Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter is here

Winter weather is here, and it seems like there’s always more we could do to keep our farms and homes snug and dry during these cold and wet months.

The good news is, you probably don’t have to do anything to keep your septic system working this winter, if it’s properly installed and insulated.

(If you’re concerned about the installation or insulation of your septic system, give us a call and we’re happy to give advice or take a look at it.)

Things to keep in mind during winter

It is wise to avoid driving maintenance vehicles over the septic tank or drain field in the winter. Keep in mind that something like a snow plow could damage your drain pipes or detrimentally compact the soil during wet seasons.

Also, many people travel during winter months, and so remember not to have your septic tank pumped right before you leave for a trip. Even a concrete septic tank can float if it’s empty, so if there’s an unseasonable flood or other high water table event, that empty tank can become a problem.

Don’t let mud get you down

Drainage DitchIn addition to septic services, we also offer excavation and drainage expertise, particularly in a rural setting.

We all know that mud creates an unhealthy environment for your livestock, such as horses, so we regularly help create healthier paddocks and pastures for your animals. Mud harbors bacteria and pathogens that can cause health problems – some are easily treatable but some can be fatal, especially to young animals.

Maintaining good drainage during the winter and keeping mud at a minimum is not only important for your land quality, property value and the health of humans and livestock, but for nearby wildlife and water health as well. Poor soil management and lack of quality drainage can create unhealthy runoff patterns which feed into local water sources. Rivers and lakes can suffer from the pollutants from nearby farms, so it’s important that we manage runoff, to keep our farms and our local water sources in good condition.

Keep your farm healthy and happy

We can help you create diversion ditches, drain lines and wells for your property, ensuring that your farm and surrounding area is as healthy and clean as possible.

If you already have drainage systems in place, don’t forget to closely observe your ditches and other systems after any major storms or thaws. After you check out your culverts and other drainage features, and if you aren’t sure of the best way to solve a drainage problem, please give us a call. We’re always happy to stop by and give you some advice on your drainage or how our excavating services can help your farm perform better.

Here to help

Even though winter is technically an offseason, we all know that in rural communities there’s never a truly slow time of year. Let us help you maintain your property, keep your home safe and dry and keep your farm in good working order over the winter.

Call us today at (260) 982-7111 – we’re happy to help you with any drainage, excavation or septic problem, no matter the weather.

Our Values and Services

Carl Shankster started Shankster Farm Drainage in 1981 and in 1999, his sons, Steven and Simeon, took over and changed the name to Shankster Bros. We now offer septic system design, installation and maintenance, as well as inspections, line cleaning, repairs and septic tank pumping. We also provide construction services, emergency assistance and farm drainage services. We promise that all of these services will be done right, by someone you can trust.

Our company is based in Silver Lake, Indiana and service the areas of Kosciusko County, Whitley County and North Manchester. You’ve probably seen our white pump truck (with signature blue logo) and billboards around the area!

We’re a local company and are dedicated to serving our community with integrity, expertise and friendliness.

Our entire team – from owners to crew to office staff – takes great pride in establishing personal relationships with you, our clients. We want to become “more than a vendor” to you, we want to hear from you with any problem, day or night. In rural communities, we know what it’s like to rely on our neighbors, and we extend that neighborliness to everyone we do business with.

We believe that our services not only serve the people of Northeastern Indiana, but the agricultural infrastructure, environment and natural beauty that we are so proud of in our state. By being wise stewards of our natural resources and caring for our farmland with integrity, we can ensure this way of life is preserved for generations to come.

As a family business, Shankster Bros understands the needs of residential clients, large corporate farms and everything in-between.

Every single customer is treated with respect and we do our best at every job, every day. We love what we do and we love our customers; join the Shankster family today by giving us a call or dropping a line here.

We hope to hear from you soon, and in the meantime, say hi next time you see our truck around town. We’ve always got time to chat with a neighbor.