Category: Septic Tank

In need of septic tank maintenance? If your residential or commercial property is not connected to the main city sewer system, your property probably operates with a septic system. Septic systems work by separating the solid and liquid waste and breaking it down in a safe manner. While it sounds kind of gross to have that operating under your property, the alternative is that it has nowhere to properly drain and ends up on your lawn. It’s probably in your best interest to keep this system functioning properly for as long as possible. Here are some small things you can do that will help your septic system last as long as possible.

Your Toilet Isn’t A Trash Can

Remember that your pipes, storage, and drainage systems have to handle anything that you throw down there. The only things that should go down your toilet drains are human waste, liquids, and toilet paper. Flushing things like diapers, hair clogs from a drain, cat litter, paper towels, or other personal hygiene items is a great way to fast-track your need to call someone in for septic tank maintenance. Remember as well that your septic system is not involved with the municipal sewer systems, so even if an abnormal product advertises itself as “flushable,” that may be defined by local municipal testing standards, not on your own property’s system.

Know Where Your System Is

Even in the city, tree roots can cause blockages in drainage and sewer piping. Keep in mind where your septic system is and where the piping runs and do your best to keep trees away from your pipes. It will be cheaper to dig out and kill a tree in your yard than dig up and repair your entire system later. Regular septic tank maintenance can include a service that checks your pipes and removes roots (through either blades or a chemical solution) so if this is a concern, contact a professional once a year or as required.

Don’t Dump Chemicals

Chemical cleaners and bleaches can kill bacteria in your home, but when you dump them down the drain, they also continue to kill bacteria in your septic system. This might sound like a good thing, but there are good bacteria in your septic system that is breaking down solid waste safely. Killing that good bacteria is a very easy way for that solid waste to build up. Things like gasoline, oils, antifreeze, and paint thinners are other common items that are really not good for your septic system; exposure to these often requires septic tank maintenance to get your system functioning properly again.

Keep an Eye Out

Pay attention to any strange smells from your drains in your home. Smells like sulphur or a rotten egg can indicate problems. Watch out for puddles of standing water near your septic tank. Water backups in your sewer drains or washing machines or a gurgling sound in your drains after a toilet flush can all be indicators of a problem. It’s best to call a septic tank maintenance company sooner rather than later because responsible maintenance is always cheaper than replacing a full system. Click here or follow this link for more details.

Septic tanks perform a necessary service for many homes and businesses. Just like other im-portant parts of a building or home, they need regular maintenance and care. But if they don’t get that proper care, what can happen? And what happens if a septic tank is left too long with-out getting drained? We answer that question today and tell you why a septic tank pump out service might be the solution to your septic tank maintenance needs.

The Problems of Septic Overflow

The quick and easy answer to the question, “what happens if a septic tank is never pumped out?” is simply, “it overflows.” When left to their own devices, septic tanks slowly rise while “digesting” the materials that flow into it. Usually, there is a release that triggers when the di-gested material reaches a certain level, taking it to a “leaching field” (more on leaching fields below). While this process can sometimes be in equilibrium, where the material coming in and being digested is less than or equal to the material being moved to the leaching field, some-times the material will be too much, leading to an overflow that could have been solved by call-ing a septic tank pump out service.

Once your septic tank overflows, you will know. Mostly because the ground around your septic tank may become unusually lush and, more importantly, because a distinctive smell will arise. The combination of the material coming in and the “digesting” process can be overwhelming, and this will be pushed forward if the tank overflows because it was never pumped. By that point, you will need more than a septic tank pump out service.

Considerations with Leaching Fields

Leaching fields are where digested material from septic tanks are moved once the tank reaches a certain level. These fields are often made of sand and rock to absorb the liquid and any po-tential smell. Of course, depending on the leaching field, too much material from the septic tank can cause problems itself. This is why many people use a septic tank pump out service from trained professionals. They can regularly drain a septic tank while also ensuring that the leaching field is right for the tank and amount of material.

