Category: Farm Services

Septic Service in Indiana – 6 Steps to a New Septic System

Posted on by Shankster Bros

We love our home state of Indiana and we strive to be one of the foremost septic system maintenance companies around here. We excel at septic pumping, farm drainage, septic system maintenance and more because we know our local ecosystems, municipal regulations, and best practices so well.

You need a local septic service company, and one with a long track record of success and environmental awareness for any level of septic service. We strive to be the best option for you!

Most states have slight variations to septic system laws for ongoing maintenance and new installation. We follow our state’s regulations for all maintenance, and we know that in Indiana, there are six basic steps to a new septic installation.

The Six Steps to a New Septic System in Indiana

  1. Evaluation (hire a licensed soil scientist to evaluate the soil on your property. This should be done in conjunction with a septic system professional.)
  2. System Requirements (questions to ask as you plan your system: how many people will be using the system? Any unusual needs or high-volume concerns?)
  3. Design (where to place the tank, drain field, etc. to render an effective solution for your unique location.)
  4. Permitting (your county will need to sign off on the permits for your new system, inspecting periodically to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the new septic system.)
  5. Installation Bids and Interviews (shop around for the best installation quality and value.)
  6. Septic Tank and Drainfield Installation (this is the fun part – get your septic system installed in working order.)
  7. Inspection (After an inspection from your county official, enjoy the peace of mind of a well-running system for yourself and your household.)

While installing and maintaining a septic system isn’t complicated, it is essential that you have a trusted advocate throughout the process. We’re glad to be that resource for you. We are happy to answer any questions about the permit process in Indiana, the unique environmental concerns we experience here or anything else you might need information on, with regards to your septic service needs. As always, if you have questions or concerns about your septic tank, please give us a call at (260)-982-7111. 

Tile Drainage System Defined

Posted on by Shankster Bros

What is Tile Drainage?

Soggy, mucky fields are a big problem for Indiana agriculture. Heavy machinery gets stuck, crop yields suffer, root systems are compromised and the ground gets torn up, creating hard-to-harvest irregularities in the fields. Tile drainage solves the problem of excess water from the soil below the surface. While too much surface water can be drained through other methods (excavating ditches, etc.) tile drainage is often the most cost-effective and thorough solution for subsurface water problems.

Plastic Tubing Filters

What is a tile drainage system? For centuries, agriculturalists used fired clay tiles to create drainage systems, but today, we use large plastic tubing with small drain holes for filtering and capturing water. This is called “tile drainage”. The plastic tubing drainage system is placed about three feet under the surface of the soil and actually creates clean water runoff as it drains subsurface water. Tile drainage should always be installed by a professional drainage expert, and it’s important to take into account the environmental and economic price of interfering with natural drainage. However, in many cases, tile drainage is an ecological and economic boon to farmers and neighboring habitats. While installing a tile system requires an initial investment, it pays off dividends in crop yields, soil health, and farm longevity.

Improved Soil Health

Improved drainage leads to improved soil health. Here in the Midwest, we often struggle with proper agricultural drainage because of our specific land styles and weather patterns. This can rob our farmland of essential nutrients, as well as harm local environments with chemical or fertilizer runoff. Proper drainage not only serves our crops and agricultural endeavors but is important for local ecology and the environment as well. Without tile drainage, there can be substantial surface runoff, which can create harmful losses in sediment and soil nutrients.

Is This System Right For You?

At Shankster Bros., we want to help farmers throughout northeastern Indiana get the most out of their land while still maintaining healthy ecological practices. We believe that properly installed tile drainage is a great tool for your land and your bottom line, and we’d love to schedule a phone call or farm visit to determine if this drainage style is right for you. Give us a call anytime at (260)-982-7111

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Pumping Your Septic Tank

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3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Pumping Your Septic Tank  

Are your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets slowly draining? Are you noticing spongy or soggy areas of water on the ground or above the septic tank?  If so, most likely you’re one of the almost 25% of US households who have a septic system installed in their home that needs to be pumped or cleaned. One of the aspects of being a septic tank homeowner is having to deal with the routine maintenance of emptying your septic tank. Therefore, it’s critical to know why you shouldn’t ignore pumping your septic tank.

