Are Septic Tanks Under or Inside Your House Safe?

Septic tanks are usually something that we don’t have to think about. Located underground or away from a home, they are often something we would prefer to have located far away. Despite this, some people have their septic tanks in or under their homes, or they are curious about the impacts of building them there. Let’s look at whether or not this practice is safe, where a septic tank should be located, and how its location can impact things like maintenance and getting a septic tank pump out service (https://draneranger.com/services/septic-tank/).

Is it Safe to Have a Septic Tank Under or Inside Your Home?

“safe” is probably not the right word to use in this situation. Technically, a properly maintained and well-made septic tank is safe just about anywhere. The problem is whether it will be that way in the long run, and whether that’s the best place for it.

Septic tanks are essentially tanks full of sewage and bacteria that break down that sewage. They are, by their very nature, something we would generally prefer to keep out of sight and, more importantly, far away from our nostrils. This is why most septic tanks are located away from the home on a drain field. This ensures that any potential problems can be detected but won’t overwhelm, and that the septic tank can drain properly away from where people are living.

There are potential safety hazards that can come about due to a septic tank being in or under a person’s home. Sewage exposure and potential methane gas are major issues that can arise, especially if something happens to the tank that causes leaks or problems.

From a septic tank pump out service perspective, having your septic tank in or under your home poses access issues. They can be difficult to properly maintain if they are in a cramped or unsuitable space. If they are under your home, you could encounter issues that require a pump out, but, because it’s underfoot instead of somewhere easily accessible, you could be unaware of them.

Where to Locate Your Septic Tank

If you are looking to install a septic tank, then you should ideally place it on high, level ground and avoid steep slopes and areas with lots of tree roots and other obstructions. Of course, any and all digging for a septic tank should be done with full knowledge of what may be below, be it buried power lines, aquifers, or other things that can’t be disturbed.

Who to Call for a Septic Tank Pump Out Service

Did you know that your septic tank will regularly need to be pumped out? The timing differs for every tank. Some need it more often. Others will need it quite regularly. The best way to know if you need a septic tank pump out service is by calling the professionals here at Drane Ranger. Our team of septic tank professionals can set up regular maintenance and cleaning schedules to inspect your septic tank and pump it out as required. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your septic tank and waste-related needs.

What Types of Cleaners are Safe with a Septic Tank?

Is your septic tank in need of a deep clean? Perhaps you have noticed a smell or some discoloration around its location. Or maybe you want to make sure that it’s working fine. In all of these instances, a good cleaning and some septic tank maintenance can help. But what do you use? What are some important maintenance tips for doing the job right? We cover all of this in the following article.

Before we get into what cleaners can work best, it’s important to mention that septic tank maintenance and cleaning is not for everyone. Not only can you risk exposure to sewage, but septic tanks themselves also need to be treated carefully to ensure they continue doing their job. If you have experience with septic tanks, then simple cleanings can be done with the right procedures, equipment, and chemicals. If you don’t, then you can save time and money by getting the job done by the professionals at Drane Ranger.

Septic Tank Cleaners

The best products for cleaning your septic tank are dedicated, commercial-grade septic tank cleaners. These are specially designed to work on septic tanks, but they are not widely available. They are made available to professionals because they are intense and pose some safety risks for people who don’t know how to use them.

For household cleaners, your best bet is bleach and ammonia. That said, your septic tank relies on a careful balance of bacteria to break down its contents. Too much of these and you will upset that balance and render your septic tank useless.

After bleach and ammonia, drain cleaner is your best bet. Once again, this is a harsh chemical that can mess up the ecosystem in your tank, so a little goes a long way.

Septic Tank Maintenance Tips

Now that you’re armed with some cleaning tips, let’s look at some tips that can help extend the life of your septic tank:

• With the exception of dedicated septic tank cleaners or small, infrequent amounts of the cleaners listed earlier in this article, you should keep your septic tank clear of chemicals, non-biodegradables, phosphates, etc.

