Category: Septic Tank

A septic tank is a foundational part of a residential wastewater treatment system. It is a large, watertight container underground where household wastewater is collected and treated. The process of separation happens inside the septic tank, where the solids settle into the bottom while the liquids rise to the top and flow into the drainage field. As an essential part of the sewage system, a stable and durable septic tank is necessary to ensure proper wastewater management and prevent the potential contamination of the soil and water sources.

Benefits of Concrete Septic Tanks

Concrete septic tanks have been a reliable choice for homeowners for years. They have a long lifespan of up to 40 years and are proven to be highly durable, as compared to other materials. Here are some of the benefits of concrete septic tanks:

Structural Integrity and Stability: Concrete is a robust material and provides excellent strength and stability. It can withstand external pressures, including groundwater, earth movement, and a high volume of wastewater. Additionally, concrete can be molded into different shapes and sizes easily, accommodating the unique requirements of every house.

Enhanced Sewage Treatment: Concrete has a unique porous structure that allows the wastewater to be treated naturally. It ensures that wastewater is fully broken down before it is released into the soil and water sources, providing optimal wastewater treatment.

Environmental Considerations: Concrete is an environmentally friendly material. As it can be produced locally, it reduces the carbon footprint of transportation, and it can be recycled or reused.

Considerations and Maintenance Tips

Proper installation: Proper installation by professional septic tank installers ensures that a concrete septic tank functions correctly and avoids any potential problems in the future. They can provide essential information on local regulations, such as sizing requirements and setback distances, to ensure that the septic tank complies with the law.

Maintenance Tips: To keep your concrete septic tank in good condition, it is essential to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the drain. Solid materials, such as paper towels and feminine hygiene products, can clog the tank and cause damage to the system.

Significance of Periodic Pumping and Professional Maintenance

It is vital to schedule periodic pumping to prevent the solids from building up in the tank, causing clogs and potential damage. Typically, concrete septic tanks require pumping every three to five years. Professional maintenance is necessary to maintain the septic tank’s structural integrity and avoid costly repairs down the line.

Looking for Septic Tank Cleaning in the Houston Area?

Drane Ranger is a professional and experienced septic tank cleaning service! We offer maintenance and repair services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties so your system is always at peak efficiency. Did we mention our wide service area including Houston, Pearland, Alvin, and Sugar Land?

Don’t leave your septic tank needs to last minute – an unexpected failure could cost you big money with massive clean-ups or environmental fines for businesses. With regular care from Drane Ranger, you don’t have to worry about that. Start on your path to regularly scheduled care today. Contact Drane Ranger now by visiting our website or making a call – we can set up an appointment right away!

Septic tanks and cistern tanks are both types of wastewater storage systems, but they serve different functions and are used in different contexts.

Septic tanks are commonly used in residential and commercial properties for the treatment and disposal of wastewater, while cistern tanks are primarily used for collecting and storing rainwater. There are many key differences between septic tanks and cistern tanks, including their functions, importance, and servicing requirements.

To know which tank will work best for your situation, it’s important to understand what makes them different and how they can benefit you.

How do Septic Tanks Function?

Septic tanks are an integral part of wastewater management systems in areas without access to municipal sewer lines. They are typically buried underground and receive wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and any other sources.

The septic tank’s primary function is to separate solids, such as sludge and scum, from the liquid portion of the wastewater. The liquid portion, known as effluent, is then discharged into the drain field or leach field, where it undergoes further treatment through natural processes in the soil before returning to the groundwater.

Importance of Septic Tanks Every Day

Septic tanks are crucial for properties that are not connected to a public sewer system, such as rural homes and businesses. They provide an on-site means of treating and disposing of wastewater, ensuring that it does not contaminate the environment or pose a health risk.

Properly functioning septic tanks prevent the release of harmful bacteria, viruses, and pollutants into the soil, water bodies, and groundwater, thus protecting public health and the environment.

Septic tanks also help in conserving water by recycling treated effluent back into the groundwater, reducing the strain on water resources.