Your septic tank pump system is important because it disposes of all of the waste in your home, including household chemicals, excrement, food scraps, and bath water to name a few. A septic tank system features four components: the wastewater pipe which connects to your home, a septic tank to digest solid waste, the perforated pipes to allow liquid waste to seep into the drain field, and the surrounding soil to counterpoise waste contents. Understanding how your septic system works is essential in order to spot any signs of failure. The following are three reasons why you shouldn’t ignore pumping your septic tank.

  1. Solid waste builds up over time and doesn’t decompose quickly which can contaminate your water.
  2. Your tank will overfill with excess discharge and back up your waste system if you don’t pump it periodically.
  3. The overflow from your septic tank will flood your drain field and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies that spread infectious diseases.

The process of pumping your tank is not always a pleasant one, but a necessity we’re not only happy to assist you with, but it would also be our pleasure.  

If you live in northeastern Indiana and have a septic system, farming operation or other residential drainage or wastewater needs, we would be honored to earn your business.

Shankster Bros. is a family-owned company that understands the unique needs of Indiana farmers, homeowners, and rural clients. We know the weather patterns, water-use regulations and unique needs of the land here, and we believe that it is our job to help land-owners, agriculturalists, homeowners, and business people steward our natural resources well through effective wastewater management and drainage. We have been in business since 1999, we are fully licensed, and we can address almost any problem or service in agricultural and residential drainage, throughout northeastern Indiana.  

We provide a complete menu of septic system services including:

  • Installation
  • Inspection
  • Line Cleaning
  • Septic Tank Maintenance
  • Repair
  • Septic Tank Pumping
  • Septic System Design
  • Excavation and Bulldozing Services

If you have questions about how to service your septic system, what your farm drainage needs are, or when to schedule a septic tank pumping or repair, don’t hesitate to call us. You also might find helpful information here on our blog. We’ve taken the time and effort to compile high-quality posts with helpful tips, guidelines, and resources for your education and convenience.

Thank you for trusting us with your homes, businesses, and farms in northeastern Indiana. We are honored to help manage your wastewater, drainage, septic and excavation needs, and we work hard to earn your repeat business and your referrals. Please give us a call at (260)-982-7111 today!

Septic Tank Pumping Schedule – Should you have one?

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Septic Tank Pumping Schedule – Should you have one?

Creating a septic tank pumping schedule isn’t something most homeowners think about often until they have a soggy drainfield, plumbing problems or a back-up of wastewater. Then, septic pumping is all any homeowner can think about until the issue is resolved, which can be costly and time-consuming, not to mention smelly and inconvenient.

Schedule Septic Tank Pumping

So, we believe that everyone who owns a Septic system (for a private residence, business or farm building) should keep a septic tank pumping schedule. This takes the guess-work out of your maintenance and gives you peace of mind about your plumbing so that you don’t worry about forgetting, overlooking or ignoring potential septic problems.

Keep in mind that sudden up-ticks in use (such as a party, houseguests, seasonal workers or other loads on the septic and wastewater system) can speed up the schedule and make more frequent pumping necessary. By the same token, if your building is vacant for some length of time, you might lengthen the period between septic tank pumping safely.

United States EPA Recommends Often Septic Tank Service

You might be surprised how often the United States EPA and septic system professionals recommend you service your septic tank. For instance, it’s generally agreed that a family of four with a 1000 gallon tank should pump their tank every 2.5 years. Unfortunately, there’s not a hard-and-fast rule or schedule for every septic system, but we’d be happy to give our recommendations based on your usage, occupancy, and lifestyle.

A nice benefit we offer here at Shankster Bros is we evaluate your septic tank size, number of occupants in the home, and condition of your tank, and recommend a service interval. We then contact you to schedule service at the recommended time.

Surprisingly, many people with septic systems do not keep a pumping schedule, which causes emergency septic problems. You’re much better off to pump your septic tank on time and keep your building’s plumbing running smoothly, rather than procrastinating and causing more expensive services in the future.