How to Prevent Septic Tank Overflow

The easiest, most convenient, and most reliable way to ensure that your septic tank never over-flows is to hire a septic tank pump out service. With trained professionals offering regular sep-tic pump out service, you can rest easy knowing that none of the above situations will happen. Plus, having an experienced professional regularly pump out your septic offers a chance to give it a quick inspection, meaning they can help spot potential problems early, before they become major and expensive repairs.

Drane Ranger is dedicated to making septic tank maintenance easy, simple, and affordable. Our team of dedicated professionals understands septic tanks, they know how to drain them properly, and they understand when maintenance needs to be done. If you are in need of a sep-tic tank pump out service, we can help. Contact us today or visit this page to learn more about this and other services we offer to people in the area.

Maybe you have a septic tank, but you would prefer not to think too much about it? That’s not a good idea. Keep your septic tank in your mind, and keep it working properly. You will be glad you did. Being mindful about septic tank pumping can save you money.

Septic tank pumping prevents backups

Perhaps the reason that you don’t want to think about the job the septic tank is doing is because it is messy. And yes, that is true, but it is a lot less messy when everything is working smoothly. The last thing anyone needs is for the septic tank to get too full and break down. It will definitely save a lot of money to have it pumped out regularly in the proper way than it would to have it pumped after a backup has happened. Emergency pumping can be expensive, so have the septic tank pumping done on a regular schedule to avoid the mess.

As well, the community you live in probably has regulations against preventable sewage backups, so regular maintenance and septic tank pumping will help you avoid fines.

Septic tank pumping keeps things working

The septic system is important, and so proper maintenance is important, too. If it is neglected, or if the septic tank pumping is not done on schedule, the system will not work properly. A major breakdown is not wanted, and regular pumping is the only want to keep it all working properly. It will be very costly to have to replace or repair the system.

Septic tank pumping keeps everybody healthy

The septic tank’s job is to store raw sewage and break it down so that it can be disposed of safely. If it is not pumped regularly, it can’t be taken away safely. The way that the tank breaks down the materials stored inside is with a balance of raw sewage and healthy bacteria within. If it is not maintained regularly, the balance is disrupted and the bad bacteria and solids will build up. Maintenance involves more than regular septic tank pumping. The maintenance crews keep the system running smoothly, and at the same time they can check for damage, ensure everything is working, and see to its repair if it is not.

Septic tank pumping can serve as early warning

Don’t take your septic system for granted. It performs a very important function, and not keeping it working properly may result in health risks, higher costs, or a public disaster. Septic systems, whether it is a tank or a drainage field, do need to be inspected and pumped regularly. If there are unforeseen problems, the crews performing your septic tank pumping can spot and fix them before a more expensive emergency can occur.

If you are not sure how often the septic tank pumping should occur, then calling the professionals in your community can advise you regarding local codes and regulations. They will also explain details you need to know about your system and the preventative maintenance it needs. Keeping it in good working order will cost much less than repairing it when it backs up or breaks down. Contact us for more information.

Every time you use your faucets, your toilet, or even your washing machine, do you ever think about where the wastewater is going, and the pipeline that it takes to get there? For many people, these things don’t matter because they are on municipal water systems, and once the water leaves their home, it’s no longer their concern. However, if you happen to be on a septic tank system, everything that leaves your home, still stays on your property; it is being processed by your septic tank, either by holding onto it until it is pumped out, or by releasing water into a drain field—as long as you have had proper septic tank maintenance.

Septic systems are complicated to the untrained eye, and when issues come up, it’s not always obvious where it is originating from. Not getting to the root of the issue fast enough can cause a lot of damage to your septic system, and to your property. Without proper septic tank maintenance, things can go south quickly. The following are three of the most common septic failure problems, and how to avoid or deal with them.

Dealing with Clogs

Without proper septic tank maintenance, clogs are often the number one resulting issue that can occur. Clogs can be caused by a number of issues in their whole septic tank system, from overflowing to tree roots (mentioned later), or to the wrong kinds of items being flushed.