Professional Servicing of Septic Tanks

Septic tanks require regular maintenance and servicing to ensure efficient and effective operation.

The frequency of servicing depends on various factors, including tank size, water usage, and the number of occupants on the property. Generally, septic tanks should be inspected by a professional every one to three years and pumped out every three to five years, although this may vary based on local regulations and conditions. It’s important to keep track of when your septic tank has been serviced to avoid the chance of dangerous build-ups and blockages.

During servicing, the septic tank is inspected for signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks, and the sludge and scum layers are measured. If these layers exceed recommended levels, the tank needs to be pumped out to remove the accumulated solids.

It is important to note that only licensed professionals should perform septic tank servicing, as mishandling or improper maintenance can lead to system failure, environmental pollution, and costly repairs.

The function of Cistern Tanks

On the other hand, cistern tanks are designed to collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and laundry. Cistern tanks can be installed above ground or underground, depending on the property’s requirements and available space.

Rainwater collected from rooftops is directed to the cistern tank through gutters and downspouts, where it is stored until needed for various purposes.

Why is Cistern Tanks Important?

Cistern tanks play a vital role in sustainable water management by capturing and storing natural rainwater for reuse, thus reducing your reliance on freshwater sources for non-potable applications. This helps to conserve water, especially in areas with limited water availability or during drought conditions.

By directing and storing rainwater, cistern tanks can help reduce stormwater runoff, which can cause erosion, flooding, and pollution of water bodies by reducing the volume of water flowing off the property.

Servicing of Cistern Tanks

Cistern tanks require periodic maintenance to ensure the proper functioning and to prevent water quality issues. While the water they store is not for human consumption, it can cause environmental damage if not properly contained and treated.

As with septic tanks, the frequency of servicing depends on factors such as tank size, water usage, and local climate conditions. Generally, cistern tanks should be inspected and serviced at least once a year, although more frequent inspections may be required in areas with heavy rainfall or high levels of debris.

During servicing, cistern tanks are inspected for signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or corrosion. Inlet screens and filters, if present, are checked for clogs and are cleaned, as needed.

The tank is also checked for adequate water levels and proper functioning of any pumps, valves, or controls associated with the system. If any issues are detected, they are addressed promptly to ensure the continued functionality of the cistern tank.

One critical aspect of cistern tank servicing is water quality testing. The stored rainwater should be periodically tested for parameters such as pH, turbidity, bacteria, and other contaminants to ensure that the water is safe for its intended uses. If any water quality issues are identified, appropriate measures such as filtration, disinfection, or treatment may be required to maintain water quality standards.

It is essential to note that proper maintenance of cistern tanks is crucial to prevent contamination of stored rainwater. Regular inspections and servicing help to identify and address any issues that may affect water quality, ensuring that the collected rainwater remains safe for its intended uses.

While septic tanks and cistern tanks may share some similarities, as they are both water storage systems, they serve distinct functions and require different servicing protocols. Septic tanks are designed for the treatment and disposal of wastewater, while cistern tanks are used for collecting and storing rainwater for non-potable uses.

Septic tanks are critical for properties without access to municipal sewer lines, while cistern tanks play a crucial role in sustainable water management by conserving freshwater resources.

Proper servicing, performed by licensed professionals (https://draneranger.com/services/septic-tank/), is essential for both types of tanks to ensure their efficient and effective operation. Regular service also prevents any potential environmental or health hazards.

Regular inspections, maintenance, and water quality testing are vital for septic tanks and cistern tanks to function optimally and fulfill their respective roles in wastewater management and water conservation. With proper servicing and use, both types of tanks can protect the environment and support the lives of the people around them.

Septic tanks, by nature of their function, typically have an odor. However, that odor is usually contained and unless the tank is exposed to the elements, those in the general radius are not affected. So, when the tank is covered but smelly, this indicates a problem. Today we will explore what makes septic tanks smell, how to fix the odor, and how a vacuum truck service can help. Septic tanks, by nature of their function, typically have an odor. However, that odor is usually contained and unless the tank is exposed to the elements, those in the general radius are not affected. So, when the tank is covered but smelly, this indicates a problem. Today we will explore what makes septic tanks smell, how to fix the odor, and how a vacuum truck service can help.

