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Your septic tank and the entire system are vital for your home if you are not living in an area with a community sewer hookup. However, you do have to take some steps to ensure that it is properly functioning at all times and that it won’t break down early. There are several things you can do to enhance the lifespan of your septic tank beyond just standard septic tank pump out service, and below is a compiled list of things you need to take care of to keep your septic tank system in good working condition.

Understand your Septic System

There are several components to your septic system, and to ensure that you are keeping a proper eye on them, you need to know where they are and some of their specifics. Most importantly, you need to know where your septic tank is located (especially when hiring a septic tank pump out service to empty it), and where your drain field is. You need to monitor your drain field to ensure there are no wet patches or extra green spots—those are signs that your system is being overtaxed or malfunctioning. Also, try to keep a detailed maintenance record to ensure you don’t miss a scheduled pumping or maintenance check.

Pumping Schedule

Regular pumping from a septic tank pump-out service is vital to ensuring your septic tank doesn’t overflow and get damaged. You should have regularly scheduled pumping services every 3-5 years for the standard household; however, you can inquire with your service provider as to the ideal time for your family size and septic tank size. Keeping to a strict schedule will greatly enhance the lifespan of your septic tank.

Inspections

Outside of your regularly scheduled septic tank pump-out service, you should have that same service company come around at least once a year just to inspect the tank to ensure none of the components are showing signs of wear or damage. Getting ahead of issues is a surefire way to keep your tank in tip-top shape for years to come.

Don’t Drain Water into Your Drain Field

Once you know the location of the drain field for your septic tank, you should avoid draining additional water into that area, if at all possible. Putting extra strain on that part of your lawn can cause it to become saturated with water, and the tank won’t be able to properly dump excess water out, causing back-ups and damage. Regular septic tank pump-out services will help you troubleshoot for issues like this.

Take Care with your Drains

What goes down your drains ends up in your septic tank, so if you want to enhance the lifespan of your septic tank, you should not dump something down your drain that can be damaging to the system. This can include so-called “septic tank cleaners” or “drain cleaners” that can actually end up damaging the good bacteria in your tank, reducing its effectiveness. Non-flushable items like diapers, food, tampons, and hair should also be avoided; they could cause major clogs and backups. Also, you should consider how much water you are flushing down your drains to avoid overfilling the tank before it can drain excess water into the drain field. You may need to schedule early septic tank pump-out service if you believe too many bad things have gone down your drain and into the tank.

If you are looking for a professional septic tank pump-out service in the Houston Texas area, then contact Drane Ranger today to schedule an appointment.

Using your sink, toilet, shower, bathtub, and anything else that uses your plumbing system happens multiple times a day, and you probably don’t have a second thought about it. However, if you are on a septic tank system, as you might if you live in a rural area, you may want to think about the last time you performed maintenance on your septic tank, or the last time you had it cleaned out. Ensuring that your septic tank system has a proper maintenance routine is an important step to avoiding expensive repairs and replacements in the future. While there are some things you can do yourself, for safety reasons, you should hire the services of a company that specializes in septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX.

How Routine Septic Tank Cleaning Prevents Troubles

Family Safety

If everything is going smoothly with your septic tank system, you should never even notice it working. However, when things do start to go wrong, it can be dangerous to both your property and your possessions, as well as to your family and pets. Signs of a malfunctioning septic tank system can include waste starting to back up in your home, exposing people and animals to dangerous bacteria and fumes from the septic waste. As well, you may notice that your lawn is getting extra green in a certain area, and maybe even a bit swampy as the drainage field starts to fail. This can damage your property, but it is also harmful to children or pets that try to play in that area. Septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, can not only ensure your system is clean, but it also provides the opportunity to check on the system and replace any components that are starting to fail.

Preventing Damage to Your Home

A malfunctioning septic tank system that results from not being cleaned properly can result in your plumbing backing up, which can flood your home with water and sewage. Cleaning up a small water mess can be easy, but once you start getting sewage included, it can quickly become very expensive because you will likely need some form of remediation team to come in and remove soiled floors, walls, and possessions safe. With a simple maintenance routine that includes septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, you can rest easy knowing that your septic tank system is running smoothly, taking care of waste and not spewing it back out.

Extended Lifetime

Any appliance in your home is going to need occasional cleaning or maintenance to ensure it is working at peak efficiency, and to extend the life of the product. Having your septic tank system overflow from lack of cleaning and emptying can damage the components within, leading to more expenses beyond the cleanup. With a regular septic tank cleaning schedule, you can give your septic tank components the best chance at a long life, cutting down on your costs of component replacement or repairs.

Septic Tank Cleaning – Beneficial for a Smooth-Running System

Save yourself the trouble and the money that is required to replace and repair septic tank components by contacting a septic tank cleaning service in Alvin, TX, such as Drane Ranger, and requesting a free quote today.

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.