If you’re not sure how big your tank is or when it was last serviced, please give us a call (260)-982-7111 and we’d be happy to help you troubleshoot.

Here’s a great resource created by the EPA for you to print out and use. We suggest putting this somewhere you will remember to check it and keep it updated.

Click -> Septic Tank Pump Schedule
(opens in a new window)

What to Expect from Local Septic Companies in Indiana

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What to Expect from Local Septic Service Companies in Indiana

For most of us, we don’t spend a lot of time worrying about our septic or sewage system. That is until we encounter a problem. When those inconveniences occur, it can be tempting to overlook the importance of researching local septic service businesses in your area.

However, it’s worth it to do your research before hiring for services.

Here’s what to expect from a local septic service company, and how to ask for the best service when you do decide to hire one:

  • Septic service companies should be knowledgeable about the local soils, regulations, and how a normal septic system functions in your area.
  • A septic tank cleaning company should ask about the age of your system, the health of your drain field, and your septic service record before recommending a service.
  • The septic service company should be willing to work with you – whether that means evening or weekend service, detailed explanations, or custom service plans, your wastewater needs are important and so are your preferences.
  • You should be given clear work estimates and a project budget early on. Most septic system services are quick, routine pumpings or cleanings, but any company you hire should be upfront about costs, risks, and timelines for service.
  • Everyone involved in the septic service should be timely, respectful and honest – from the front office staff to the service providers, you should never feel ignored or disregarded in any way.

If you can’t check off this list when you make your initial phone calls, keep looking for a local septic company that treats your home, business, and wastewater needs with care.

As always, please call us (260)-982-7111 if you need septic tank pumping or septic system service of any kind. We pride ourselves on professionalism and timeliness in all of our services and we would love to help you navigate your septic system maintenance or emergency.

Septic Tank Maintenance, Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Septic System Maintenance, Do’s and Don’ts

Septic system maintenance is effective for managing the normal wastewater and sewage of a modern household if managed properly. Septic systems are ideal for rural properties, where sharing a sewage service is unavailable. Septic systems are also easier on the ecosystem in many instances, particularly if long lines of piping are needed to connect to a shared wastewater treatment line.

That said, there are a few do’s and don’ts when you have a septic system, and we’ve compiled some of the most critical here for your knowledge and peace of mind:

DO:

Use biodegradable cleaners and soaps in your septic tank. Harsh or hazardous chemicals can stall or slow the breakdown process and interfere with the healthy workings of your septic system.

DON’T:

Flush anything down your drains that does not easily decompose. This includes even small items like matches, cigarette butts, and flushable wipes, or things like coffee grounds, food particles or feminine products.

DO:

Keep a detailed map of where your septic tank and drain field is located, as well as a record of how and when it is serviced professionally. If you buy a home with an installed septic system, be sure to get those septic service records from the previous owner.

DON’T:

Plant trees or shrubs near the septic field. Large roots can interfere with the piping and easily clog it.

DO:

Plant grass over your septic field. Grass helps disperse the wastewater, remove excess water, and prevent erosion, as well as help the drain field function properly.

DON’T:

Pour concrete or other hard surfaces over your drain field, as this will inhibit the natural release of water into the ecosystem. As mentioned above, the grass is the best option for your drain field. Also, don’t build structures or dig holes in the drain field, even for small projects. Your drain field should stay undisturbed unless there’s an issue with the piping or drainage, and any problems should be addressed by a professional.

DO:

Be aware of how much water your household uses. It’s always a good idea to conserve water to avoid overloading your septic system, and it’s important to divert gutters and other drains so as not to overload the system further in stormy weather.

DON’T:

Try to service your septic tank or drain field yourself. Check with your local permitting office about what permits are required, and always give a professional a call if you notice anything strange happening in your septic system.

DO:

Hire Shankster Bros. for all your septic pumping and cleaning needs! The easiest way to avoid problems is with regular septic system maintenance and we will do the job right the first time.

If you have questions or concerns about your septic system and the “do’s and don’ts,” please feel free to give us a call at (260)-982-7111. We are here to help!

How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost?

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How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost?