What is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is a large underground container used for the treatment of sewage and wastewater. It is typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, and it separates the solids from liquids in the wastewater. The solid waste settles at the bottom of the tank and is later decomposed by bacteria, while the liquid waste flows out of the tank into a drain field for further treatment. Septic tanks are commonly used in areas where there are no municipal sewer systems available.

What Makes Septic Tanks Smell?

It’s important to note that if you notice any persistent odor from your septic tank or drain field, you should contact a professional for an inspection as soon as possible.

Septic tanks can develop a strong odor for several reasons, including:

• Lack of Maintenance: If a septic tank is not pumped and cleaned regularly, it can accumulate solid waste and sludge, which produces odors.
• Clogs in Drainage Field: When the drainage field becomes clogged with debris or soil, it can cause wastewater to back up into the septic tank, which leads to bad smells.
• Cracks or Leaks: Cracks in the septic tank or its pipes can allow gases to escape and cause unpleasant odors to permeate the area around the tank.
• Overuse of Household Cleaners: Using too much bleach and other harsh chemicals can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the septic system, leading to foul odors.
• Old Age: With time, septic tanks can deteriorate and corrode, allowing gases to leak out and create strong odors.

How to Fix the Foul Odors

There are several ways to fix foul odors coming from a septic tank, depending on the cause of the problem. Here are some solutions:

• Regular Maintenance: The most effective way to prevent unpleasant odors is to have the septic tank pumped and cleaned regularly. This will remove any accumulated solid waste or sludge that may be causing the odor.
• Use of Bacteria Additives: Adding bacteria-based additives to your septic system can help break down the solid waste and reduce foul odors. These additives can be purchased at most hardware stores.
• Repair Cracks or Leaks: If there are cracks or leaks in the septic tank or its pipes, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible by a professional.
• Avoid Overuse of Household Cleaners: Using too much bleach and other harsh chemicals can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the septic system, leading to foul odors. Consider switching to natural cleaning products instead.
• Install an Odor Filter: An odor filter can be installed on the vent pipe of your septic system to capture any gases before they escape into the air.

When to Call the Professionals

It’s best to call a professional if you notice persistent odors coming from your septic tank or drain field. There are several reasons why you should seek the help of a professional:

• Safety: Septic tanks emit gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide, which can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. A professional will have the proper equipment and training to safely inspect and repair your septic system.
• Accurate Diagnosis: A professional will be able to accurately diagnose the cause of the odor and recommend the appropriate solution. This is important because different problems require different solutions, and attempting to fix the problem yourself without proper knowledge can lead to further damage.
• Experience: A professional has experience working with septic systems and will know how to properly handle any issues that arise during an inspection or repair.
• Prevention of Future Problems: Regular maintenance by a professional can prevent future problems from occurring and ensure that your septic system is working efficiently.

How Drane Ranger can Help

Drane Ranger is a professional septic tank service provider that offers a wide range of services to help with septic tank issues, including odors. We are happy to help with all your industrial and residential septic tank needs.

We can pump out the contents of your septic tank, removing any accumulated solids and sludge that may be causing odors or backups. We also do a thorough inspection of your entire septic system to identify any problems, such as leaks or cracks in the tank or pipes that could lead to serious issues down the line. If there are any issues identified during an inspection, we can provide repairs and maintenance services to fix the problem and help prevent future ones from occurring.

In addition to septic tanks, we offer grease trap cleaning services for commercial kitchens to prevent clogs and backups and emergency services for situations such as overflowing tanks or other urgent septic system issues.

Overall our professional expertise and range of services make us a reliable choice for anyone experiencing septic tank issues or in need of regular septic preventative maintenance.

