Blog

Septic tanks are one of those things on your property that you likely do not think about until you have to. In fact, most people have no idea how their septic tanks work, which can lead to many problems. That is why everyone should know a little about their septic tanks to understand the basics of proper maintenance. Here are a few tips on how to ensure your septic tank is functioning and how to know when it is time to call the professionals for repairs and septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

1. Know the Sings of Malfunction

If your property has a septic tank, then the first thing you need to do is learn the signs of a malfunctioning unit. Here are a few of the most common signs of an improperly functioning septic tank. If you can spot these, then you can catch the first signs that you may need to call in the experts for septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas—or for a more significant service:

• The grass and foliage around your septic tank are noticeably greener than anywhere else.

• Your toilets and showers are backing up regularly.

• Loud gurgling sound in the plumbing system.

• Bad odors around the septic tank.

2. Commit to Regular Maintenance

Your septic tank is like everything else in your life: if you pay attention and make sure it is properly maintained, then it will last longer and keep doing its job. But if you ignore it and never commit to regular maintenance and check-ups, it will fail sooner and end up causing your more grief—and costing you more money. That is why it is important to find a company that can perform regular maintenance and septic tank cleaning. Without expert and regular maintenance, you may find yourself finding the signs of the malfunction much sooner than without the regular attention.

3. Know When to Call in the Experts

While many people would like the think of themselves as handy people, the truth is that septic tanks are actually quite complicated, not to mention that most people would rather not repair one themselves. That is why it is important to know when to call in the experts. Without the proper attention of someone who knows what they are doing, you could end up with much bigger problems. Even worse, an improper repair could require you to replace your entire septic tank. Instead of risking the extra costs incurred by improper maintenance, it’s always better to call in the professionals for septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

Keeping your septic tank functioning properly requires a combination of proper maintenance, understanding the signs of a malfunctioning septic tank, and knowing when to call in the professionals. If you are in need of expert septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas, then be sure to call Drane Ranger. We have the experience, know-how, and tools necessary to make sure that your septic tank is working properly, and we can handle cleaning or even replacement whenever necessary. Contact us today to learn more about how we can handle your septic tank needs so that you don’t have to.

Most commonly found in rural areas where there is no centralized sewer system, septic tanks are found underground and treat wastewater. Together with the power of nature and technology, septic tanks treat the wastewater produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, for example. Septic tanks function by digesting organic matter and separating floatable matter (ex. oil and grease) and solids from the wastewater. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, households with a septic tank system should have it inspected at least every three years by a professional septic service company. As well, septic tanks should receive septic tank pump out service every three to five years. At Drane Ranger, we provide septic tank pump-out service and maintenance services in the Greater Houston-area.

Here are four major reasons to hire a professional to perform a septic tank pump-out service:

To Prevent Overflow and System Failure

As the septic tank fills up, it’s important to empty the tank, based on recommended guidelines. By not having a septic tank pump-out service performed, owners run the risk of overflow, which may result in damaging the septic system, backing up the plumbing, and ruining your landscape, all of which costs money to repair. Depending on the size of your household, you may need to empty your septic tank more frequently. When you hire a professional to perform a septic tank pump-out service, they will also discuss maintenance programs, which are designed to protect your system against failure and reduce the chance of clogs and other drainage issues. Proper maintenance also will help your septic tank to leach wastewater efficiently into your soil without causing landscape or plumbing damage.

Save Time and Money

If you’re considering cleaning out your own septic tank, you may want to think again. It’s not a cheap project, and it could end up costing more if done incorrectly. Without the proper training, locating the source of the issue could waste time. Drane Ranger experts are trained to locate the issue quickly and provide effective, cost-efficient results. Save time and money, contact us today!

Professionals Have the Correct Equipment and Training

Performing a proper septic tank pump-out service requires the right equipment and training. Tools include a gully sucker, high-water pressure jets, and other industry-grade, high tech tools. Equally important is the environmental aspect of a septic tank pump-out service. At Drane Ranger, we are committed to the safe and secure disposal of sewage.

Safety Assurance

Individuals who choose to clean their own septic tank put themselves at risk for infection and/or illness. Without the proper training and equipment, it’s easy to come in contact with dangerous bacteria and gases, which are emitted through the tank. Exposure to these harmful contaminants can lead to serious illnesses that can easily spread. Don’t risk your health or the health of others!

Contact Drane Ranger today and have a professional come out to perform your septic tank pump out service. Our experts work with safety masks and other special gear to execute the job correctly and safely!