• You should also keep fat, oil, and grease out of the system. Septic tanks should contain sewage and sewage only.

• Always keep good drainage around the field.

• Keep groundwater, including sump pump discharge, away from the drain field.

• Contact professionals for scheduled maintenance and pump outs as required.

• Keep track of your usage so you don’t overload the system.

Your Choice for Professional Septic Tank Maintenance

Drane Ranger was founded on the idea that people should have access to reliable and affordable waste and waste removal services. Our team of professionals has offered local people and businesses the services they need to operate properly, including septic tank maintenance. If you own a septic tank and want it properly cleaned and maintained, then we can help. Contact us today or visit this page to learn about our septic tank maintenance options and the many other services that we offer.

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.

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.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Empty Your Septic Tank?

Some homes use septic tanks instead of the municipal sewer system in order to dispose of household sewage. If your house is like mine and has a septic tank, there are a few things that you need to keep on top of to make sure it continues to work smoothly. There’s nothing worse than dealing with the issues of a broken septic system. Finding a reliable company that specializes in septic tank cleaning near me made all the difference.

How often should your septic tank be emptied?

The biggest questions that people have about their septic tank is how often it should be emptied and how you know when it is time. There are a few signs that it is time to find a good company to take care of your septic tank cleaning:

1) “It has been two or three years since I last looked into septic tank cleaning.” This is the easiest way to know when it is time to call for a septic system service. If you keep on top of a routine, then you won’t have to deal with a broken septic system.

2) “My drains get slow.” Slow drains can be a sign of a clog in the septic system or a need for the system to be emptied and cleaned. Either way, a search for “septic tank cleaning near me” should be done as soon as possible.

3) When septic tanks are overdue for emptying or cleaning, they start to smell. When I notice bad smells coming from my drains or the septic field, it is time to find someone who specializes in septic tank cleaning.

4) If my septic field or the area where my tank empties out the wastewater is becoming overly green, it might be a sign that some solid waste is flushing out along with the water. That’s when I know that I need to contact a company that does septic tank cleaning.

5) If the septic field is getting flooded or waterlogged, I know I need to find septic tank cleaning professionals. Too much water draining into the field can mean that my septic system needs emptying or maintenance.

The easiest way to keep on top of your septic system is to just schedule regular maintenance and cleaning. The tank should be emptied every two or three years. As long as you don’t leave it too long, you shouldn’t have a problem with an overfilled septic tank. Finding a reliable company that does septic tank cleaning has made all the difference. I can count on them to keep on top of my septic tank needs so I don’t have to worry about it.

Finding the right company for “septic tank cleaning near me”

Drane Ranger is an excellent choice when looking online for “septic tank cleaning near me.” They serve all zip codes within a 100-mile radius of Houston. They are reliable and efficient and take pride in their excellent work. Drane Ranger’s quality work and excellent customer service keep their customers coming back for all their septic system needs.

How to Get Rid of Septic Smell in My House?

If your home has a septic smell, you will know. The unique combination of sewage smell and strong chemicals can be overpowering at best, and it can actually be a big concern for the health of you, your family, and the well-being of your home and property. That is why, if you smell septic odors in your home, then you need to call Drane Ranger for septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX right away. Here are just three of the services we can provide to help you get rid of the smell and make sure it stays away.

Expert Septic Tank Cleaning

That smell in your house is most easily and immediately fixed by calling for septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX. With a quick cleaning, you can help find the source of the problem and get it cleaned out. With the right team, your septic smell can disappear much more quickly than you may think, and for less money, too. If you have that distinctive septic smell, stop what you’re doing and call in a professional septic cleaning service.

Septic Tank Inspections and Maintenance

The next step after septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX is to get your septic tank inspected and possibly repaired. Chances are, if you encountered a septic smell in your home, then your septic tank is likely in need of some expert attention. This can come in the form of repairs or simple maintenance. Either way, without fixing the issue after a cleaning, you will have the smell return.