Contact Drane Ranger Today

Drane Ranger has been providing high-quality septic tank services since 1985. Our experienced crew safely operates our top-of-the-line equipment to ensure your project is completed quickly and efficiently with maximum safety standards. We also offer preventative maintenance services to help keep your system running smoothly for years to come.

Our clients rely on us for timely, dependable, and cost-effective solutions that fit their needs—and guarantee quality results every time. From initial contact through job completion, our team will work hard to meet all of your requirements from start to finish.

Contact Drane Ranger today for more information about our industrial and residential vacuum truck services.

As a landowner, you are responsible for ensuring that your septic system is properly maintained. This includes regularly draining the septic tank. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, draining the septic tank is essential to keeping your system functioning optimally. In this blog post, we’ll explain why calling septic tank cleaning companies is so important and how it can benefit you in the long run.

Draining The Septic Tank Is Necessary to Prevent Sewage Backup

Septic tank draining is a critical preventative measure to avoid septic back-up and potential health problems. While septic tanks are designed to last for years with regular maintenance, if septic tank maintenance is neglected, the tank can become clogged with solids, reducing its efficiency and leading to septic back-up. To avoid this risk, homeowners should contact septic tank cleaning companies to have their septic tanks serviced on a regular basis. Septic tank cleaning professionals can thoroughly clean and inspect septic tanks, identify any potential issues before they arise, and ensure that sewage can run smoothly through a functioning septic system. A reliable septic tank service is an essential component of home ownership for anyone who relies on a septic system.

Draining The Septic Tank Also Allows for Inspection and Maintenance of The System

Draining a septic tank is an important aspect of septic system maintenance and should be done every two to three years by septic tank cleaning companies. Inspecting the septic tank interior as it is being drained ensures that the bacteria located in the tank can break down the organic material effectively, helping maintain the overall effectiveness of the septic system. Any issues such as cracks or obstructions can then be identified and repaired, allowing for maximum septic system performance. Additionally, components like axial filter elements and effluent filters can also be inspected and replaced, if needed. Proper septic maintenance requires regular draining of both tanks in order to ensure optimal efficiency of one’s septic system.

Contacting Septic Tank Cleaning Companies Helps to Prolong a System’s, Life Span

It is highly recommended to periodically drain the septic tank in order to prolong its life span. This is a process that should ideally be carried out by septic tank cleaning companies with proper experience and who have the right equipment for it. Septic tanks are more likely to last longer when properly maintained, which involves completely draining the contents and disposing of them safely. These proactive checks can help keep septic tanks flowing smoothly and efficiently, saving homeowners from expensive repairs down the line.

Contacting septic tank draining companies to drain the septic tank is a necessary part of septic care. By preventing sewage backup, and clogs, and extending the life of your septic system, routinely scheduled tank draining is crucial to ensuring your home or business runs smoothly. Contact us today at Drane Ranger to get started on a regularly scheduled septic tank maintenance plan.

For many people, having a septic tank is a way of life. These tanks need to be maintained on a regular basis in order to function. Septic tanks that are not maintained properly will have negative effects such as foul odors and damage to your property. For many people, having a septic tank is a way of life. These tanks need to be maintained on a regular basis in order to function. Septic tanks that are not maintained properly will have negative effects such as foul odors and damage to your property.

There are some things you should know about your septic tank maintenance.

Know When You Need Septic Tank Maintenance

There are a lot of factors that determine when you need to have your septic tank maintained. This includes the size of the tank if you have a garbage disposal, how many people are in your home, and how much water your family uses. On average a septic tank needs to be cleaned every two to three years. There are some signs that you need septic tank maintenance:

• Your septic tank equipment fails and your drains overflow into the home.
• There is a foul smell from the drains and by the septic tank itself.
• Your lawn is either exceptionally green (could be waste being drained onto the lawn) or it is soggy around the septic tank.

If you see any of these signs it is time to call Drane Ranger for septic tank maintenance.

