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Why Should You Get the Restaurant Grease Trap Cleaned Regularly?

Posted on February 15, 2019 by adminLeave a comment

If you have ever worked in an industrial kitchen or the restaurant business, then you are probably all too familiar with grease traps. For those that aren’t, grease traps separate oils, fats, and grease from wastewater before it flows into the municipal sewer system. It’s an essential component in keeping a restaurant kitchen running smoothly. Unfortunately, restaurant grease trap cleaning isn’t a pleasant activity, but here are 4 reasons why you need to do it.

1. Avoid Costly Repairs and Sewer Problems

As the remnants of your grease trap break down over time, they release an excessive amount of hydrogen sulfur gas. If these remnants are routinely ignored, the gas can lead to the creation of sulfuric acid. Even if your grease trap is made of concrete or steel, the acid can still damage the tank. Regular restaurant grease trap cleanings can help you avoid the possibility of having to pay a hefty replacement fee and damaging your sewer system. When the grease trap becomes too full, it can cause a blockage which results in a nasty plumbing emergency. You may even have to shut your business down while the issues are being dealt with.

2. Starting to Smell Questionable (and Offensive) Odors?

Sulfuric acid is only one of the consequences that arises from infrequently cleaning your restaurant grease trap, the other consequence is questionable, and offensive, odors. Obviously if your business allows fat, oil, and grease to accumulate, they will naturally begin to omit a plethora of foul scents. Your kitchen employees may have already started to notice, but soon, so will your potential customers. Not only will this impact your business, but it can impact the health of you and your staff. The only way to combat these rotting aromas making their way up the pipes, which are connected to the grease trap, is to invest in frequent restaurant grease trap cleanings.

3. The Environment Matters

Failing to schedule regular restaurant grease trap cleanings can lead to an eventual leakage. Blocks and leaks have a harmful impact on the environment because the waste stored in grease traps is extremely hard to break down. It can cause pollution and harm to animal life. If an outdoor grease trap is not covered properly, rainwater can accumulate inside and cause grease to run off into parking lots and down storm drains.

4. Don’t Get Fined

Restaurants are legally required to ensure they are maintaining grease trap cleanings. If the problem is continuously ignored, the solid waste turns into a thick hard mass which is almost impossible to clean. Not only will this cause a blockage, but your business can get penalized if waste from your grease trap is leaked into the municipal sewer system. Why pay a fine, or even navigate a potential lawsuit, that is easily avoidable! Hire a professional to ensure the job is done in a timely and effective manner. The law varies from state to state, but on average, you must schedule a cleaning every 60 to 90 days.

Easy Steps to Reaching a Dependable Grease Trap Cleaning Service

Posted on February 14, 2019 by adminLeave a comment

When you are running a business that has a large kitchen, like a restaurant, you know that dealing with FOGS (Fats, Oils and Greases) can be a hassle if you don’t have a good trap set up, or a dependable grease trap cleaning service on hand. In 2015 the city of Houston was spending $1.5 to $2 million per year of taxpayer money on pipeline repairs according to Alvin Wright, a senior staff analyst with the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department. If you don’t want your business adding to those costs, and possibly getting fined in the process, then you are going to want to find a good grease trap cleaning service that is convenient, affordable and dependable. Most grease trap cleaning companies will offer regularly scheduled maintenance services so that you don’t have to think twice about how long it has been since your last cleaning (the City of Houston requires traps to be cleaned regularly, no more than 90 days between cleanings.) So, how do you reach a dependable grease trap cleaning service? Start by following these easy tips.

Referrals and Web Searches

The easiest way you can find a dependable grease trap cleaning service is to ask business owners around you that are in the same service as you, and within the same municipality. By asking for referrals from business owners you can ask directly if they are happy with the service they have received and how long they have been with that cleaning service company. You can follow that up by searching the web for any of the referrals you got, or to expand your list of choices further by searching for keywords that include your municipality, or city, to ensure you find companies that service your area.

Browse Websites

Once you have a list of prospective grease trap cleaning companies, it’s time to browse their website and social media. This allows you to get a quick overview of the services that they offer, but by also including social media you can get an idea of customer satisfaction by looking through reviews, and how they present themselves to the public.