Septic tanks work around the clock to move and process wastewater. While a fairly simple and straightforward process, septic tank systems can get backed-up and cause a lot of issues when not maintained. Poorly serviced septic tanks can lead to system failure and a large bill in tow. To avoid costly repairs, it is critical that septic tank maintenance is part of your annual upkeep.

Septic Tank Basics

Septic tanks are tasked with moving wastewater from a building to a septic drain field—commonly known as a leech field—to be treated and disposed of. The first step involves wastewater entering a chamber where a natural division occurs with solids settling and scum floating to the surface. Bacteria get to work on breaking down the solids as liquids pass through a dividing wall to a second chamber for another round of settling. Excess liquid from both rounds of separation then moves on to the septic field for processing in soil. The method is a simple one, but it can run amok with a lack of septic tank maintenance and an overaccumulation of sludge. To avoid a backed-up system, it is recommended that septic tanks be inspected every year by a septic service professional.

Maintaining Your Septic Tank through Prevention

Septic tank maintenance is the onus of the property owner. These tanks are efficient systems, but even the most efficient system needs a good cleaning. While professional services are needed for cleaning and emptying, there are preventative measures that can be taken to keep a septic tank running smoothly.

1. Watch the oil!

Cooking oil can wreak havoc on a septic system. Instead of dumping oil down the drain, store oil and grease in a container and dispose of it once it’s hardened. Cooking pans with excess oil should be washed with hot water and soap in the sink to help greasy material pass through the drain.

2. Don’t just flush it!

Toilets were never designed to function as a garbage system. Disposing of waste materials, such as cotton buds, food waste, cigarette butts, and menstrual products, can overload a septic system.

3. Keep chemicals out of the drain!

Pesticides and herbicides can kill the very bacteria that a septic system relies on to break down solid materials.

Be on the Lookout for Warning Signs

In addition to maintaining a regular schedule for septic tank maintenance, there are a few signs that a septic tank needs attention. Wastewater backing up into household, building in drains, and pooling water or muddy soil around the septic system are telltale signs to watch for. Bright green, spongy grass, and a strong odor around the septic tank and drain field are also symptoms of septic distress. If you notice these signs on your property, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Get Help from the Professionals

Poorly maintained septic tanks are susceptible to costly system failure. The last thing any home or property owner needs is a backed-up septic tank and a large bill! Regular septic tank maintenance keeps septic systems operating efficiently and will save you money in the long run. Professional septic tank services will help you maintain your tank and dispose of waste material safely.

Do you own a septic tank? If you do, then you may encounter problems with it now or into the future. Here are a few of the most common septic tank problems out there and the best solutions for fixing them, including when you may have to call professional septic tank cleaning companies.

The Problem: Tank or Line Leaks

Probably the most common type of septic tank issue is a leak. The leak can be in the tank itself, or it can be in the line running to or from the tank itself. In either case, you will likely notice that your grass or plant life is especially and extremely green compared to other parts of your property, and it also means that it’s time to call in a professional septic tank cleaning company.

The Solution:

Since your septic tank and its lines are both likely to need repairs and inspection in the event of a leak, you will need to call in the professionals. Only experienced septic tank cleaning companies have the knowledge and skills to make sure the leak is fixed, and to ensure that any potential leaks are dealt with before they become a problem.

The Problem: Clogs

Clogged septic tanks are probably the issue that no one wants to deal with. Even the thought of it is enough for some people to try and ignore the issue and make it worse. Clogs are something that can only get worse. They do not fix themselves because most clogs are a result of your septic tank or one of its lines being full of solid waste. This leads to sewage backing up throughout your home—unless you call a septic tank cleaning company in time.

The Solution:

When you experience clogs in your septic tank, it’s time to call the septic tank cleaning companies. They can ensure that your septic tank is pumped properly, and they will provide any maintenance that may be required at the time as well. This can include inspecting your lines and offering solutions if your septic tank isn’t right for your home or property.

The Problem: Tree Roots

Septic tanks are usually put underground for several reasons, from smell to the way they look. This also means that tree roots can sometimes push up against the tank or its lines and cause leaks, breaks, or other problems. That’s when you need a septic tank cleaning company.

The Solution:

In this case, you may need to call a couple of people: tree removal service providers and septic tank cleaning companies. The tree roots will need to be dealt with, and your septic tank may need some professional attention.

If you own a septic tank, you are likely to encounter at least one of the issues above in your lifetime. In each case, it’s important to call in the professionals to help. This is because septic tanks are quite complicated and in need of attention from trained professionals. Drane Ranger is one of the septic tank cleaning companies that can do it all, from regular maintenance to major repairs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your septic tank.

