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Ways to Enhance the Lifespan of Your Septic Tank

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 drain 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.

How Routine Septic Tank Cleaning Avoids Expensive Repairs & Replacements?

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 (https://draneranger.com/services/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 safely. 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.

Follow these Simple Instructions for Effective Functioning of Septic Tanks

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 Signs 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 to 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.

Four Reasons to Hire Septic Tank Pump Out Services

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!

The Ultimate Guide for Septic Tank Maintenance

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. Follow this link for more information.

Septic Tank Problems and How to Solve Them

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.

What are the Benefits of Hiring Vacuum Truck Services?

Getting rid of waste from your business is an important task that should not be ignored; otherwise, you are going to end up with a lot of issues. When it comes to solid wastes, junk, and trash, you’d hire a garbage truck or dumpster; but what do you do when you have liquid waste? Whether you are a restaurant with a grease trap or a business that has a wastewater or septic tank, getting rid of liquid waste on your own is both unwise and unsafe. Hiring vacuum truck services in Houston, TX gives you the peace of mind of getting rid of your liquid waste safely and in an environment-friendly fashion, but what are all the benefits of hiring a vacuum truck service?

Trained Expert Service Providers

The best benefit of hiring vacuum truck services in Houston, TX, for most people is the fact that you are getting trained waste disposal technicians to deal with your liquid waste. With proper training, and years of experience, they can safely remove the liquid waste from your premises without a mess, and with no danger to you, your employees, or your customers. Trying to remove liquid waste yourself is dangerous, especially if you have no training, as many tanks that liquid wastes are stored in are very dangerous to be around if you don’t know the proper procedures. Save yourself from the risks and hire yourself a vacuum truck service to do the work for you.

Eco-Friendly and Safe Disposal

Knowing where and how to safely dispose of liquid waste is the cornerstone of any vacuum truck service these days. Environmental damage can be great with improper disposal of liquid waste, so hiring vacuum truck services in Houston, TX, ensures that your liquid waste gets dealt with safely and properly. Vacuum truck services also know all the local, state, and federal laws when it comes to liquid waste removal, so you don’t risk getting fined heavily for improper disposal.

Specialized Trucks for Any Job

Dealing with different types of liquid waste often requires different trucks. The vacuum truck services in Houston, TX, that you use should have a fleet of trucks, with each truck specializing in a certain type of liquid waste. You can’t mix grease trap waste and septic tank waste or treat and dispose of it in the same way, so specialized trucks ensure proper and safe disposal that follows regulations. As well, each type of waste has different viscosities or toxicity levels, so it all needs to be dealt with accordingly and with the right equipment, and it needs to be transported safely without risk of leaks or other disasters.

Choosing the Right Vacuum Truck Service for Your Needs

If your business needs a liquid waste tank emptied, whether it’s a grease trap, wastewater, septic, or some other form liquid, contact Drane Ranger today to set up a consultation or appointment to deal with your liquid waste. No longer worry about the eco-friendly and safe disposal of your liquid wastes.

Why Septic Tank Cleaning and Maintenance is Essential

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 (https://draneranger.com/services/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.

Why is Grease Trap Cleaning So Important?

Anyone who has worked in a kitchen knows just how much grease piles up after a few hours of grilling. The grease cleaned from that pile of dishes after a big dinner rush has to go somewhere! Grease traps function to collect grease from flowing water, and while the process sounds simple, there are important safety considerations anyone working with or in a building where grease trap cleaning needs to happen must know.

Where Grease Goes

While most commercial grills have grease traps beneath the grill that can be emptied daily, many facilities also have a grease trap connected to the sanitary line. Dishes are full of oil and grease, and after heavy washes, oils and fats begin to pile up. That’s where grease traps come in. Grease traps put the brakes on warm, greasy water flowing out from the kitchen sink. Once slowed, the water and grease separate, and the oily mixture floats to the top of the trap while the cool water moves on. The trap prevents oil and greasy substances from entering the sanitary sewer system. Sounds easy enough, but what happens when too much grease accumulates? That’s when you need grease trap cleaning services.

Cleaning the Trap

A vital step to maintaining a grease trap is regular cleaning. As oil and fats pile up, the trap becomes less and less effective, and it also poses a threat to sanitation. An overfilled grease trap is not only hazardous, but it can also leak and invite unwelcome pests that no restaurant wants welcome in. To ensure your business is running smoothly and cleanly, grease trap cleaning must be undertaken on the regular. Professional grease trap cleaners will pump the trap system and remove all built-up oils, fats, and grease so you can continue operating your business without worrying about overflowing grease traps.

Grease Trap Professionals

Business owners looking into grease trap cleaning should take care to ensure they are receiving the best service. Some have reported companies “skimming” the grease traps, only taking the very top layer of the tank”, as a means of saving company costs. This is not only irresponsible, but it is also a dangerous practice; it can lead to a build-up of grease and a list of hazardous problems. One way business owners can stay on top of grease trap cleaning services is by asking to see the trap before it is closed. This way, you can see for yourself that the trap has been properly emptied.

Hiring a professional service with a great reputation in tow will remove any anxieties you have over seeking out professional help. The city of Houston requires all traps within city limits to be cleaned regularly to ensure a safe environment for everyone. Within the city, grease traps, in particular, must be cleaned out on a quarter-annual basis. While regular maintenance can seem time-consuming, professional services know the ins and outs of grease trap cleaning and will have your grease trap cleaned with ease. Drane Ranger has you covered with efficient and effective grease trap cleaning. The team has plenty of experience dealing with some of the most challenging waste removals to guarantee the job is done right the first time.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance to Avoid Septic Tank Repairs

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.