Visit the Company Office

You can get a lot of information about a grease trap cleaning company by visiting their main office, and talking with a manager to get full details about everything they offer, as well as their response times, scheduling process, employee training, certifications, credentials, etc. They may have various awards of recognition on display, or may even have notice boards that include signs from their major clientele.

Have Them Visit Your Business

If you are satisfied with everything so far from the grease trap cleaning company you have selected, then it’s time for you to schedule them to visit your business so that they can inspect your system and give you a proper estimate based on your business type and customer volume. They’ll want to know how much, and of what types of foods you prepare so that they can properly estimate the amount of FOGs you’ll be generating and give you a price and cleaning frequency estimate. You can do visits with multiple companies before choosing one, that way you can compare rates and estimates before making a final choice.

Dependable Grease Trap Cleaning Service in Houston

If you are looking for a dependable grease trap cleaning service in the Houston area, then visit the website of Drane Ranger and call us today for a free estimate.

Five Reasons Why Septic Tank Cleaning Is So Important

Posted on February 13, 2019 by adminLeave a comment

It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare: sewage problems. There isn’t much that can make your day seem any worse than coming home from work to the damages caused by a septic tank failure; but did you know that one of the main reasons septic tanks fail prematurely is maintenance? If you aren’t getting your tank pumped every 3 to 5 years on average, then you may be on your way to a big problem. Here are 5 reasons you should stop everything and start the search for “septic tank cleaning near me” right now.

1) Backed-up sewage

The potential for your sewage to back up is one of the most nightmarish things that can go wrong if you don’t search out “septic tank cleaning near me” online or in your yellow pages. Getting your septic tank cleaned will help prevent the tank’s filters from clogging with solids, which could force excess waste back up the sewage pipes and into your home.

2) Wet spots in your yard

One of the other problems that can occur if you don’t seek out “septic tank cleaning near me” is yard damage. Your septic tank is designed to allow filters to control what waste moves where. When it is functioning normally, liquids drain through the filters and solids form a “sludge” that, every 3 to 5 years, should be cleared by a professional septic tank cleaner. When these solids are not removed, they continue to build up and can overflow, causing your filters to fail and “sludge” to end up maneuvering its way to your lawn. As a result, you can end up with wet, smelly areas of lawn over or near your septic tank and bed.

3) Health risk

Your purveyor of “septic tank cleaning near me” knows that your septic tank was designed following protocols established by your county’s health department. There are health risks involved in not properly maintaining your septic tank. Sewage backing up into your house or seeping out into your yard can expose you to harmful bacteria and can contaminate nearby bodies of water—including your or your neighbor’s well water.

4) Damage to the septic tank

As discussed above, the septic tank is designed to prevent solid waste from entering the drainfield. This solid waste, contrary to what you might believe, does not break down—at least not quickly enough to keep up with regular production. It needs to be drained from the tank by a professional who is experienced in “septic tank cleaning near me.” If the solid waste, or sludge, is not removed regularly, it can build up, forcing solid waste into your drainfield. When this happens, the sludge clogs the pores in the gravel and soil of your filtration system. This will either cause sewage to back up into your house or seep out into your yard, but either way, it could damage the system, requiring costly repairs to your home, your yard, and the septic tank.

If it’s time to type “septic tank cleaning near me” into your web search, then be sure to visit our website today.

Four Key Benefits of Having Regular Septic Tank Pump out Service

Posted on February 12, 2019 by adminLeave a comment

A dysfunctional, or clogged septic tank, and the stress of it all can be one of the most disturbing things a business or homeowner can deal with. It can cause business disruption, loss of customers or clients and property damage. What can be even more frustrating is all these problems are preventable using a septic tank pump out service.

In this post we’re going to look at the four key benefits of using a septic tank pump out service. You’ll see how important investing in this service can be to save you money and help you avoid unfortunate plumbing issues.

Four Key Benefits to Hiring a Septic Tank Pump out Service

Your septic tank is an underwater sedimentation tank used for wastewater treatment via the process of biological decomposition and drainage; thus, disposing of the wastewater. This is why having it maintained is so important. Chances are you can’t afford to go without plumbing or pay for costly repairs to have a restoration company come to clean the mess.