Your septic tank is an essential part of your property, storing and even breaking down sewage waste so that it can be cleanly disposed of. Therefore, you want to know that your septic tank is always in the best condition it can be. Otherwise, it may stop working properly, potentially resulting in septic backup or even damage. That’s why septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX is so important.

If you require septic cleaning in Alvin, TX, call Drane Ranger today! If you’re not convinced, here are some benefits to maintaining your septic.

The Benefits of Regular Maintenance

You must inspect your septic regularly, just as you inspect other important things on your property, such as your roof or your boiler. After all, if you want to maintain the cleanliness of your home and property, it’s a very important piece of equipment to keep in working order. What’s more, there are several high-quality companies that specialize in septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, such as Drane Ranger, for example.

If you aren’t convinced yet that you should get your septic cleaned, think about it this way: If you fail to properly clean and maintain your septic, this could result in septic backup or, in a very serious case, actual damage to your septic tank. What would you prefer, to have your septic tank cleaned, or to have to buy an entirely new septic tank? That would be not only expensive but also a hassle; you would have to remove the old one first. Rather than waiting for your septic to fail on you, resulting in gross backup sewage on your property, call a company like Drane Ranger today. They specialize in septic tank cleaning and will get the job done.

How You Can Maintain It Yourself

While you might not have the same expertise as a company that specializes in septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, there are several ways you can help keep your septic clean and maintained, to some extent, at least.

For one thing, you can try to avoid putting items that don’t break down easily into the septic tank. For example, coffee grounds, waste food, or even some cleaning products can sit in your septic, not breaking down. This means you may need to clean your septic more regularly. So, unless you want to hire a company that specializes in septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, avoid putting these items down the drain.

Call Drane Ranger Today!

If you are unsure whether your septic tank needs to be cleaned or repaired, or if you simply do not have the skills to clean it yourself (and you probably shouldn’t), call Drane Ranger today. As a company that offers a variety of septic-related services, including septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, they will be able to do the job well! Call them today for a quote, and rest assured that your septic will be cleaned properly.

When it comes to septic tanks, the majority of us honestly don’t really think about them. Part of their purpose is to be invisible, to take care of sewage waste in a way that we don’t have to see and, most importantly, smell. But in being an invisible and often underground aspect of running a home, we often don’t think about the regular and scheduled septic tank maintenance that they need to run properly. Unfortunately, often when we do think about our septic tanks, it is because they have made themselves known. When that happens, the costs can be quite high.

The better solution to making sure your septic tank can quietly do its job isn’t to ensure that it has regular septic tank maintenance. Like many things in our lives that we rely on every day, a septic tank needs occasional tune-ups and check-ups to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Here are a few reasons why it is important to get regular maintenance for your septic tank.

1. Maintenance is Cheap. Repairs are Expensive

Just like cars, septic tanks are devices that run best when well-maintained. A car that gets a regular oil change will run better and for longer than one where the oil change is continually pushed back. And just like an oil change is relatively expensive, the costs of repairing the damage done when oil changes are ignored can be surprisingly high. After all, oil is cheaper than bearings and engine parts. While it is true that septic tanks aren’t as complicated as cars, the concept still stands. By having a professional come by regularly for a quick tune-up, or for regular septic tank maintenance, your septic tank will last longer and is less likely to fall into disrepair.

2. Stop Pollution

Septic tanks deal with sewage, and sewage poses a significant environmental issue for your property and the surrounding environment. Besides the potentially catastrophic smell, sewage can also infect important things like water tables and soil. Regular septic tank maintenance can ensure that your septic tank isn’t leaking waste into the ecosystem.

3. Keep Your Property Beautiful

If your septic tank is leaking, you will know. If the smell doesn’t affect you, your property will start to show signs as well. Plants can either grow extremely fast from the natural fertilizer, making a smelly, ideal home for weeds or completely die out due to the chemicals used in septic tank maintenance treatments.

If your home or property has a septic tank, then it will require regular septic tank maintenance and cleaning. Without the right professional care, then your septic tank could end up in disrepair, the consequences of which could be more than a hit to your wallet. Broken septic tanks can lead to pollution and even fines by your local government.

Drane Ranger has a number of qualified experts dedicated to proper and professional septic tank maintenance. From regular cleanings to inspections and repairs, we have the knowledge and tools to make sure that you don’t have to think about your septic tank. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Are you worried about that odor coming from your septic tank? There is no need to be worried. The odor is there to tell you something is wrong. Don’t worry because there are easy fixes, and easy ways to stop it from happening in the first place. When you think of all the things that your septic tank is called on to do for you, you might expect it to have some foul odor sometimes. But actually, this is not as it should be. The odors are there to tell you that the balance is off and that the tank is not working properly. The odor indicates that the pH balance of the tank is off. There may be another issue, and that is why septic tank cleaning in Alvin TX is not just a good idea; it’s a local city bylaw.

