you can save time and money by getting the job done by the professionals at Drane Ranger.

Septic Tank Cleaners

The best products for cleaning your septic tank are dedicated, commercial-grade septic tank cleaners. These are specially designed to work on septic tanks, but they are not widely available. They are made available to professionals because they are intense and pose some safety risks for people who don’t know how to use them.

For household cleaners, your best bet is bleach and ammonia. That said, your septic tank relies on a careful balance of bacteria to break down its contents. Too much of these and you will upset that balance and render your septic tank useless.

After bleach and ammonia, drain cleaner is your best bet. Once again, this is a harsh chemical that can mess up the ecosystem in your tank, so a little goes a long way.

Septic Tank Maintenance Tips

Now that you’re armed with some cleaning tips, let’s look at some tips that can help extend the life of your septic tank:

• With the exception of dedicated septic tank cleaners or small, infrequent amounts of the cleaners listed earlier in this article, you should keep your septic tank clear of chemicals, non-biodegradables, phosphates, etc.

• You should also keep fat, oil, and grease out of the system. Septic tanks should contain sewage and sewage only.

• Always keep good drainage around the field.

• Keep groundwater, including sump pump discharge, away from the drain field.

• Contact professionals for scheduled maintenance and pump outs as required.

• Keep track of your usage so you don’t overload the system.

Your Choice for Professional Septic Tank Maintenance

Drane Ranger was founded on the idea that people should have access to reliable and affordable waste and waste removal services. Our team of professionals has offered local people and businesses the services they need to operate properly, including septic tank maintenance. If you own a septic tank and want it properly cleaned and maintained, then we can help. Contact us today or visit this page to learn about our septic tank maintenance options and the many other services that we offer.

The Dangers of Pouring Grease Down the Drain – Everything you Need to Know

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Fat is a bizarre substance. When it is hot in the pan, it flows like a liquid, almost like syrup or molasses. Once it cools off, it turns into a hard, sticky substance, kind of like glue. When you’ve got the hood fan going and the bacon is cooked, it is tempting to think “whatever, a little grease down the drain probably won’t hurt”. If you only do it once in a while, this is true. If you do it regularly, then you will have problems. Drains often become clogged when something is poured down as a hot liquid, but then solidifies when it reaches room temperature. The most notorious culprit for this is grease. Many commercial kitchens will use a grease trap to deal with this, but these are not fool proof. One day you will find yourself frantically searching for a “grease trap service near me.”

Trimming the fat

Blockages inside drains are often caused by fat deposits that pile up over many years. When the hot liquid grease goes down a drain, it might stay hot enough to flow for most of the journey. Even if most of it escapes down into the municipal sewer, there is always a little bit that gets left behind. Once it cools off to room temperature, it will solidify. As this happens, the inside drain becomes coated in the solid fat. The fat coating then makes it difficult for water to flow down the drain. If there are multiple layers that build up over repeated grease deposits, the drain will clog. You don’t want this to happen. Looking for grease trap services on short notice never ends well.

Salvaging the situation with a grease trap service near me

One thing you can do to salvage the situation before it gets worse is to pour boiling water and dish soap down the drain. The boiling water will help the most recent grease deposits to heat up and liquify again, and the dish soap will help to dissolve the liquid away before it hardens again. Of course, this technique is unlikely to do anything for the deposits that have been there a long time. It is more for grease that was poured down recently (i.e. last night or early this morning). The shorter the period of time it has been sitting as a solid, the more likely it is to liquify again.

Keeping the drains moving is all about breaking the bad habits. Another one to avoid is pouring cooking oil down the drain. Although it will not solidify, its high viscosity means that it will slow the drain as it comes into contact with the solid fats. To avoid the frantic search for a “grease trap service near me,” the next time you cook something greasy, let the grease harden in the pan and scoop it into the garbage. However, if you need help, know that there are grease trap services nearby that can save the day. Contact us today for grease trap services.