 
One of the factors to consider when you have a septic system in your home or business is how much does septic tank pumping cost for cleaning and other maintenance. Luckily, these costs are minor and the services don’t take much time if done regularly.

Maintaining your septic tank and drain field is not difficult, but it does require some planning. It’s important to budget money, time, and resources to keep all aspects of your home running smoothly, and your septic system is no exception. With proper maintenance, it should be one of the easiest pieces of home-ownership, however, as most septic companies can service your tank and system quickly and easily.

Usually, there is a set rate for pumping your septic tank, based on the size of your tank (septic tanks usually run from 1000 gallons to 2500 gallons). Of course, if there are blockages, leaks, or other problems, those costs could rise. The more people using a septic system, the more often you should hire a professional to inspect and pump your septic tank.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests pumping your septic tank a minimum of every three years to avoid septic system problems and environmental health hazards. And, while the EPA suggests that minimum service, the age, use, and size of your tank are all factors to consider when making a service plan.

If you smell foul odors in your drain field or septic tank area, or if you notice soggy or sinking ground, puddles, or other unsightly changes to your septic system, call us right away. Untreated septic problems are not only dangerous to the health of people, animals, and watersheds but can create even more expense and hassle for you, the property owner.

At Shankster Bros., we work hard to offer complete septic pumping service at a reasonable cost. If you’re concerned about the costs associated with your septic system, please call us today (260)-982-7111 for a professional evaluation of your septic. We are committed to the health of our community and so we offer top-notch septic service at an affordable, reasonable price.

Your Local Septic Tank Pumping Service Experts in Indiana, Shankster Bros.

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Your Local Septic Tank Pumping Service Experts, Shankster Bros.

Your local septic tank pumping service experts, Shankster Bros. specializes in agricultural and residential drainage throughout northeastern Indiana. We provide a complete menu of septic system services including:

Family-Owned and Operated

Steven and Simeon Shankster, together with our families, are the heart and drive behind our local septic pumping company. Because we are family-owned and operated, we see our employees, customers, and the community as a family too.

We believe in the old-fashioned values of quality service, given with a handshake, a smile and a commitment to integrity. We will never walk away from a job half-finished or leave your family vulnerable to drainage or septic problems.

We know how important these projects are to you – it’s not just a septic system, it’s the system that keeps your loved ones healthy and your land well-cared-for. Similarly, excavation projects aren’t simply moving dirt around – it’s a project that keeps your farm running smoothly for generations to come and your home safe from floodwaters.

Shankster Bros. – Proud of our Indiana Roots

Because of our family values and hometown pride, Shankster Bros. treats every client as a friend. Therefore, we will never suggest an expensive excavation when a simple, economical septic cleaning will do.

We understand the latest technologies and advancements in drainage and wastewater management and we work very hard to recommend the right solution for every job, big and small. Each of our technicians is certified and comes prepared to answer questions and offer expert advice on your unique septic system.

We want your system to work and you to be happy with the end result. We will work with you to decide on the right option, repair or service for your septic or drainage problems. We’ve seen it all and we are experts on not only the technology of excavation and wastewater but our specific area’s water table, soil types, and local regulations.

We’re Here for You

We are never too busy to answer your questions about your septic system, wastewater issues, drainage concerns or septic tank. We value hard work, integrity, and honesty and we will always help you figure out the best option, whether it’s a small DIY solution or a big excavation project.

Also, please feel free to look at our website for other valuable information. We endeavor to be educational in these blog-posts and have created an open, easy-to-use resource for your convenience.

Call us anytime: (260)-982-7111 We love to hear from our customers and we are always happy to help!

How to Find The Best Septic Tank Pumping Companies

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How to Find The Best Septic Tank Cleaning Companies Near Me

 
When was your septic tank cleaned last? If you can’t remember, you could be in for an expensive hassle. Septic tanks need maintenance on a regular basis, and, generally speaking, the longer you wait, the more likely it is to become a big, expensive project. If it’s been so long that you don’t remember your last septic service, how do you find the best septic tank cleaning companies?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when starting your research.

