Tag: flooding

Emergency Septic Services

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Septic system emergencies stink

Of all the emergencies a homeowner may face, a septic system emergency is among the most feared. Nobody wants to wake up to flooding and a foul odor in their home—talk about an unwelcome surprise!

However, dampness and unpleasant odors are the least of your worries if your septic system fails. A septic system failure can expose you to dangerous pathogens and viruses, risking the health of your family, local environment, and neighbors.  Plus, repairs are often messy and lengthy—not to mention costly. Here’s how to anticipate and prevent a potential septic system failure.

How to anticipate an emergency

If you want to avoid a septic system failure, you’ll need to know what to look for so you can anticipate a failure before it happens. The following scenarios are indicators you may have a septic emergency underfoot:

  • Water backup in your basement
  • Backup from your plumbing or septic tank
  • House fixtures draining slower than normal
  • Standing water in your drain field
  • Unusual gurgling noises in your plumbing system
  • Foul odors coming from your drain field after a heavy rain or abnormal water usage

How to prevent an emergency

To make your septic system last as long as possible, try not to use too much water—overuse is the number one reason septic systems fail. Never pave over your septic system; driving or parking over it is also a bad idea. Make sure that downspouts and yard drainage are directed in varying locations on your lawn, away from the septic tank. If you don’t already have inspection ports and risers in your septic system, we highly recommend having some installed. Inspection ports and risers are easy for a professional to install, and they’re the only real way to accurately judge the condition of your septic.

Shankster Bros. to the rescue

In the case of a septic system emergency, Shankster Bros. is your rescue squad! We know this sort of home emergency is the worst kind of inconvenience, that’s why we respond to your call quickly and get to work on your problem even faster. If you live in northeastern Indiana and you’ve noticed any of the indicators we mentioned above—septic backup, standing water, foul odor—call us right away. Preventing an emergency is as important as solving one, and we’re here to help on both counts.

SHANKSTER BROS. “SEPTIC EMERGENCY HOTLINE” | (260)-750-2185

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.

Spring Septic System Maintenance: What Everyone Ought to Know

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and your farmer’s market is loaded with fresh produce and baked goods. As every local knows, spring has arrived in northeast Indiana.

Preparing your septic system for spring

If you’re a farmer, or you live in a rural area, you know that the sights and sounds of a long-awaited spring cannot distract you from your responsibilities as caretaker of your land and home. Anyone who lives in the country knows that their lifestyle requires regular upkeep in order to maintain the long-term health and vitality of the property they live on. So while you’re busy making a routine “spring cleaning” list, don’t forget to include septic tank maintenance.

Anyone who lives in a rural area should consider routine septic tank cleaning a priority. Proper care prolongs your septic system’s life and function, and a lack of maintenance will cost more money and a lot of inconvenience in the long run.

Routine springtime septic tank maintenance is a must. Ground conditions are optimal and you’ll prevent a potential spring flooding disaster.

A helping hand you can trust

It’s springtime in Indiana, and you know that cleaning your septic system is something you can’t do yourself. We also know that finding a professional you can trust isn’t an easy task.

At Shankster Bros., we are licensed and experienced in routine septic system maintenance. We know how to locate, diagnose, and solve your septic problems with skill and precision. What really sets us apart, though, is our honesty, integrity, and thoroughness. You can trust us to know what we’re doing, and do it well.

Come to us with your questions

We have a “next door neighbor” mentality, meaning, the health and condition of your property is as important to us as it is to you.

If you have questions about your septic system’s maintenance, regardless of the season or issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re always happy to answer your questions, talk with you about your concerns, or lend you advice.

That’s what good neighbors do, after all.

Call Shankster Bros. today

Contact us by calling (260) 982-7111 or Contact us. Help for your septic, drainage, and excavation needs is just a phone call (or a click) away.

Septic Emergency Hotline