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How a Grease Trap Keeps You Out of Trouble?

Have you ever wondered what grease traps are for? They are an essential piece of equipment in the food services industry, but many people do not understand why they are used or how they operate. Here is an introduction to grease traps, explaining how they can save you trouble when you opt for regular grease trap cleaning services.

Stop Clogs

Fats, oils, and grease (known as FOG) do not mix with water. When FOG makes its way down the drain, it does not effectively move through the sewer system. Instead, it congeals, forming a layer on the inside of the piping.

FOG tends to stick together, allowing the layer of grease to grow into a blockage. Once this occurs, the water flow will be stopped, which can cause sinks and drains to back up. This is a massive problem in the food services industry, potentially forcing owners to close their kitchens while the blockage is addressed.

While it is possible to hire grease trap cleaning services to remove a clog after it has formed, this is typically more expensive and more challenging than avoiding the blockage in the first place.

How do Grease Traps Work?

Want to avoid grease clogs? Grease traps and grease interceptors are a must. All drains connected to the kitchen must pass through a grease trap before connecting to the sewer.

Grease traps work by first slowing down the flow of water. Rather than allowing water to pass through the pipe in a few seconds, water takes at least 20 minutes to pass through a grease trap. This allows FOG to congeal in the trap and any grit to settle to the bottom of the tank.

Fats, oils, and grease are lighter than water, meaning FOG will accumulate on top of the water in the grease trap. Baffles in the grease trap are used to capture the grease, allowing the water to pass through while the FOG and grit stay inside.

Over time, FOG and grit will build up within the grease traps. If it is allowed to overfill, it can lead to a blockage. Traps must be regularly emptied by grease trap cleaning services to maintain proper function and comply with regulations.

Conform to Local Laws and Regulation

Food services businesses are often mandated to use grease trap cleaning services by regulatory bodies such as public utilities. FOG build-up doesn’t just happen within your piping. It also occurs in the wastewater system. Failing to adhere to these rules could lead to fines and other restrictions on your business.

It is essential to understand that these regulations may apply to your restaurant, even if you do not serve deep-fried food. It is a popular misconception that FOG build-up only occurs in fast food establishments. This is not the case. Almost all cooking involves some amount of fat and oil, so you need to manage FOG responsibly.

Using Reliable Grease Trap Cleaning Services

Are your grease traps due for a cleaning? Our team at Drane Ranger is experienced at emptying grease, grit, and lint traps. We offer professional, timely, and sanitary services to allow your business to stay on schedule.

Three Reasons Why Your Restaurant Needs a Grease Trap

Introduction:

Restaurants have been using grease traps for a hundred years. This device is essential to operating a restaurant, and the concept is simple. It operates on the basis that animal fat is ten to fifteen percent less dense than water and wont mix. With this concept, the fat will rise on top of the water. When the water and fat enter the trap, it slows the flow of water and the grease is trapped in a system of baffles. Sediments sink to the bottom into a separate trap and the water is then pumped out into the water waste system. You need to have your restaurant grease trap cleaning completed on a regular basis.

Reason one for having your Restaurant grease trap cleaning completed.

To work within city regulations, a restaurant grease trap needs to be cleaned a minimum of every three months. Some busier restaurants should be cleaned more often. These regulations are enforced for compliance and to ensure the safety and health of employees and customers. Failing to have your restaurant grease trap cleaning completed could result in hefty fines.

Reason two for restaurant grease trap cleaning: what is that smell?

Fats, grease, and oil (FOG) separate from the wastewater; however, there are some particles that will remain in the FOG or on the bottom of the trap. Often, these particles are broken down by micro-organisms. During this activity, hydrogen sulphide, and sulphuric gases are emitted. Most commonly, these gases are creating the foul smell. Poor ventilation is another cause of profane smells. If FOG clogs the ventilation and there is no air flow, then the build-up can create a smell. Without proper ventilation, this smell will begin to seep back into the restaurant. The best solution for preventing odors or removing odors is ensuring your restaurant grease trap cleaning is completed on a regular basis, a minimum of once every three months.

Restaurant grease trap cleaning can prevent damage and costly repairs.