What causes odor?

The pH balance of the tank should be between 6.8 and 7.6. This is what is needed for the microorganisms to do the job of digesting any organic matter, but these gas producers also bring the odor. The gases — methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and other organic acids — are what give the tank the rotten-egg smell, when you can smell them. When they are too acidic, the breakdown of the organic matter in the tank stops and the smell begins. A blocked drain is another cause of improper operation of the tank. The drains should be neither clogged nor dry. The drains need some water in them to keep the flow going, and also to stop the gases from seeping back out. When the drains are dry, that is, when there is no water in them, there is nothing to block the gases. That’s when you need septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX.

Prevention is the easiest solution – You can keep the acidity balanced by flushing a cup of baking soda down the drains or toilet once a week. Be careful not to flush with too much water, since that could neutralize the treatment. And of course, make sure your septic tank cleaning is happening regularly.

Treat your drains with respect – The function of the septic tank is to store and break down sewage and whatever else is flushed or washed away, but don’t use your toilet as garbage disposal. On top of ensuring regular septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, Keep coffee grounds, leftover food, cigarettes, and cat litter far away.

Pump the tank regularly so that it will not overflow or clog.

The best prevention is to keep in touch with a plumber and to be sure to empty the tank regularly. The tank can overflow and flood over the ground if proper maintenance does not occur, and this not only causes a foul odor, but it is also a health hazard, which is why it is a bylaw to have regular septic tank cleaning done in Alvin, TX to keep everything clean and properly maintained.

That foul odor should not be there, and it can’t be ignored. Call Drane Ranger for regular maintenance. Grease trap cleaning or vacuum truck services are what you need for septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, or in the greater Houston area. Getting rid of foul odors and complying with regulations is easy with Drane Ranger on your team.

If your home is not connected to a municipal sewer system, then you most likely have a septic tank somewhere on your property. A septic tank is a self-contained wastewater management system that is most commonly found in rural areas. If you have a properly functioning septic tank, you never really notice it or think about it, but it is still important to know some important details to ensure that it continues to function without issues. Regular septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas is important to ensuring your septic tank doesn’t overflow.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

With a septic tank system in your home, anytime you flush something down your plumbing, whether it be the sink, shower, or toilet, it all drains into the septic tank, where solids are separated from the liquids. Any solid materials in the tank separate based on their density; heavier solids end up in the bottom of the tank, and lighter ones end up as a scum layer at the top. Bacteria and other biological processes help break down the solid materials within the tank. Lastly, the liquid will flow out of the tank into a drainage system, which is normally located underneath a section of the lawn, and any remaining solids are filtered out. Every few years, your septic tank will need a septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas to ensure that solids do not build up too much.

Signs That Your Septic Tank is Failing

There are several signs you should know to look for in case your septic tank may be starting to fail. When a septic tank fails, it can start spewing out untreated sewage or start backing up into your home through drains. That’s definitely when you need to call septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

Signs to Look for:

1. Foul odors around your lawn where the septic tank and drain field are located

2. Gurgling sounds in your plumbing

3. Slowed down draining for your drains in your home

4. Sewage and water backing up in your drains

5. Extra green, or faster-growing grass in spots on your lawn (around drain field)

6. Damp spots or water pooling around your septic tank and drain field

If you have noticed any of these signs, then you should call in a company to do a septic tank cleaning and they will also diagnose any issues and rectify them.

What Can Fail on Your Septic Tank?

There are several components to a septic tank system, and failure at any one of those locations can result in a system that doesn’t function at full capacity, or even start to cause issues. If your plumbing system is blocked anywhere between the building and the septic tank, it is similar to a block inside the home: drains will drain slower, or possibly back up. The inlet baffle for the tank can also similarly be blocked, with a similar result. If the effluent filter or outlet baffle gets blocked, the tank can no longer properly drain, which will result in backing up into the home, or through the surface around the tank. Finally, if the drain field has failed due to being too saturated with water, then water will start to settle on the surface, and parts of the drain field will have grass that appears to be extra green, or that is growing at a much faster rate. A failed drain field must be dried out and rehabilitated before it can be fully used again. All of these failures can be avoided with regularly scheduled maintenance when you schedule a septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

Septic Tank Cleaning

If your septic tank hasn’t been cleaned in a few years, or if you are starting to see signs of failure, contact Drane Ranger today to schedule a septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas to ensure that you get your septic tank back up and running at full capacity.