Prevention is the Best Maintenance

One of the biggest reasons that you need septic tank maintenance is that people flush things that should not be put into the tank. Flushable wipes are often put down the tank, but in reality, no wipes are truly flushable. Other things that get flushed that can unbalance the PH system of your septic tank are:

• Gasoline-and any other petroleum products
• Cooling grease and automotive oil
• Paint – including thinners and solvents
• Items with a high level of phosphorous – laundry soap, cleaning supplies etc. that are not designed for septic tanks
• Famine products and baby products – they don’t disintegrate

Water Usage is Crucial in Septic Tank Maintenance

All the water that your family uses goes into the septic tank. The more water that is used the more wear and tear on the septic system. Families use an average of 70 gallons of water a day. If there is a leaky toilet or faucet this can escalade to 200 gallons a day, and all this water goes through the septic system.

One thing that can be done to limit septic tank maintenance is installing a high-efficiency washer. This simple device can save a lot of water throughout the year. Another way to reduce water use going to the septic tank is by using high efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators.

Laundry is one of the biggest culprits of causing septic tank damage, this is with the wrong soap as well as continuing doing small loads or completing too many loads in one day.

Following these basic tips and calling Drane Ranger or visiting this page for regular septic tank maintenance will help prevent costly repairs and keep foul odors away. Click here to schedule an appointment with our professionals or to learn more about caring for your septic tank.

Septic tank cleaning professionals in Houston, Texas caution that installing a septic tank can be easier than it sounds. they emphasize important things to consider, before installing a septic tank.

Here are some factors to consider before installing a septic tank:

Septic systems come in different types and designs, including gravity, pressure, and aerobic systems.

Picking the right design depends how the property absorbs and disposes of water. Septic tank cleaning professionals in Houston, Texas do various tests and assessments on the property, to determine the appropriate septic system design.

When it comes to septic tanks, size matters! And volume matters! For a big household, a small septic tank often leads to drainage issues, and a septic tank that’s too large will result in unnecessary high installation costs. The appropriate septic tank size should be big enough to accommodate the household’s current and future water volume usage. Septic tank cleaning professionals in Houston, Texas can help determine the size that’s the best fit.

The ideal location of the septic tank is very important. A location which allows for the required excavation to install the septic tank, and a location that is easily accessible, in case of malfunctions and for necessary septic tank repair, maintenance and septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

The terrain on which the septic system is installed is very important, because it determines how the sewer will be able to handle issues such as runoff water and flooding after a heavy downpour. Ideally, the terrain should be flat rather than sloppy to avoid damage from runoff.

There are specifications and regulations. Since improper installation and waste treatment procedures can sometimes affect underground water quality and pose a health risk to the users, a permit is required for septic tank installations. Septic tank cleaning professionals in Houston, Texas are skilled and up to date with advice about specifications and regulations in a specific area.

There are some important things to know and think about before installing a septic tank. Whether it’s a new septic system or the replacement of an old one, Septic tank cleaning professionals in Houston, Texas not only give sound, good advice but make sure the installation is done properly.

If it’s all done right, a septic system can last for years without breaking down, and minimizing maintenance and repair costs.

No doubt about it! Most households agree that their septic tank is crucially important. Unfortunately, as septic tank pumping companies point out, septic systems are too often also overlooked and taken-for-granted.

As septic tank pumping companies explain, ignoring the required, regular maintenance of septic tank systems inevitably causes a serious mess when the septic tank fails, but affects the health of the family, when various harmful substances seep into the home.

The concept is simple. Many residential properties rely on in-ground septic tanks to help manage household waste—the liquid and solid waste that goes down the home’s drains. Unlike standard, municipal sewer system that feed into a large disposal network, a septic tank can only hold a limited amount of waste.

Septic Tank Pumping Companies point out that every residential septic system is designed to efficiently process waste for decades, assuming the septic tank is properly maintained and looked after with scheduled septic tank service from an experienced and professional septic tank pumping service.

Septic Tank Pumping Companies also emphasize that the most fundamental, and arguably the most important factor necessary—and critical—to maintain the efficiency and proper function of a septic system is the regular, scheduled pumping of the septic tank.