There are many ways that a trap can be damaged. One way is when sulphuric acid is emitted from the break-down of particles. This acid can interact with the trap itself and begin to create small holes, preventing the trap from working. Alternatively, some people do not clean their traps properly and instead opt to pour chemicals, such as odor removers, into the tank. These chemicals can corrode the trap, rendering it useless after a period of time.

Conclusion:

Restaurant grease trap cleaning needs to be done on a regular basis. Preventing overflow, smells, damage to the grease trap, and hefty fines are just some of the reasons you need to routinely schedule a cleaning. For more information about Restaurant grease trap cleaning, click here.

Septic Tank Maintenance – Everything You Need to Know

Wondering about the difference between septic tank maintenance and sewer maintenance? In municipalities with public sewage treatment, the dirty water from sinks and toilets collects in a series of large, centralized filters and tanks. When all the solid, non-organic waste is removed via the filters, the remaining organic waste is treated with bacteria that break down all of the harmful compounds in the fecal matter. What remains is purified with chlorine to kill the bacteria that was just introduced. This clean, bacteria free water is recycled back into the city’s reservoirs.

For communities where there are simply not enough residents living in close proximity to justify building a centralized system, septic tanks are used. Septic tank maintenance is an expense that is paid in lieu of having to pay municipal property taxes to fund and maintain communal sewage treatment. However, because you are paying for your own private sewage treatment, you are also taking on more of the risks associated with something going wrong. But don’t worry too much: there are companies, like Drane Ranger, who can help you manage and mitigate this risk.

Water to water

Septic tank systems are small scale, on-site sewage treatment facilities. Because one household living on an acreage or farm could not possibly have as much purchasing power—or waste—as, say, a town of one thousand people or a big city, they tend to be less sophisticated than the treatment facilities that exist in urban areas. They are still able to manage the wastes your building can produce, but you’ll have to ensure the required septic tank maintenance (https://draneranger.com/services/septic-tank/) is performed to ensure best performance.

Just like in the cities and towns, a septic tank’s first step is to remove the solid waste from the water that it sits in. Instead of having an elaborate set of filters that remove the non-organic components before the organic stuff is treated with bacteria, a septic tank will typically let the solid waste sink to the bottom, and then expose the remaining sludge to the bacteria as it remains suspended. The water, now being free of all of the harmful bacteria that is found in fecal matter, is free to leave the tank and travel into an adjacent drainage field with highly porous soil, where it seeps into the groundwater and is then absorbed into the root systems of grass and trees. The remaining sludge and solids accumulate in the tank until the tank is full, at which point it must be emptied.

What do you need to know about septic tank maintenance?

The most important part of septic tank maintenance is that it gets emptied every three to five years (this can vary depending on the size of the tank, the number of washrooms one your property, and the amount of use). If this is not done, you will end up contaminating your drainage field with all of the inorganic waste that could not be broken down by the bacteria treatments. Eventually, this waste matter will contaminate all of your groundwater aquifers. Have a professional come out with a vacuum truck, to pump everything out and then transport it for safe disposal. They can also ensure that there are no blockages and that there is no damage to any of the pipes or valves. They can also tell you which products to avoid putting down the drain. Septic system failure can be disastrously messy. Make sure to avoid this by calling the professionals.

What is the Maintenance Process for Septic Tanks?

Septic tank systems aren’t something most people within cities or municipal towns have to deal with, but if you have moved to a farm or the outer edges of a town that doesn’t support your home with their sewer system, you’ll probably have a septic system. Septic systems require a bit more maintenance than the use-it-and-forget-it municipal sewer system. You’ll regularly need to check up on it, and you’ll occasionally need to call in septic tank cleaning companies like Drane Ranger to clean it out and check it over.

If you want to avoid the hassle and costs of a backed up septic system, below will explain the system and the maintenance process for septic tanks.

What is a Septic System?

A septic system is generally a drain system that empties into a large septic tank, which then helps break down organic materials and dispose of excess water into the local soil. Anytime you use a drain in your house, whether it is a sink, toilet, or bathtub, the water and any waste will travel through your plumbing and be deposited into the septic tank. In the septic tank, bacteria will start breaking down the organic materials as they settle towards the bottom, and any excess water at the top will drain into a drain field, aka the drainage field installed in your yard nearby, while avoiding a swampy buildup.