Regular Maintenance and Cleaning for Added Longevity

Like many things in life, you would likely prefer not to think about your septic tank. You would rather it do its thing and do it well. If this is the case, then, on top of septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, we recommend getting a professional in on a regular and scheduled maintenance schedule. With regular check-ups, a septic tank professional can make sure that your septic tank is cleaned and running properly. That means far fewer surprises in the future, and the chance of getting ahead of any problems before they become big surprises.

If you have a septic smell in your home, do not wait and find out if it gets worse. Chances are that you are in need of septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, and Drane Ranger can help. Our team of septic tank cleaners are experts at all things septic, and they can help to quickly get rid of the smell from your home and property. What’s more, we can also inspect your septic tank for any possible repairs and get you on a regular schedule of septic tank cleanings and inspections. That way, you can stay ahead of any potential problems in the future and reduce your chances of ever having that smell return. Contact us today to get rid of the septic smell in your home and prevent it in the future.

How Do I Know When I Need a New Septic Tank?

You rarely consider the septic tank for your home if everything is working fine. However, when things start to go south and the sewer starts to back up or pool in your yard, you quickly realize that it may be time to get your septic tank checked out. Having your septic tank maintenance done regularly can help prolong the life of it, ensure it doesn’t get too full of sewage, and that it properly outflows water and intakes sewage without backing up. Sometimes, though, damage is done, and it may be time for a new septic tank, so how do you do when that time comes?

Septic System Age

A lot of septic systems can last decades with proper septic tank maintenance, possibly even generations. However, everything breaks down eventually, and if you are having issues with your septic tank more and more often, and if you are needing to replace components far more often than recommended, it may be time for you to consider installing a whole new, more modern system. If you don’t know how old your system is, you can have a septic tank cleaning company inspect it, and they may be able to tell you an approximate age based on its design or model.

No Longer Large Enough For Your Needs

The size of a septic tank when installed is generally based on the size of a house, and how many household members it’s expected to deal with. Since septic tank cleaning is often done only every couple years, should the number of household members increase beyond its capacity, issues can arise with overflow. Anytime a home is enlarged, or the capacity of people within it increases, there should be some consideration made in the septic tank maintenance schedule, and in an investment in a larger septic tank to deal with the increased water usage.

Slow Household Drains

Sinks and bathtubs should all be draining at their normal rate at all times. If you are starting to have drains empty more slowly, and if you have checked your indoor pipes for clogs, then it is time to get your septic tank maintenance done to see if a component needs replacing, or if possibly the whole septic tank needs replacing.

Water Pooling In Your Yard

If there is water pooling in your backyard, it could be a sign of an issue with your septic tank. Septic tanks pump out excess clear water into what is called a drain field—that is generally an area of your backyard that can reabsorb the water into the ground. If too much water is being pumped into that drain field, that could be a sign of a malfunction in your septic tank. If that area of your lawn starts to grow more rapidly and becomes greener, it can also be a sign that sewage is being pumped into the drain field as well. No matter the cause, if you see water pooling, then you should call a company to do some septic tank maintenance to see if a component needs replacing, or in the worst case, the whole system.

Contaminated Water Nearby

The worst part of a failing septic tank system, other than sewage backing up into your system, is the fact that, if contaminated water is leaking into the drainage field or elsewhere from your septic tank, it can contaminate nearby water sources, including wells, and cause a lot of medical issues if that water is consumed. If you have a septic tank, you should consider getting local water sources tested for nitrate, nitrite, or coliform bacteria yearly to ensure your septic tank isn’t contaminating the area. Consider that aspect part of your yearly septic tank maintenance.

If you are in need of septic tank maintenance or cleaning in the Houston, Texas region, then click this link or contact Drane Ranger today to book an appointment.