Most professionals recommend pumping the septic tank every 3 to 5 years, but it is important to determine the specific recommendations for a septic tank system and evaluating the household’s water usage. The more water, the more often the septic tank will need to be pumped.

Overlooking the regular maintenance and servicing of a septic tank can cause septic tank problems as well as health hazards. The scheduled services of septic tank pumping companies will eliminate some common septic tank problems, like:

Sluggish drains and/or flushing. When a septic system starts backing-up, the sinks, tub, or shower suddenly don’t drain as quickly as normal, or the toilet doesn’t flush as thoroughly as it usually does.

Odors. As the septic tank fills-up, there is less and less space for odor causing gases in the septic tank. Eventually, these gases can drift from the toilet or the sink and other drains inside the house. It not only smells awful but methane gas, hydrogen sulfate and the airborne bacteria in the fumes can be health issues for everyone in the home.

Septic Tank Pumping Companies have the expertise to avoid septic tank back-ups and the worrisome risk of making people sick when odors waft through the home.

Septic tank cleaning companies explain that restoring and increasing the life of a home’s septic tank requires understanding about what a septic tank is designed to do, and how it does it. Septic tank cleaning companies explain that restoring and increasing the life of a home’s septic tank requires understanding about what a septic tank is designed to do, and how it does it.

Septic tank systems are capable of taking all your household waste water, separating out the solids, breaking it down safely, and spreading the extracted water out into a drainage field, in order to ensure your waste in your home has somewhere to go and isn’t being put out onto your lawn.

A septic tank is basically an underground storage container that keeps solid wastes, until they break down naturally. This processed water (effluent) is then able to escape the tank and filter through the soil in the yard, where nature breaks it down further. That’s how it’s supposed to work.

According to septic tank cleaning companies, there are common symptoms of septic tank problems.

• drains are backing up into the home
• bad smells coming out of the drains
• over-green area in the lawn or a soggy lawn and build up of water near the septic tank

And septic tank cleaning companies also warn about some common causes of most common problems.

. Too much water. Septic tanks gradually fill with solid waste. The grey water is allowed to pass through the tank and out into the underground drain field lines in the yard. Once the tank is full of solid waste, it can cause sewage backups in the toilets or slow drains in tubs and sinks. How many people live in the house? How much wastewater goes into the septic tank? Are there extra long showers or lots of laundry? How often does the dishwasher run? They all drain into the septic tank. Each of these fixtures / appliances drains into your septic tank.

Every septic system has a certain volume of wastewater that it can safely and efficiently handle. The specific volume of the system depends on its size, but for most residential systems, it’s somewhere between 600 and 2,000 gallons of wastewater. Remember: less wastewater means longer septic tank life.

. Septic systems are not trash incinerators. All that waste flushed down the sink or toilet has to go somewhere. Hard waste, called “sludge,” accumulates at the bottom of the septic tank.

The only reliable solution is prevention. Trained professionals of septic tank cleaning companies not only do septic tank pumping but also inspect the entire septic system to ensure all the equipment is working properly.

Septic tank cleaning companies explain that how often a septic tank should be pumped depends on the capacity of the tank and how often wastewater is flushed into it. The rule of thumb is to pump the tank every three to five years. The experts at septic tank cleaning companies suggest that most homes can get about 30 years out of a septic system, with proper, routine maintenance.

When it’s running efficiently and properly maintained, the septic system will have a long lifespan.

Proper septic tank maintenance is both basic and complicated but it is very important.

By design, septic tank systems are meant to take household waste water, separate out the solids, breaking them down safely, and spread the extracted water out into a drainage field, ensuring the waste in the home has somewhere to go and isn’t being put on to the lawn.

According to septic tank maintenance (https://draneranger.com/services/septic-tank/) professionals, the only thing that a typical septic system is prepared to handle naturally is human waste and toilet paper (which is designed to be broken down by the bacteria in the tank).