Always Verify Septic Company’s Credentials

Each state has different regulations and licenses for septic cleaning and pumping companies. So it’s very important that you verify any septic company’s credentials before hiring them to service your septic system. A legitimate company will have a current license and bond that can easily be verified by your state.

These regulations protect consumers from ineffective cleaners, incomplete pumping jobs, and incorrect diagnosis of septic system issues. A licensed, bonded septic professional should be able to inspect the tank and identify any repairs that need to be made to the tank or the pipes, and be able to advise you about the right course of action for your specific home, water use, and lifestyle. They will also be knowledgeable about any permits required to complete the repairs.

Good Reviews Are Important

As you start looking for a company, consider their reputation. Ask your friends and neighbors for their experience, and call a few companies before making a decision.

Remember that choosing a septic service company is an important decision, like any other professional in your home. Service, transparency, ethical business practices, and quality workmanship are all important factors to consider. Septic service is an essential aspect of a healthy community and we are passionate about getting it right, for every customer, every time.

Choosing the Right Septic Company Matters

Regular cleaning and pumping can save you a lot of money and hassle. Using a company with a strong reputation for quality work is the first step in protecting the integrity of your septic system. Here at Shankster Bros., we are happy to answer your questions and help you make the right decision for your system – Call us at (260)-982-7111

Contact us for Tank Services or a Cleaning Today!

We’re Thankful For Our Customers

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Septic, drainage and excavation services

At Shankster Bros., we’re honored to offer a variety of septic, drainage, and excavation services to our local community.

We have the specific tools, knowledge and training to install a tile drainage system in your alfalfa field, measure and dig a basement for your new home, or trouble shoot, diagnose and solve a problem with your septic system. We specialize in the installation of both septic systems and artificial drainage systems, taking into consideration the unique layout of your property and the surrounding environment to make sure your new system operates properly and efficiently.

We repair existing septic and drainage systems, extending their life and function to save you money and provide a renewed peace of mind.

We operate the heavy machinery required to dig basements, tear down fences and demolish old buildings, always looking out for the safety of our customers and our employees. In all of these fields, we feel privileged to answer your questions and to lend you our expertise. We sincerely hope that, by doing our best work and putting your needs first, we can make your life a little easier and a little better than it was before you hired us.

Work that has to be done

In the rural community of northeastern Indiana, it’s probable that you’ll need one or more of our services at some time in your life: you’ll need your residential septic tank pumped sooner or later, if you’re a property owner, you’ll probably need help tearing down a structure or digging a basement someday, or if you’re a farmer, no doubt one day you’ll need maintenance for the drainage system in your fields.

Because every service we offer will eventually be a necessity for somebody, we get to meet all kinds of people, in all walks of life, from all sorts of different backgrounds. We don’t take this aspect of our work for granted—we see it as an opportunity to impact lives with our uncompromising integrity, strong work ethic and exceptional customer service.

Thankful for our customers

Giving back is an important concept to us. Honestly, one of the best ways we can give back on a daily basis is by making sure each of our customer’s needs is heard, understood and fulfilled. We love our customers!

Your business has enabled our families to support the things we believe in—like mission trips to Haiti—and has blessed us with the resources to fund the adoptions of our children, as well as to welcome foster children into our homes. We appreciate your business—we want to make sure that when you call Shanskter Bros., you get everything you need, and more.

You have enough on your mind already, and you shouldn’t have to worry about whether your local septic, drainage and excavation company is doing a good job or charging a fair price. We aren’t satisfied until you’re satisfied. We’d rather take a loss in transaction than to leave you unhappy.

While we stand by our service, our product, and our expertise, your opinion matters most. We are a company you can trust to solve your problems, not stopping until the job is complete, and you are happy with the end result. We’re professionals determined to make a difference in the lives of people, by doing a necessary work with integrity and a commitment to quality.

Our promise to our customers

Quality and integrity: that’s our promise to you. If you have a problem that needs solving in the realm of excavation, septic or drainage, not only can you trust us to solve it—you can also depend on a quick response, a thorough job, and an honest bill. We’re proud of our work, and we’re thankful for you.

Septic Emergency Hotline