Overflowing of your septic tank is most often caused by improper septic tank maintenance, in the form of getting it pumped out. Your septic tank, based on the number of members of your household and the size of the tank, needs to be emptied out every few years. The more use your system gets, the faster it needs to be emptied: for most households, it will be every 3-5 years. Once your septic tank starts overflowing, it can back up into your pipes. You may find that water drains start to slow down, or in extreme cases, sewage comes right back.

If you have a clog and you have emptied your septic tank within the last couple years, then it is unlikely to be caused by overflowing. Instead, you need to start checking the pipes to your septic tank system. Septic tank maintenance involves more than checking on just your tank; you also need to make sure the wrong things aren’t being flushed so that clogs on the way to the tank are minimized. If the backup is at the tank itself, you may have a clog in the outlet baffle or effluent filter in the tank itself. You should also check the inlet baffle to the tank if you have access to it. You may be able to use a pole through the access port to push the clog free.

Root Problems

Tree roots are a huge problem when it comes to septic system piping. Part of your septic tank maintenance should be to check on the growth of your trees—especially the ones next to where your pipes are located. A clog in your septic system could be from tree roots; they are very capable of drilling into or engulfing pipes.

Leaks in Equipment or Pipes

Luscious green grass on your lawn is the dream, but what happens when one patch is far greener than the rest of your lawn? That is likely your septic tank outlet field, and it is getting too much wastewater from your septic system due to leaks or overflow. Proper septic tank maintenance will keep your tank healthy and prevent gross and dangerous environmental leaks onto your lawn.

If you need septic tank maintenance, including pumping, performed on your septic system, click this page or contact Drane Ranger today in the Houston, Texas region to book an appointment.

Your septic tank and the entire system are vital for your home if you are not living in an area with a community sewer hookup. However, you do have to take some steps to ensure that it is properly functioning at all times and that it won’t break down early. There are several things you can do to enhance the lifespan of your septic tank beyond just standard septic tank pump out service, and below is a compiled list of things you need to take care of to keep your septic tank system in good working condition.

Understand your Septic System

There are several components to your septic system, and to ensure that you are keeping a proper eye on them, you need to know where they are and some of their specifics. Most importantly, you need to know where your septic tank is located (especially when hiring a septic tank pump out service to empty it), and where your drain field is. You need to monitor your drain field to ensure there are no wet patches or extra green spots—those are signs that your system is being overtaxed or malfunctioning. Also, try to keep a detailed maintenance record to ensure you don’t miss a scheduled pumping or maintenance check.

Pumping Schedule

Regular pumping from a septic tank pump-out service is vital to ensuring your septic tank doesn’t overflow and get damaged. You should have regularly scheduled pumping services every 3-5 years for the standard household; however, you can inquire with your service provider as to the ideal time for your family size and septic tank size. Keeping to a strict schedule will greatly enhance the lifespan of your septic tank.

Inspections

Outside of your regularly scheduled septic tank pump-out service, you should have that same service company come around at least once a year just to inspect the tank to ensure none of the components are showing signs of wear or damage. Getting ahead of issues is a surefire way to keep your tank in tip-top shape for years to come.

Don’t Drain Water into Your Drain Field

Once you know the location of the drain field for your septic tank, you should avoid draining additional water into that area, if at all possible. Putting extra strain on that part of your lawn can cause it to become saturated with water, and the tank won’t be able to properly dump excess water out, causing back-ups and damage. Regular septic tank pump-out services will help you troubleshoot for issues like this.

Take Care with your Drains

What goes down your drain ends up in your septic tank, so if you want to enhance the lifespan of your septic tank, you should not dump something down your drain that can be damaging to the system. This can include so-called “septic tank cleaners” or “drain cleaners” that can actually end up damaging the good bacteria in your tank, reducing its effectiveness. Non-flushable items like diapers, food, tampons, and hair should also be avoided; they could cause major clogs and backups. Also, you should consider how much water you are flushing down your drains to avoid overfilling the tank before it can drain excess water into the drain field. You may need to schedule early septic tank pump-out service if you believe too many bad things have gone down your drain and into the tank.