1. Reduced Risk of Your Septic System Failing

When you use a septic tank pump out service it lessens the chance of your system failing. This happens when the drainfield isn’t functioning correctly. When a tank overflows the sewage can go through the drainfield and clog your pipes. When this happens other areas of your dwelling will be affected making matters much worse.

2. Stop Your Septic System From Overflowing

If your tank is full and in need of a septic tank pump out service, you’ll notice several signs; most of which are unpleasant:

• Pooling water

• Slow drainage

• Odors

• Overly lush or green grass. The grass over your septic bed should match the grass elsewhere on your lawn.

• Sewage backup

When you use a septic tank pump out service, they’ll check the septic tank levels, so you don’t have to worry about it.

3. Detection of Septic Tank Floating Scum and Bottom Sludge Layers

When you use a septic tank pump out service they’ll measure the scum and sludge layers so they can test the condition of your septic system when they empty it. This is important because it will let them know if your tank’s pumped often enough or if the septic fields are damaged because of taking too long to empty the tank.

4. Septic Tank Cleaning by a Professional

Cleaning a septic tank is not a simple task. Your tank needs extensive pumping, draining, and cleaning. It’s not at all like mowing your lawn – you need machinery and expertise to do it correctly. As well, it needs to be cleaned quickly, unlike other do it yourself projects. When you hire a septic tank pump out service, you’ll know that it’s done efficiently and professionally.

If you’re looking for commercial or residential septic tank services, we can help. At Drane Ranger we offer, regular septic tank pump out service so you don’t have to worry about when need to empty or de-sludge your septic tank. For more information, or to book a service you can visit our website.

What Work can be Done With Vacuum Truck Services?

Posted on January 21, 2019 by adminLeave a comment

When people think of getting some cleaning work done in the city of Houston, do they think of everything that needs cleaning? In other words, do you need the kind of services that a vacuum truck provides? When people search for ‘vacuum truck services near me’ they are looking for the ultimate in cleaning services. In fact, vacuum trucks perform many useful services to their community that really can’t be taken care of in any other way.

What work do vacuum truck services do?

Essentially, vacuum trucks take care of liquid waste that is in areas where it isn’t wanted. Usually, this means that the sewers, drains, traps and tanks that are meant to hold non-hazardous wastewater are full or clogged and therefore require cleaning. Vacuum trucks take care of these problems on a regular or one-time basis as required. Vacuum truck services are searched for by a variety of customers – residential, municipal, industrial and agricultural all have their own uses for vacuum trucks. In all situations, we can thank vacuum truck services for keeping our city clean.

Clean out traps

In households and laundries, there are traps that need cleaning out. Lint traps and grease traps can easily become full and therefore a hazard to house and community if they are not emptied regularly. In Houston, there are local regulations that require their cleaning because of this reason. These regulations apply to more than just households. Vacuum truck services ensure that places that use a lot of water, such as industrial laundries, car washes, and restaurants have their traps and drains kept clean.

Clean sewers

Another service that vacuum trucks are required for is ensuring that wells and lift stations are maintained. Ensuring that sewage areas are working to top capacity is another essential service under regulation. Vacuum truck services keep these areas clean, and in doing so, they keep the water clean that we use for drinking and cooking.

Clean and empty septic tanks

Septic tanks are used to hold wastewater until it can be taken away and safely disposed of. Vacuum trucks are called on to empty the tanks and clean them out regularly because there is not much that is worse than having problems with your water drainage. Septic tanks are essential, basically, and no one wants to think of what might happen when the ‘vacuum truck services near me’ don’t get speedy results!

Clean up after the disaster

After heavy rains, or storms or other natural disasters, the sewers are sometimes filled beyond capacity with rain, and other debris, causing the streets to flood. People search for vacuum truck services ‘near me’ locally when the rains have been heavy, and the drains need a little bit more help.

