Tag: farm drainage

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.

Harvest Time: Maintenance and Repairs During Busy Season

Posted on by Shankster Bros

The harvest must go on

Anyone with the slightest background in agriculture knows that harvest season is the busiest time for farmers. In Indiana, we have a strong agriculture heritage known for supplying wheat, oats, rye, alfalfa, corn, and soybeans to the rest of our nation, and to remote parts of the world. Sleep is unheard of at harvest time—every waking moment is devoted to bringing the crops in on time.

Humidity levels, time of day, weather and proper operation of machinery and equipment are just a few of the factors that must be constantly monitored to harvest a crop at its peak. We understand the urgency that drives you during this time of year, and we know the last thing you have time for is a malfunction in your drainage system, a burst waterline or a backed-up septic tank at home.

Your crops keep growing, and the harvest must go on!

You can depend on Shankster Bros.

Unfortunate events often choose the worst possible time to present themselves. For a farmer, harvest season is that time. When you call us with a problem—be it farm drainage, pipes or septic—we respond quickly and work efficiently to get your harvest up and running again. We have enough agricultural experience to know that, sometimes, your very livelihood depends on it.

Maybe you’re in the middle of cutting alfalfa and your swather sinks where a new drainage system was installed just a few years ago. You need emergency maintenance service, and you need it now.

Maybe you’ve been in the field all day bringing in the wheat crop, and your wife calls to tell you she found flooding in the house basement. You need emergency septic service, ASAP.

Or, maybe you just got the last of the corn harvested before last night’s storm, but when you get up in the morning, you find that your great grandfather’s old rotting barn has blown over. Debris is blocking your driveway, and you need emergency demolition service, fast.

Don’t fret! Instead, call us with your problem. We’ll be there before you can say, “Busy season.”

SHANKSTER BROS. | (260)-982-7111| Email us

Crop Irrigation and Drainage System and Responsible Farm Water Use

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Crop Irrigation and Drainage Systems = Responsible Water Use

 

Agriculture in Indiana

Agriculture is the largest industry in the state of Indiana, and Indiana is one of the top agricultural states in the nation. Unlike some states, drought isn’t usually a problem as we’ve been blessed with an ample supply of water. However, over-saturation and lack of drainage can be a problem.

Why good drainage is important

Water is good—yes—but too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, and in agriculture, too much water is a very bad thing. Without adequate soil drainage, water surplus can cause soil erosion, stunted root growth, crop nutrition deficiency, and a decline in crop production. Because of naturally occurring land formation and soil conditions, only about half of Indiana’s cropland is able to utilize natural drainage processes. The other half relies on artificial irrigation and drainage and this is an issue.

How artificial irrigation drainage can benefit your crops

All soil is made up of particles like silt, sand, clay, and decomposed plant matter. Root systems grow in the spaces between the particles. Space between the soil particles is sparse and can become oversaturated if exposed to prolonged periods of excess water, suffocating, and eventually killing the root systems. The purpose of artificial drainage is to give your excess water somewhere to go; making room for air between the soil particles, improving aeration, and allowing oxygen to reach your crop’s roots.

Different kinds of artificial drainage

Two kinds of artificial drainage are commonly used for agriculture in Indiana: surface drainage and subsurface drainage. At Shankster Bros., we specialize in both methods, as most fields require a combination of the two.

Surface drainage is a method used to keep excess water from pooling on the soil’s surface. Techniques used include leveling land, building surface inlets into subsurface drains, and creating ditches and waterways.

Subsurface drainage, on the other hand, most often uses perforated tubes, or “tiles” to drain excess water from the soil. In this method, perforated tubes are buried 2-4 feet below the surface of the soil. When water levels become higher than the depth at which the tubes have been buried, the overflow drains into the tubes and away from your field.

Artificial drainage and the environment

When Indiana was first settled, wetlands made up much of the landscape. This posed an issue for human inhabitants, including vast swarms of mosquitos and dangerous bouts of malaria. Using artificial drainage, most of the original wetlands have been drained away, leaving rich, fertile soil in its place.

Two of the benefits that have come from draining the wetlands are better public health and good crop soil. Even though results have been positive, it’s important that every farmer consider longevity and environmental impact when installing artificial drainage. Installing artificial drainage without considering the long-term health of the surrounding landscape is not only thoughtless, but it’s also irresponsible.

It’s important to maintain a healthy environment for both moral and practical levels. Short-term fixes will not sustain future crops and agriculture—the industry that feeds our families and communities.

Finding a professional to install an artificial water system the right way

We live in a state where abundant water supply is normal, but let’s use it wisely. Responsible irrigation and drainage practices are important for healthy production in agriculture, a healthy environment, and ultimately, a healthy community. Proper setup of crop irrigation and drainage system can help your crops to prosper—but it’s essential you find a professional who will install a crop irrigation and drainage system the right way.

If you’re looking for a soil drainage and agriculture expert, give us a call. We’re happy to lend our expertise on the pros and cons of artificial drainage, soil conditions, responsible farm water use, and anything else to do with your crops. Reach us by phone at (260)-982-7111 or by e-mail at steven(at)shanksterbros(dot)net.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Posted on by Shankster Bros

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

Posted on by Shankster Bros

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.

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