If you are looking for a professional septic tank pump-out service in the Houston Texas area, then contact Drane Ranger today to schedule an appointment.

Using your sink, toilet, shower, bathtub, and anything else that uses your plumbing system happens multiple times a day, and you probably don’t have a second thought about it. However, if you are on a septic tank system, as you might if you live in a rural area, you may want to think about the last time you performed maintenance on your septic tank, or the last time you had it cleaned out. Ensuring that your septic tank system has a proper maintenance routine is an important step to avoiding expensive repairs and replacements in the future. While there are some things you can do yourself, for safety reasons, you should hire the services of a company that specializes in septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX (https://draneranger.com/services/septic-tank-cleaning-in-alvin-tx/).

How Routine Septic Tank Cleaning Prevents Troubles

Family Safety

If everything is going smoothly with your septic tank system, you should never even notice it working. However, when things do start to go wrong, it can be dangerous to both your property and your possessions, as well as to your family and pets. Signs of a malfunctioning septic tank system can include waste starting to back up in your home, exposing people and animals to dangerous bacteria and fumes from the septic waste. As well, you may notice that your lawn is getting extra green in a certain area, and maybe even a bit swampy as the drainage field starts to fail. This can damage your property, but it is also harmful to children or pets that try to play in that area. Septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, can not only ensure your system is clean, but it also provides the opportunity to check on the system and replace any components that are starting to fail.

Preventing Damage to Your Home

A malfunctioning septic tank system that results from not being cleaned properly can result in your plumbing backing up, which can flood your home with water and sewage. Cleaning up a small water mess can be easy, but once you start getting sewage included, it can quickly become very expensive because you will likely need some form of remediation team to come in and remove soiled floors, walls, and possessions safely. With a simple maintenance routine that includes septic tank cleaning in Alvin, TX, you can rest easy knowing that your septic tank system is running smoothly, taking care of waste and not spewing it back out.

Extended Lifetime

Any appliance in your home is going to need occasional cleaning or maintenance to ensure it is working at peak efficiency, and to extend the life of the product. Having your septic tank system overflow from lack of cleaning and emptying can damage the components within, leading to more expenses beyond the cleanup. With a regular septic tank cleaning schedule, you can give your septic tank components the best chance at a long life, cutting down on your costs of component replacement or repairs.

Septic Tank Cleaning – Beneficial for a Smooth-Running System

Save yourself the trouble and the money that is required to replace and repair septic tank components by contacting a septic tank cleaning service in Alvin, TX, such as Drane Ranger, and requesting a free quote today.

Septic tanks are one of those things on your property that you likely do not think about until you have to. In fact, most people have no idea how their septic tanks work, which can lead to many problems. That is why everyone should know a little about their septic tanks to understand the basics of proper maintenance. Here are a few tips on how to ensure your septic tank is functioning and how to know when it is time to call the professionals for repairs and septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

1. Know the Signs of Malfunction

If your property has a septic tank, then the first thing you need to do is learn the signs of a malfunctioning unit. Here are a few of the most common signs of an improperly functioning septic tank. If you can spot these, then you can catch the first signs that you may need to call in the experts for septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas—or for a more significant service:

• The grass and foliage around your septic tank are noticeably greener than anywhere else.

• Your toilets and showers are backing up regularly.

• Loud gurgling sound in the plumbing system.

• Bad odors around the septic tank.

2. Commit to Regular Maintenance

Your septic tank is like everything else in your life: if you pay attention and make sure it is properly maintained, then it will last longer and keep doing its job. But if you ignore it and never commit to regular maintenance and check-ups, it will fail sooner and end up causing your more grief—and costing you more money. That is why it is important to find a company that can perform regular maintenance and septic tank cleaning. Without expert and regular maintenance, you may find yourself finding the signs of the malfunction much sooner than without the regular attention.