‘Vacuum truck services near me’ do their part to keep the city clean. They prevent disaster by keeping non-hazardous wastewater in its place, keeping it flowing smoothly where it should go and providing a place for its disposal when necessary. Thanks to the local vacuum truck services, we don’t need to worry about what could have happened.

Tips to Choose the Right Grit Trap Cleaning Company

Posted on January 19, 2019 by adminLeave a comment

If you are a business owner in the Greater Houston Area who has a grease trap, Drane Ranger is here to ensure that your business continues to run smoothly, while remaining compliant with all local rules and regulations.

Regular Grease Trap Maintenance

Are you aware of the fact that traps within Houston city limits have to be emptied quarterly? This is not only a suggestion but necessary to comply with local regulations. This is why hiring a grease trap cleaning service to assist you in taking care of your traps the proper way is so important. We will ensure that everything is completed correctly, ensuring that you always remain compliant and your grease traps are clean. Due to the nature of grease traps, regular, comprehensive cleaning and maintenance are required. Many issues can arise if this is not done properly, which is why we always clearly document the work we do while validating compliance. You can choose how often your grease traps need to be cleaned, as some require fairly regular disposal and cleaning, while others can make do with only the quarterly maintenance minimum. Whichever you choose, a grease trap cleaning service like Drane Ranger will ensure that everything is done correctly.

Choosing the Right Grease Trap Cleaning Service

As there are rules and regulations surrounding the disposal and cleaning of grease and grit traps, it is vital that you choose the right grease trap cleaning service to work with your business. Drane Ranger offers complete grease trap cleaning and maintenance, which even includes grease trap odor control. This will ensure that your traps remain effective, while never interfering with the safe and sanitary operation of your business. When it comes to certain companies – including car washes – grit also ends up stuck inside the grease traps. This grit is often composed of dirt and sand, but many grease trap cleaning service companies are ill-equipped to deal with these solid materials. Unlike the others, Drane Ranger has the equipment and certified staff necessary to properly collect and dispose of the grit that gets built up within grease traps. We ensure that all solid waste is disposed of in a safe and correct manner while prolonging the efficiency of your grease traps.

Contact Drane Ranger Today!

Drane Ranger has been in business since 1985, focusing on our ability to deliver outstanding customer service, with an unparalleled quality of work. In addition to grease trap cleaning services, we offer wastewater services, as well as lift station and septic tank services throughout the Greater Houston Area. We are located at 13911 India Street in Houston and work within a 100-mile radius from our location. Contact us today at 281-489-1765 or at rwoods3719@aol.com to see how we can help you. Drane Ranger is committed to doing the absolute best job possible. Our team of professionals are trained, certified and obey all of the rules and regulations around the industry, and will always ensure that we do the best job possible for each of our customers.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Wastewater Lift Station

Posted on January 18, 2019 by adminLeave a comment

Trust Experience

Wastewater lift stations transfer wastewater from lower altitudes to higher altitudes where the gradient of the area doesn’t allow for a natural flow. Lift stations are a critical aspect of properly disposing and storing sewage and wastewater to avoid contamination and the spread of illness or waste-borne pathogens.

If you’re looking to hire a wastewater lift station service provider in Houston, there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that the service provider has experience in checking, cleaning, and pumping wet-wells as per schedule. Hiring an experienced wastewater lift station in Houston can significantly reduce the chances of a catastrophic and costly failure. Wastewater lift stations need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to avoid clogging, back-up, and overflow.

Hire a Team of Experts

When choosing a wastewater lift station in Houston, look for a service provider equipped with an experienced repair team. Lift stations require regular and proper inspection to ensure that every component of the lift station is working as it should. For example, valves need to be inspected every six months, and floats need to be assessed and cleaned at least four times a year to ensure that the wastewater lift station is functioning safely and efficiently. There are other components of a lift station that require regular inspection as well: the alarm system, ventilation tool, lights, switches, and associated accessories all need regular inspection to avoid major problems. A properly functioning alarm system will alert you to potential problems with the lift station immediately so that you can deal with any issues and avoid any fines or disruptions to your service.

Choose the Right Pump

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a wastewater lift station in Houston is determining the best pump for your needs. Pumps are designed to handle different conditions in different water types. These conditions may include the presence of suspended solids, viscosity, slurry, or clean water. The type of pump you’ll need will depend on whether you’re looking for a wastewater lift station for industrial or commercial purposes.