Using Your Septic System

Many people will often just use their septic system like they would any other municipal system, and this can be done to a point. The number one thing you should remember when using a septic tank system is to try to minimize the amount of water usage whenever possible, as draining water through multiple drains/toilets at the same time for too long could overflow your septic tank. Septic tanks also are not garbage dumps. Avoid putting non-organic materials down your drains, and avoid greases or coffees that could cause clogs or damage the septic system and require an emergency call to septic tank cleaning companies. As well, avoid using drain cleaners in your system, as they can kill the bacteria in your septic tank, reducing its effectiveness severely.

Good Maintenance Protocols

Keep Good Records – The first step for any good septic system maintenance is to keep written records. Detail the location of the septic tank, lines, and drain field, including depth. As well, include any work that has been done on it, whether it’s repairs or regular cleanout and maintenance. A good map will help when calling in septic tank cleaning companies.

Annual Inspection – While septic tanks generally don’t need to be emptied out every year, more like every 3-5 years depending on size and use, it’s still a good idea to have it inspected every year, especially if you have cold winters. Septic tank cleaning companies have inspectors that can check the health of any septic tank system, and they may recommend every five years to have your entire system flushed with a high-pressure water jet to remove solid buildup.

Bacteria Additives – You could boost your septic tank’s effectiveness with bacteria additives; however, this should only be done at the recommendation of a professional. This can restore bacteria that has been damaged by household chemicals.

Filter Check – The drain from the septic tank towards the drain field should have a filter, and it should be cleaned or replaced during regular maintenance to prevent build up and sewage backups.

If you are looking at septic tank cleaning companies to set up a regular inspection schedule or maintenance schedule, contact Drane Ranger today to talk to a representative.

What Should You Do if Your Septic Tank is Full?

Has your septic tank become the concrete elephant in the room? It’s a common story for a lot of people, but the truth of the matter is that, if your septic tank is full, it’s time to face your troubles and call in an expert. This isn’t an issue that will resolve itself over time, and it isn’t something you can handle on your own. Thankfully, there are a number of experts out there, like our team of septic professionals here at Drane Ranger, who can help you out with your septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX.

What does it mean when your septic tank is full?

First of all, there are different types of “full” when it comes to septic tanks. First, there is the normal level of full. This occurs when your septic tank is filled to the level that it was designed to hold, and this will naturally occur as long as your septic tank is functioning properly. This type of full requires routine septic maintenance—someone should be coming to clean out your septic tank every two to five years, depending on level of use.

Your septic tank could also be “full” because it has an accumulation of sludge, which means solid wastes have built up over time to the point where they are becoming trapped. This can cause them to flow out into the drainage area (or worse, back into your house).

The final type of full is when the tank is over filled, which means the drainage field has stopped accepting water, causing wastewater to continue to rise inside the tank until it is at top capacity. This can also cause septic fluids to back up into your house.

Why might your tank be full?

Your tank could be full simply from use because it has reached its two-to-five-year period and needs its regular maintenance. However, as is suggested by the other two types of “full,” a full tank—especially one that fills up under its two-year maintenance cycle—could be a sign of trouble. You may have a fault in the tank itself, you may have a buildup of solid waste that has built up and hardened over years of not having service, and this may be blocking your system from being able to cycle properly. Or you may have tree roots growing into your septic tank, or corroded pipes or a corroded tank causing your issues. Either way, you need a septic tank cleaning expert.

What are the signs you have a full tank?

The signs that your tank could be full are fairly easy to see, which makes troubleshooting a little easier. If you notice pooling water on your lawn around your septic, or an overly healthy lawn that seems to be a little too well-fertilized, or if you hear gurgling pipes, have slow drains, sewer backup, trouble flushing, or bad odors, it’s time to call in one of the pros to check your septic tank.

Where to go for septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX?

If you are experiencing any of these problems, or if you suspect your tank hasn’t been cleaned out within two-to-five years, it’s time to call in one of our septic tank cleaning experts in Alvin, TX. Call us today to get started.