3. Know When to Call in the Experts

While many people would like to think of themselves as handy people, the truth is that septic tanks are actually quite complicated, not to mention that most people would rather not repair one themselves. That is why it is important to know when to call in the experts. Without the proper attention of someone who knows what they are doing, you could end up with much bigger problems. Even worse, an improper repair could require you to replace your entire septic tank. Instead of risking the extra costs incurred by improper maintenance, it’s always better to call in the professionals for septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

Keeping your septic tank functioning properly requires a combination of proper maintenance, understanding the signs of a malfunctioning septic tank, and knowing when to call in the professionals. If you are in need of expert septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas, then be sure to call Drane Ranger. We have the experience, know-how, and tools necessary to make sure that your septic tank is working properly, and we can handle cleaning or even replacement whenever necessary. Contact us today to learn more about how we can handle your septic tank needs so that you don’t have to.

Most commonly found in rural areas where there is no centralized sewer system, septic tanks are found underground and treat wastewater. Together with the power of nature and technology, septic tanks treat the wastewater produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, for example. Septic tanks function by digesting organic matter and separating floatable matter (ex. oil and grease) and solids from the wastewater. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, households with a septic tank system should have it inspected at least every three years by a professional septic service company. As well, septic tanks should receive septic tank pump out service every three to five years. At Drane Ranger, we provide septic tank pump-out service and maintenance services in the Greater Houston-area.

Here are four major reasons to hire a professional to perform a septic tank pump-out service:

To Prevent Overflow and System Failure

As the septic tank fills up, it’s important to empty the tank, based on recommended guidelines. By not having a septic tank pump-out service performed, owners run the risk of overflow, which may result in damaging the septic system, backing up the plumbing, and ruining your landscape, all of which costs money to repair. Depending on the size of your household, you may need to empty your septic tank more frequently. When you hire a professional to perform a septic tank pump-out service, they will also discuss maintenance programs, which are designed to protect your system against failure and reduce the chance of clogs and other drainage issues. Proper maintenance also will help your septic tank to leach wastewater efficiently into your soil without causing landscape or plumbing damage.

Save Time and Money

If you’re considering cleaning out your own septic tank, you may want to think again. It’s not a cheap project, and it could end up costing more if done incorrectly. Without the proper training, locating the source of the issue could waste time. Drane Ranger experts are trained to locate the issue quickly and provide effective, cost-efficient results. Save time and money, contact us today!

Professionals Have the Correct Equipment and Training

Performing a proper septic tank pump-out service requires the right equipment and training. Tools include a gully sucker, high-water pressure jets, and other industry-grade, high tech tools. Equally important is the environmental aspect of a septic tank pump-out service. At Drane Ranger, we are committed to the safe and secure disposal of sewage.

Safety Assurance

Individuals who choose to clean their own septic tank put themselves at risk for infection and/or illness. Without the proper training and equipment, it’s easy to come in contact with dangerous bacteria and gases, which are emitted through the tank. Exposure to these harmful contaminants can lead to serious illnesses that can easily spread. Don’t risk your health or the health of others!

Contact Drane Ranger today and have a professional come out to perform your septic tank pump out service. Our experts work with safety masks and other special gear to execute the job correctly and safely!

Septic tanks work around the clock to move and process wastewater. While a fairly simple and straightforward process, septic tank systems can get backed-up and cause a lot of issues when not maintained. Poorly serviced septic tanks can lead to system failure and a large bill in tow. To avoid costly repairs, it is critical that septic tank maintenance is part of your annual upkeep.

Septic Tank Basics

Septic tanks are tasked with moving wastewater from a building to a septic drain field—commonly known as a leech field—to be treated and disposed of. The first step involves wastewater entering a chamber where a natural division occurs with solids settling and scum floating to the surface. Bacteria get to work on breaking down the solids as liquids pass through a dividing wall to a second chamber for another round of settling. Excess liquid from both rounds of separation then moves on to the septic field for processing in soil. The method is a simple one, but it can run amok with a lack of septic tank maintenance and an overaccumulation of sludge. To avoid a backed-up system, it is recommended that septic tanks be inspected every year by a septic service professional.