Before making any decisions, talk to various wastewater lift station service providers in Houston to determine which design is best for you. An experienced and professional provider will be able to guide you in all aspects of choosing the best lift station for your needs. They’ll also be able to promise consistent services to reduce the chances of any unwanted and expensive failures of the lift station. In the event that there are any disruptions or issues with the service, they’ll be able to immediately provide you with replacements of the required devices, including grinder pumps, effluent pumps, sewage pumps, or floats. Make sure you do your due diligence when hiring a wastewater lift station service provider in Houston, as a little bit of research can go a long way. A professional and trustworthy provider will have a licensed and experienced team of workers, technicians, inspectors, and supervisors at your disposal (no pun intended!).

How to Know When Your Septic Tank Needs Cleaning

Posted on January 17, 2019 by adminLeave a comment

Septic tank maintenance and cleaning isn’t a very fun job for regular people, which is exactly why most people turn to septic tank cleaning companies to help with the regular maintenance of their tanks. While many people opt to have the professionals come at regular intervals for their septic tank cleanings, but there are signs that yours may need looked after sooner. Here are a few signs that may indicate that your septic tank needs cleaned.

1. The Smell

One of the most off-putting and obvious signs that your septic tank needs cleaning is the smell. Since they can house some seriously smelly waste and materials, anything left to fester too long will surely make its way out through intense odors. In these instances, your best bet is to call one of the septic tank cleaning companies to properly clean and dispose of the waste. Not simply because the work takes some nose plugs but because that material will need to be properly disposed of.

2. It’s Just that Time

Regular maintenance is absolutely key for any septic tank, which is why septic tank cleaning companies recommend a regular, scheduled septic tank cleaning. This is the best way to ensure that your septic tank never gets too dirty and that it can be regularly checked for any necessary or routine maintenance.

3. Beautiful Grass Around the Septic Tank

While the contents of a septic tank can lead to quite intense smells, the contents can actually be perfect for growing lush greenery, particularly grasses. If you notice that the area around your septic tank is particularly green, it could indicate that you need to call one of your local septic tank cleaning companies.

4. More Standing Water on Your Property

When septic tanks fill too high, water can leak out of them and onto your property, leading to pools of water forming all over your property. In general, these pools will be near your tank but sometimes they can form elsewhere depending on the grade and other aspects of your property. If you notice these extra pools then you will need to get in touch with one of your local septic tank cleaning companies to get the problem fixed. You may also need to contact a professional landscaper to help fix any potential damage.

5. Sewage Backup

This is easily the worst indicator that your septic tank is in need of a cleaning and can sometimes also be the most expensive. Since your septic tank has begun to interfere with your sewage system, you should call septic tank cleaning companies to clean and fix your tank.

Rather than looking for these signs that your septic tank needs cleaning, contact the professionals at Drane Ranger to take care of all of your septic tank needs. We have trained professionals and the equipment necessary to keep your septic tanks clean and well-maintained. As one of the region’s top septic tank cleaning companies, we can extend the lifespan of your tank while saving you the hassle of constant checking and cleaning.

Cleaning the Streets is Easy with a Vacuum Truck!

Posted on December 6, 2018 by adminLeave a comment

From industrial tanks and reservoirs to bustling city streets, a vacuum truck cleans and hauls away waste with ease. A vacuum truck is simply a truck that is equipped with a tank and a pump, which is primarily designed to suck up liquid, sludge, slurries, dirt, and other material both above and below ground. The waste is then transported to a disposal or treatment site. The most common material that vacuum trucks remove is sewage — human excreta mixed with water — but they are also a great way to clean streets. Here are the four benefits of choosing Vacuum Truck Services in Houston, TX.

1. Versatility

Not all vacuum trucks are created equally. There is a wide variety of models and makers that suit different cleaning jobs better than others. You can choose between both wet and dry debris vacuum truck services in Houston, TX. These industrial vehicles are equipped with water tanks that can hold up to 1,500 gallons of waste, and debris tanks that can hold up to 2,000 gallons. Vacuum trucks are also equipped with odor control and spill prevention apparatuses to ensure there is no possibility of the public being exposed to harmful or hazardous materials.