Septic Tank – Installation, Maintenance, Pumping And General Care

Introduction

We don’t talk a lot about septic tanks, and when we do, there is normally an automatic thought of a smelly outhouse or disgusting washrooms at concerts in the park. Many people have septic tanks on their property, and they need to be pumped, cleaned, and maintained on a regular basis. If you have a septic tank on your property, it is time to look for Drane Ranger or search for septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas to help with all aspects of your septic tank.

Pumping is a crucial part of septic tank cleaning

A septic tank’s main goal is to retain as much organic waste as possible while treating the water with physical and biological processes. This waste water needs to be pumped on a regular basis. There are many indicators when considering when to pump your septic tank. Hopefully it is before there is sewage all through your front lawn.

If you notice that the tank is beginning to back up or that there is a foul smell coming from the septic tank, this may be time to have your septic tank cleaning completed. Other indicators that you need to have your septic tank pumped occur when there are clogged pipes or sewer blockages. If this is happening, a professional should be called to get a diagnosis. Septic tanks should be pumped every few years, but there are other factors to consider, such as the size of the tank in relation to the quantity of water that is being used.

General care for your septic tank

Caring for your septic tank starts with knowing what not to put into the tank. Many people put chemicals, such as bleach, toilet bowl cleaner, and drain cleaner into the septic tank trying to hide the smell or thinking that there is too much waste, but in fact, this can harm the tank and cause an imbalance of natural bacteria digestion.

Fats and grease should not be poured into the septic tank, like pouring it down a kitchen sink. The grease can begin to eat the pipes and base. Other household items, such as fabric softeners and cigarette buts, can clog the filter.

Septic tank filters should be cleaned at least twice a year, most commonly in the fall and spring. When cleaning the filter, ensure that all solid debris is out of the filter, and then clean the filter with a water hose. It is important to ensure that all debris is off the filter, and this should be done over a manhole so that the debris does not go into the drain field or into the second chamber where it can get back into the filter. Filters need to be cleaned as part of the septic tank cleaning and maintenance to avoid system failure.

Conclusion: you need septic tank cleaning in Houston

If you own a septic tank, Google “septic tank cleaning in Houston”, or click here for more information on all your septic tank needs, from installation to maintenance, to pumping and cleaning.

Guide for Taking Care of Your Grease Trap for Smooth Operations

Introduction

If you’re a restaurant owner, then you’re likely already familiar with the ins and outs of your grease trap. If you’re new to the restaurant business, then it’s important to get acquainted with it and to find out how to properly maintain it. If all this seems overwhelming, then you can always look up a “grease trap service near me” and have someone help you out.

Your grease trap is constantly collecting oils, fats, and grease. They come in all kinds of sizes. If you have a smaller one, you will need to maintain it more often. They can only hold a limited capacity of waste, which is why they need to be cleaned. You want to make sure you avoid letting it go so that it doesn’t get backed up and overflow. A grease trap overflowing could damage the plumbing, and if it got really serious, it could negatively impact the city’s waterways. It’s also bad for the environment and could warrant fines. A well-maintained grease trap will also help you pass your health inspection.

Here is a quick guide to taking care of your grease trap.

Proper Equipment

A benefit of searching for a grease trap service is that you will not have to worry about all of the equipment you need to clean a grease trap. Some things you may already have, like rubber gloves, a bucket, soap and water, and a shop vacuum. However, you also need a gas mask to protect yourself from the fumes, protective clothing, a crowbar, a wrench, a metal scraper, a flat wooden stick like a paint stirrer, and a marker. Once you have all the gear, you’re ready to get started—but that is a lot of investment in gear for something you could hire in an expert for.

Cleaning the Grease Trap

First, you must remove the top cover of your grease trap with the crowbar. Then you need to find out how full your tank is. Take your paint stick and pass it through the top layer of grease to the bottom of the tank. Mark the top with a marker. With either a bucket or your shop vacuum, drain the water. Avoid removing the grease. Let it sit at the bottom when you’re done, and be sure to keep the water for later. Now you can clean out the grease with your scoop and scraper. Make sure the walls of the tank are free of grease. Once it’s all gone, clean the whole tank with soap and water. Rinse all removable parts as well. Once it’s all nice and clean, put all the removable parts back and pour in your water.