Unfortunately, septic tank maintenance reports show that unsuspecting homeowners and guests can flush seemingly harmless objects or dump substances down the drain that will disrupt the bacteria or clog the system. For example, flushing paper towels, cigarette butts, cotton products, diapers, feminine products, and even “flushable wipes” can all cause septic system problems.

Septic tank maintenance cautions that excessive water use is also a big culprit. Septic tanks have limited capacity and can only manage to process a certain quantity of wastewater at a time. The home’s septic tank was designed to handle a specific flow rate of water, based on the home’s size. Usually, the septic tank should discharge wastewater at the same rate as or faster than it takes on water. So, when it takes on too much water, it can’t do what it’s supposed to do and may cause problems.

Septic tank maintenance professionals explain that the separation of waste happens with the flow of wastewater. The natural separation process of solids and liquids of different densities and gravity results in the scum rising to the top, the sludge sinking to the bottom, and the watery effluent in the middle. Once separated from the other materials, the watery portion of the wastewater (effluent) flows out of the septic tank through the underground distribution system of perforated pipes, stone, and sand out into the ground several feet below the surface.

When the septic system takes on too much water, the tank fills up before it can empty out again. The excess water can’t enter the full tank, so it has to go somewhere else. Usually, this “somewhere else” is right back into the home.

The #1 cause of septic system failure is due to biomaterials and they are the cause of 97% of failures to septic systems that are otherwise maintained and taken care of properly. Household substances and everyday objects can cause big problems. They can disrupt and even kill off the important bacterial environment that digests waste in the septic system. Septic tank maintenance professionals warn about NEVER dispose of bleach, gasoline, paint, paint thinners, grease, harmful oils, or large quantities of antibacterial household cleaners.

Proper septic tank maintenance and professional septic system pumping (which includes removing the sludge and scum as well as cleaning out the effluent filter) every 3-5 years will keep the septic system running smoothly for years.

There’s a lot of misinformation about septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

A popular myth is that septic systems don’t really pose a hidden threat to water quality. Professional who do septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas warn that when the effluent is not adequately treated, as in a failing septic system, it is a health hazard and can cause many human diseases. Studies have found that failing septic systems can become chronic sources of nutrients and interact with nearby waterways.

There’s also a common misunderstanding that septic systems are designed to be maintenance-free. Neglecting system maintenance leads to system failure. There is a need for maintenance of septic systems, or an accumulation of pollutants happen.

Professionals who specialize in septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas explain that some people consider a septic system similar to a garbage disposal. It is NOT! Garbage disposals can overload a system with solids causing the need for more frequent tank pumping and can increase wastewater strength beyond the capacity of the system to properly treat it.

Technicians who work on septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas warn about even coffee grounds. They don’t readily digest and can get into the septic system’s leaching bed, where they can contribute to system failure. Also, don’t flush plastic, condoms, rubber, coffee grounds, citrus rinds, eggshells, dental floss, diapers, baby wipes, kitty litter, cigarette butts, fats, greases, paper, paints, solvents, varnishes, thinners, waste oils down into the septic system. It inevitably leads to septic system failure.

There’s a myth about additives helping the septic system. Some septic tank additives on the market with chemicals, yeast, bacteria, or enzymes claim to improve septic tank performance or reduce the need for routine pumping. Septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas points out that adding a stimulator or an enhancer to a septic tank to help it function or “to restore bacterial balance” is not necessary. The naturally occurring bacteria needed for the septic system to work are already present in human feces. Professionals suggest: Let nature takes its course.

Some homeowners mistakenly assume clogged septic systems must be replaced. Not always. Many clogged septic systems can be restored with maintenance. Three of the most common causes of clogs — indigestible sewage solids entering the leaching bed, slimy biomat growths blocking the holes in the perforated leaching pipes and tree roots physically clogging the leaching pipes — can usually be solved without replacing any part of the system.

A dangerous myth is ambitious DIY homeowners entering the septic tank. Septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas is unanimous with the caution: Never enter any septic tank. Poisonous gases or the lack of air can be fatal. Any work to the tank should be done from the outside.