2. Safety

A vacuum truck is not only safe for a properly trained crew to operate, but it improves safety for communities and animals. Vacuum truck services in Houston, TX, remove trash and waste that litters the street and settles in gutters. Litter can easily fly across the front or back window of a car and startle a driver or obstruct the view out a window. It is also possible for drivers to mistake garbage for an animal or other object causing them to swerve, so it is important that upkeep be maintained to reduce the possibility of an accident or collision. Maintaining clean streets also reduces the risk of wildlife or pets consuming trash or debris that could be detrimental to their health. There is less chance of animals being killed or injured by cars on the roadways when debris is removed.

3. Environmental Protection

Not only do vacuum truck services in Houston, TX, make communities look better but the regular cleaning also protects the environment. Hazardous waste and metal particles are often left behind from trash and passing vehicles. If the waste and particles are not properly dealt with, they can cause a lot of harm. This debris can be absorbed into the ground, and travel via rain and wind into rivers, creeks, bays, and beaches.

4. Reduce Damage

Abrasion is one of the most common causes of automobile finish damage. If left unchecked, debris can cause serious damage to cars, especially the undercoating. Vacuum truck services in Houston, TX, reduce the risk of vehicle damage and also eliminate potential damage to roadways. Storm drains can quickly become clogged if garbage is ignored and allowed to pile up. This causes runoff pathways to be blocked and water is able to build up on streets, which over time, can lead to erosion. Clean up is especially important in areas where construction or developmental crews are working. Visit our website for more information.

Wastewater Lift Station – How Does it Work?

Posted on December 5, 2018 by adminLeave a comment

What is a Lift Station?

Most homeowners or business owners don’t often think about wastewater lift stations until something goes wrong, but wastewater lift stations are crucial to the proper disposal and storage of sewage and wastewater.

A wastewater lift station is used to pump wastewater or sewage from a lower level to a higher level when the gradient of the area doesn’t allow for a natural flow. This is how it works:

Sewage is stored and fed into a pit and once it reaches a certain level electrical instruments will recognize that the pit is full and automatically activate the pump. When that happens, the sewage will be pumped out to its next destination. It’s a simple system, but if it’s not maintained properly, it can cause a lot of complex and costly issues.

The Elements of a Wastewater Lift Station

There are two main components of a wastewater lift station: the controls and the wet well. The controls do just that: control the lift station, acting as the “brains” of the station. The wet well is a basin where the wastewater is discharged. The wet well also holds the pumps for the lift station.

If you have a wastewater lift station for your Houston home or office, it’s important that you ensure it is maintained regularly to avoid any costly and time-consuming disruptions in its service. You want to prevent any clogging or back-ups, and ensure your wastewater lift station in Houston (https://draneranger.com/services/wastewater-lift-station-houston/) is regularly cleaned.

Why is Regular Maintenance Important?

The majority of wastewater lift stations are stored underground to prevent contagion and health risks. Sewage, after all, can release poisonous gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere, and can also spread pathogens and diseases. It’s crucial for your health and for the health of others that sewage is always properly contained and disposed of, so it’s important that all sewage disposal systems are working and properly maintained to avoid the spread of diseases and harmful chemicals.

Consult a professional to take a look at your wastewater lift station in Houston to ensure that all the elements of the station are working as they should. You should also hire someone to ensure proper maintenance of your lift station on a regular basis. Proper maintenance of a lift station can save you a lot of headache and money in the future, as disruptions to sewage disposal systems can be very costly, stressful, and time-consuming. Wells need to be pumped out and cleaned to avoid clogging and build-up, valves need to be greased, and the lift station should be properly inspected and regularly cleaned to ensure optimal performance. A professional drain specialist will also check to see if all the electrical equipment is working properly.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem with your wastewater lift station before you talk to a drain specialist. Avoid the future hassle and financial cost by hiring a professional and experienced drain specialist to inspect and maintain your wastewater lift station in Houston. You’ll be happy you did.