This may sound simple enough, but there’s a lot that can go wrong. You could easily damage seals or miss cleaning areas that could become a health—or clog—risk in the future. Plus, for all the effort you put in, you could easily have called a grease trap service. It’s the easy and quick solution.

Conclusion: it’s better to find a grease trap service near me

Keeping your kitchen and restaurant clean is important for your business and your customers. It needs to be maintained regularly. It’s a tough job cleaning the grease trap on your own. It’s also hard to do it as regularly and often as is needed. Save your energy by searching for a “grease trap service near me”. Let an expert take care of it for you and focus on the other smooth operations of your business. Contact us to know more information.

What are the Protective Grease Trap Cleaning Solutions?

Grease trap cleaning is an incredibly important part of the cleaning and maintenance routines. Improperly cleaned grease traps can cause incredible amounts of damage and may even result in costly fines from the municipality. Grease trap cleaning is an incredibly important part of the cleaning and maintenance routines. Improperly cleaned grease traps can cause incredible amounts of damage and may even result in costly fines from the municipality.

Importance of Routine Grease Trap Cleaning

Grease traps are necessary for keeping the grease and fats from a commercial kitchen from clogging up the sewage system. When properly maintained, these devices effectively filter out fats, oils, and grease (also known as FOG) from the wastewater. If FOG is allowed to enter the sewage system, it can cause extensive problems for both the property owner and the municipality. Most local governments have laws regarding grease traps.

Routine grease trap cleaning (https://draneranger.com/services/grease-grit-lint-traps/) is essential to maintaining a properly functioning trap. Grease traps must be cleaned and emptied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The timing between cleanings depends on the size of the trap and how often it is being used, as well as the rules in your specific municipality.

Common Grease Trap Problems

Neglecting or delaying grease trap cleaning can cause serious problems for your business. There are a few common problems that can occur, as well as more serious issues.

•  Clog in the incoming water line

Without routine cleaning and maintenance, you risk a clog in your incoming water line. Water can start to back up into the grease trap and cause it to malfunction.

•  Clog in the outgoing line

A clog in the outgoing line means that your grease trap could overflow and cause a lot of damage and mess.

•  Grease trap is full

If your grease trap gets full, it can cause a number of issues, including clogs and backups. If properly maintained, the grease trap should never get full.

If routine maintenance and grease trap cleaning is not performed, you run the risk of requiring costly repairs and cleanups. A dirty grease trap also comes with an unpleasant smell that no restaurant wants their customers to experience.

Benefits of Hiring Professionals

When you work with a professional company that specializes in grease trap cleaning, you can rely on effective and efficient service. Let the professionals take care of your grease traps so you don’t have to pay the costly price of procrastinating on doing this dirty job. Our professional teams here at Drane Ranger have the right tools, equipment, and knowledge to properly take care of your grease traps.

Our team has been committed to keeping your grease traps working smoothly since 1985. Not only do we thoroughly and effectively take care of routine grease trap cleaning and maintenance, but we also pride ourselves on our excellent and professional customer service. Our technicians are trained and certified in local and industry regulations, so you can relax knowing that we have your grease traps under control.

Give us a call to find out how our experienced teams can help you with your grease trap cleaning, lint trap cleaning, liquid waste management, lift station cleaning, wet well cleaning, mud pits, and grit traps.

Why Grease Trap Installation is a Social Responsibility?

Are you debating whether to invest in grease trap installation and grease trap cleaning in Houston? It’s critical to understand that grease trap cleaning won’t just provide your business with a host of benefits; it’s also a vital social responsibility. Grease traps can help to prevent problems such as sewage blockages, disease spreading, and fires, as well as save you on energy consumption and waste. Let’s take a dive into what makes grease traps so important for community wellbeing.

Sewage & Pollution Risks

Grease trap installation and grease trap cleaning prevent clogs and buildups in your pipes, preventing serious sewage problems. Without grease traps, you run the risk of causing sewage leaks and clogs throughout your business, nearby residences, and public water supplies. This makes grease trap installation and maintenance the socially responsible thing to do because it prevents disaster in your community.

