Have an upcoming job that requires a bit of excavation? It’s important you work with trusted excavating contractors in Canyon Lake, TX to ensure the job gets done safely and with a high degree of quality.
With this in mind, here are some dos and don’ts of excavating you should be aware of before you begin your job:
- DO make sure you keep a reasonable amount of clearance between all underground utilities and any powered equipment you’ll be using in the job. You don’t want to accidentally knock out these important utilities for neighboring properties.
- DON’T ever assume a cable or pipeline will run straight between utility markers. You’ll find that this layout varies widely from property to property.
- DO protect all color-coded markings as much as you can until you no longer need them for the job.
- DON’T use your own paint to refresh the utility locator marks yourself. Instead, you should call your locator to redo the marks.
- DO conduct a thorough, detailed examination of the excavation area very carefully, especially the areas near underground utilities.
- DON’T assume utilities will be placed at the same depth throughout the entire excavation route. Again, this varies based on when the parts of the utility were installed, how the terrain has shifted over time and the company that installed those utilities to begin with.
- DO everything you can to protect and support any facilities that are exposed during the excavation process, and while backfilling, make sure those facilities have enough support to prevent damage from occurring.
- DON’T excavate inside the tolerance zone at the project site without first getting proper authorization and the correct equipment.
- DO be prepared for just about any type of hazard that could arise. Make sure you have all the emergency contact numbers you need on hand for the excavation area, including fire, utilities and police. You should also have a clear emergency plan that covers hazards, and make sure everyone at the job site is educated and trained in that plan and its execution.
- DON’T ever assume all of the utility owners in the area have responded to your work requests and correspondence. Make sure you get positive responses before proceeding.
- DO ensure you have someone other than the person operating the equipment on the job site to detect signs of underground facilities during the excavation process.
- DON’T ever attempt to stop or repair leaks by yourself, or use anything that could potentially cause a spark at the job site. This could cause unnecessary hazards that you simply don’t want to deal with.
These are just a few tips that will help you during any excavation job. If you’re interested in learning more about the excavation process or the safety procedures we take in all of our work as excavating contractors in Canyon Lake, TX, we encourage you to contact Countryside Construction Inc. today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have for us.
Septic systems are usually housed underground, meaning they’re often out of sight, out of mind for property owners. While this mindset is common, forgetting about your septic tank can lead to disaster on your property, because the system can clog or break down, backing sewage up into your building. To avoid these breakdowns, you should put septic tank maintenance at the top of your to-do list.
Springtime is approaching, and once the seasons change and temperatures rise, septic tank problems begin to emerge. To avoid paying for costly repairs later, now is the perfect time to hire someone to do septic tank maintenance in Canyon Lake, TX, or do it at home on your own. Here are some tips to follow for springtime septic tank maintenance and care:
- Watch for flooding: If you live in an area that has snow or is prone to a lot of rainfall, keep a close eye out for flooding of your septic tank. Excessive water causes the water table to rise on your property and can potentially cause your septic tank to flood, resulting in tank damage and hazardous waste in your yard! Pay close attention to whether puddles are forming near your tank, as this is an indicator of flooding.
- Direct gutter downspouts away from septic system: In addition to a higher water table in spring, rainfall coming down your gutter downspouts has the potential to flood your septic tank. Be sure to point them away from the tank area to avoid any mishaps.
- Change your filters: Septic tank filters should be changed and cleaned at least once a year, and what better time to have this done than when other spring cleaning is occurring for your system? Although you can change these filters yourself, we recommend letting a professional handle it when they come to perform regular maintenance.
- Schedule an inspection: Your septic tank should be inspected by a professional regularly to ensure there are no problems with the system and to address any issues before they become more serious. Spring is a great time to have an inspection scheduled because winter weather can sometimes damage the system, and it’s best to have it checked soon after snow and ice melt.
- Have the tank pumped: Your septic tank should be pumped out every few years, at least, by a professional. Late spring is an optimal time for septic tank pumping because the ground is warmer. If your tank is due to be pumped, have this scheduled alongside your routine maintenance visit.
- Make slight changes to your routine: To help cut down on the frequency with which your septic tank must be pumped and serviced, you can make a few slight changes to your wastewater usage. Start the new season off with less wasteful habits, such as utilizing less water for everyday tasks, cutting down on your use of the garbage disposal and using toilet paper that breaks down more easily in your septic system. These changes will improve the overall functionality of your system and keep cleaning costs lower.
This spring, be sure to call Countryside Construction Inc. to perform your routine septic tank maintenance in Canyon Lake, TX. We have 35 years of experience in septic system design, installation, repair and maintenance and will be able to meet your wastewater treatment needs. Call today!
Septic systems are an important part of many residential and commercial properties; without a well-functioning septic pump and tank, waste cannot be disposed of appropriately, turning your building or property into a hazard. When selecting a septic tank to install on your property, you’ll be faced with two options: a conventional or aerobic septic system in Canyon Lake, TX.
The two types of systems both break down sewage and treat effluent, but they do so in slightly different ways, namely with the lack or presence of oxygen. Conventional septic systems are simpler than aerobic systems, but each has its pros and cons. Here are the main differences between convention and aerobic septic systems.
Conventional septic systems
Conventional or anaerobic septic systems are the most common type of system installed at residential and commercial properties in the United States. These systems work anaerobically, meaning there is little to no oxygen present in the tank.
Conventional systems have an underground septic tank that holds the solid and liquid waste from your building. Solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank, while liquids rise to the top, forming a layer of scum. Anaerobic bacteria present in the tank work to break down the liquid and solid wastes, producing wastewater that gets pushed out, sent through treatment tanks and then released into a drain field.
Aerobic septic systems
An aerobic septic system in Canyon Lake, TX is a bit more complex than a conventional system. It includes a trash tank, treatment plant and pump tank to operate. Similar to conventional systems, waste enters the trash tank and settles into multiple layers. Wastewater is then pushed to the treatment tank, which has an aerator that circulates air bubbles through it.
Air is necessary to keep the aerobic bacteria in the system alive; these bacteria help break down waste faster and more effectively than anaerobic bacteria do. Finally, the water is pumped into the pump tank for a final round of treatment using a disinfectant.
Which system is best?
Because the two systems have some key differences, it can be difficult to decide which one is right to install on your property.
It’s important to remember that aerobic systems are usually more costly than conventional systems, and the need for constant aeration requires a continual source of power and regular maintenance. However, this type of system also requires a smaller drain field because the water is treated more effectively, making it a better choice for property owners with less available space.
Additionally, aerobic septic systems usually contain an alarm to alert the property owner when the septic system is malfunctioning. This can help the owner avoid costly repair expenses if they can catch the problems early on. Conventional systems don’t typically have alarms, which means there may be undetected problems worsening unbeknownst to the owner.
Let us help you choose the right septic system
If you’re not sure whether to install a conventional or aerobic septic system in Canyon Lake, TX, give the experts at Countryside Construction Inc. a call. We have 35 years of experience in septic system design, installation, repair and maintenance and will be able to meet your wastewater treatment needs. Call today!