Maintaining Your Septic Tank through Prevention

Septic tank maintenance is the onus of the property owner. These tanks are efficient systems, but even the most efficient system needs a good cleaning. While professional services are needed for cleaning and emptying, there are preventative measures that can be taken to keep a septic tank running smoothly.

1. Watch the oil!

Cooking oil can wreak havoc on a septic system. Instead of dumping oil down the drain, store oil and grease in a container and dispose of it once it’s hardened. Cooking pans with excess oil should be washed with hot water and soap in the sink to help greasy material pass through the drain.

2. Don’t just flush it!

Toilets were never designed to function as a garbage system. Disposing of waste materials, such as cotton buds, food waste, cigarette butts, and menstrual products, can overload a septic system.

3. Keep chemicals out of the drain!

Pesticides and herbicides can kill the very bacteria that a septic system relies on to break down solid materials.

Be on the Lookout for Warning Signs

In addition to maintaining a regular schedule for septic tank maintenance, there are a few signs that a septic tank needs attention. Wastewater backing up into household, building in drains, and pooling water or muddy soil around the septic system are telltale signs to watch for. Bright green, spongy grass, and a strong odor around the septic tank and drain field are also symptoms of septic distress. If you notice these signs on your property, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Get Help from the Professionals

Poorly maintained septic tanks are susceptible to costly system failure. The last thing any home or property owner needs is a backed-up septic tank and a large bill! Regular septic tank maintenance keeps septic systems operating efficiently and will save you money in the long run. Professional septic tank services will help you maintain your tank and dispose of waste material safely. Follow this link for more information.

Do you own a septic tank? If you do, then you may encounter problems with it now or into the future. Here are a few of the most common septic tank problems out there and the best solutions for fixing them, including when you may have to call professional septic tank cleaning companies.

The Problem: Tank or Line Leaks

Probably the most common type of septic tank issue is a leak. The leak can be in the tank itself, or it can be in the line running to or from the tank itself. In either case, you will likely notice that your grass or plant life is especially and extremely green compared to other parts of your property, and it also means that it’s time to call in a professional septic tank cleaning company.

The Solution:

Since your septic tank and its lines are both likely to need repairs and inspection in the event of a leak, you will need to call in the professionals. Only experienced septic tank cleaning companies have the knowledge and skills to make sure the leak is fixed, and to ensure that any potential leaks are dealt with before they become a problem.

The Problem: Clogs

Clogged septic tanks are probably the issue that no one wants to deal with. Even the thought of it is enough for some people to try and ignore the issue and make it worse. Clogs are something that can only get worse. They do not fix themselves because most clogs are a result of your septic tank or one of its lines being full of solid waste. This leads to sewage backing up throughout your home—unless you call a septic tank cleaning company in time.

The Solution:

When you experience clogs in your septic tank, it’s time to call the septic tank cleaning companies. They can ensure that your septic tank is pumped properly, and they will provide any maintenance that may be required at the time as well. This can include inspecting your lines and offering solutions if your septic tank isn’t right for your home or property.

The Problem: Tree Roots

Septic tanks are usually put underground for several reasons, from smell to the way they look. This also means that tree roots can sometimes push up against the tank or its lines and cause leaks, breaks, or other problems. That’s when you need a septic tank cleaning company.

The Solution:

In this case, you may need to call a couple of people: tree removal service providers and septic tank cleaning companies. The tree roots will need to be dealt with, and your septic tank may need some professional attention.

If you own a septic tank, you are likely to encounter at least one of the issues above in your lifetime. In each case, it’s important to call in the professionals to help. This is because septic tanks are quite complicated and in need of attention from trained professionals. Drane Ranger is one of the septic tank cleaning companies that can do it all, from regular maintenance to major repairs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your septic tank.