Health & Safety Risks to the Community

Businesses without a grease trap pose huge health and safety risks to their community. Grease trap cleaning is designed to deter vermin, disease, and other unpleasant organisms from making themselves at home in your restaurant or kitchen, and that can’t be overlooked. You have a social responsibility to the people that work at or frequent your business, and their health needs to be a top priority. You don’t want people getting sick or possibly dying because of an avoidable issue.

Save on Energy Consumption

Grease trap installation and grease trap cleaning will also help you to save on energy consumption because they ensure that everything is running without the clogs that can cause inefficiency. Conserving energy is a crucial social responsibility that protects the environment and saves you money at the same time, so why wouldn’t you invest in it?

Recycle Waste

Did you know that brown grease can actually be recycled in some cases? Some grease trap cleaning services provide recycling options for your grease trap waste, such as converting it into biofuel at the proper facilities. This is a great way to avoid sending it to a waste plant where it will cause a ton of greenhouse gas emissions. Your grease can get a second life helping to fuel vehicles or machinery instead of fossil fuels, and that makes grease trap installation a clear responsibility for the environment. If you want to start social change, reducing and recycling your waste is key.

Fire Hazards

A clean kitchen is harder to set ablaze than a greasy one. Without proper grease trap installation and grease trap cleaning in Houston, your business will become a dangerous fire hazard. Should a fire spark from the stove and spread throughout a kitchen that has clogged and overflowing grease, the disaster will be tenfold compared to a highly maintained kitchen. Fires put everyone at risk because there is no telling how far they will spread or who they will harm. Take the socially responsible path and ensure you’ve reduced fire hazards as much as possible.

The Key to Grease Crap Cleaning in Houston

Overall, grease trap installation and grease trap cleaning in Houston are both immensely beneficial for businesses and a pivotal social responsibility that can’t be ignored. From sewage to fires, grease traps protect your business and your community. Contact us for more details.

Septic Tanks: The Myths Vs Facts About Septic Tank Maintenance

If your property is not attached to the municipal sewer system, you may have a septic tank on your property, and that means you need to think about septic tank maintenance. When not taken care of, septic tank troubles can lead to a “crappy” situation. However, when it comes to sorting out the best maintenance practices, there are many myths about septic tank maintenance (https://draneranger.com/services/septic-tank/) we can bust.

Using additives means you don’t have to maintain or have your tank pumped as often.

This is a myth that, if believed, can cause damage to your property and end up costing you more than proper septic tank maintenance will cost. Septic tanks have natural bacteria in them to break down the solids. When other chemicals, such as bleach, drain cleaner, or disinfectants, are added to the septic tank, they can eliminate the natural microbes and cause a system failure. Also, adding chemicals to a plastic or metal tank could be corrosive to your tank. Avoid adding chemicals to your septic tank and instead schedule regular tank cleaning.

When you can’t stand the smell, it is time to pump the tank

If you are outside and can smell that foul smell, it is way past the time for tank maintenance. A septic tank needs to be pumped every two to three years. If you wait until the smell tells you it is time, there could be damage to your tank, there is a risk of overflowing, and there could be damage to the system. Plan your septic tank maintenance so that you can avoid any costly damage by waiting too long.

Wait, my tank looks full and I just pumped it—do I need to have it maintained again?

The reason for pumping the tank is for the solids and not for the wastewater. Four to seven days after pumping your tank, it will be full of water again. There is a normal level that the water in your tank needs to hit before it will begin to drain into the absorption area again. If the water flow begins to overflow without draining at all, then there may be an issue with your septic tank. Regular septic tank maintenance should help you avoid this situation.

I want to build a new deck or patio, so I can just build it over my septic tank, right?

This is not a good idea because you need to allow the professionals to access your tank during septic tank maintenance. If there is a deck or patio on top of the tank, it will be hard or impossible for a professional to come and complete the work. There is also the risk of damaging the tank, which could lead to costly repairs or replacement. Lastly, the wastewater is drained onto the drain field, and this needs oxygen to break down the wastewater. If you build on top of the tank or the waste field, you will deprive it of oxygen, and this can cause a backup of the system.

Finding the Right Septic Tank Maintenance Professional

Knowing about the myths and when to complete your septic tank maintenance is crucial to the wellbeing of your home, family, and tank. Make sure you call in a specialist who knows what to look for and how to care for your tank the right way. Visit our website for more details.