Commercial
Restaurant Management 101 – Preventing Drain Backups
If you own or manage a restaurant, the last thing you want to do is shut down your business because your store is flooded. A clog in a drain line can not only cause down time for your restaurant, but also safety issues for employees and potential repercussions from the board of health. There are a number of reasons why commercial kitchen drains continue to back up. It’s essential that you understand how it can happen and implement best practices to prevent clogs from happening.
Why Commercial Kitchen Drains Clog
Fats, oils, and grease can quickly build up in drains. As these substances cool, they begin to harden and stick to the drain pipes. This can lead to major sanitation problems as the end result is clogged pipes or even an entirely clogged septic system. Food scraps can also be a culprit of clogged drain lines. A good way to prevent this is to place a strainer in your sinks and to train employees to clean plates with leftovers into the trash, not down the drain.
Most commercial kitchens have a grease trap in their kitchen to catch fats, oils and grease before they enter the drain lines. Keep in mind that while a commercial grade grease trap is effective, it will be ineffective if the drains aren’t professionally maintained. A grease trap cleaning service will determine how often a cleaning is needed by calculating the daily use of the grease trap.
Toilets and drains in restaurants can also become clogged from neglected septic systems. All of the wastewater from a restaurants flows into the septic tank, and it should be pumped by a professional on a regular basis to prevent backups and major, costly repairs to the system.
Professional Drain Cleaning and Septic Pumping
Today, professional companies use tiny video cameras to diagnose grease problems in the system lines. This helps determine where there is a root issue, break or crack in the line. Depending on the clog, our trained professionals utilize different equipment. Snaking or water jetting may be used to break through the clog and pull out any debris.
We also offer preventative maintenance plans to avoid breakages, overflows, clogs and backups. Customers can choose a plan that best meets their needs, including jetting the lines once a quarter, pumping the non-hazardous waste systems and complete inspections. Preventative maintenance is the best defense against clogged lines and septic tank problems!
Blog, Drain Cleaning, Residential, Septic Emergency
How Baking Soda Can Help Prevent Septic Emergencies
If you own a residence or business that has a septic system you know that there is no getting around septic pumping service. It’s recommended that you have your septic tank pumped and inspected every 3 years, so if it’s been a while, you should really schedule septic service today. But if you end up having issues with the pipes, drains, or the septic system itself, you may have to schedule septic pumping service and inspections much more often.
This can end up costing you hundreds of extra dollars, not to mention putting too much wear and tear on your septic system. If your septic tank or leach field ends up having to be replaced it can cost you thousands of dollars! There are many ways to help take care of your septic system and one super easy and affordable way is to simply start using baking soda.
How does Baking Soda help you avoid septic system emergencies?
Simple, using baking soda mixed with other all natural ingredients can be used as an environmentally safe and natural cleaner for your toilet, sinks, tub, and drains. Using baking soda instead of harsh chemical cleaners such as bleach will keep all that important bacteria from being killed off. The good bacteria in your septic system is necessary because it breaks down all the waste that comes through the pipes.
Without the good bacteria you will end up with clogs, back-ups and odors that wear away at your septic tank and eventually cause a septic system emergency. Using baking soda is very easy.
You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!
Earth Care
EarthCare Septic Service: Town Spotlight: Hopewell Junction, NY
Within the Town of East Fishkill, NY in Dutchess County lies the tiny Hamlet of Hopewell Junction. At a mere ½ of a square mile and encompassing 376 individuals as of the 2010 census, this hamlet is unique and rich with history.
The first settler to Hopewell Junction was Aaron Van Vlack in the late 1700’s and was around the locations of 31 Route 376 according to nyhistoric.com. The tiny area was originally home to a railroad junction connecting the major railway systems of the Newburgh, Dutchess and Connecticut to the New York, New Haven and Hartford. Once a bustling metropolis, now a quite local of beautiful homes, stores, and even a four-story Antique Center which focuses on the rich history of the area. Approximately an hour from New York City, Hopewell Junction offers a quiet life for its residents with the option of visiting the hustle and bustle of the city for day or night out on the town. Many would say that living in such a local offers the best of both worlds, the quiet country life with the booming city at an easy drive away.
As with any property ownership, even in a picturesque local such as Hopewell Junction, NY, maintenance of those properties is a must. The recommendation is that a septic should be regularly pumped every 2-10 years, depending on your usage. Earthcare.us is your septic, grease and drain service experts. In Dutchess County, the County of Behavioral and Community Health has sketches of all locations within the County and the location of the Septic Systems on those properties. You can simply go to the county website to find the location of yours.
Our job is to keep your septic system operating as well as protecting you, your family and the environment. Last year alone we pumped 120,083,237 gallons from septic tanks, we really are the experts! Please contact us, you can visit our website, blog or call for an appointment or to find out more information about our services and how we can help you. Learn more about septic pumping in Hopewell Junction, NY here!
Earth Care
EarthCare Septic Service: Spotlight on Dingmans Ferry, PA
Dingmans Ferry and Andrew Dingman
At one time early in colonial history, circa 1735, the Delaware River marked the western frontier of the American Colonies. Andrew Dingman was a Dutchman from Kinderhook, NY, and was one of the first to settle in the area on the western (Pennsylvania) side of the river. The enterprising Dingman built a flatboat ferry to service commerce from the growing number of sawmills on the other side of the river in New Jersey. Over the years the ferry was replaced by three bridges, all administered by the descendants of Andrew Dingman.
Bridge engineering of the day wasn’t up to enduring the raging waters of the Delaware River, and after a third bridge was washed away by wind and water, the Dingmans wisely returned to the ferry service in 1860. The ferry operated until 1917 until it was finally retired permanently when it was replaced by the 4th and current Dingmans Bridge which is maintained with pride by the town to this day.
Today, the Dingmans Ferry community is a nature lovers dream, situated among waterfalls in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. EarthCare is proud to be part of the Dingmans Ferry community, doing our part to protect and preserve the environment with our team of septic experts. Learn more about septic pumping in Dingmans Ferry, PA!
EarthCare: Septic System Services and More For Dingmans Ferry, PA
Septic tank pumping on a regular and frequent basis is the best way to ensure that your home’s wastewater treatment system is operating in the way it was designed to protect local groundwater resources. But septic pumping is just one facet in our full range of plumbing and drain cleaning services.
Our septic and drain experts use tiny cameras to determine the exact causes of drain and septic problems. When drains are clogged by FOG, (fat oil, and grease) buildups we have the snaking tools and power-jetting capabilities to clear them quickly without using caustic chemicals which can damage pipes.
At EarthCare you can count on us as Dingmans Ferry’s best resource for all of your wastewater and drain maintenance needs. We have the septic experts who can design, install, repair and rejuvenate septic systems and grease traps for residential and commercial clients alike, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
Blog, Residential
Septic Covers and Safety
Regular pumping of the septic tank is important to maintain a healthy septic system. All septic tanks have between 2-3 covers to allow for service and inspection. Typically, a septic cover is round in shape and about the size of a man hole cover. A damaged or unsecured cover could lead to tragedy should someone fall through into the tank. EarthCare offers septic system cover replacement services, as well as other septic system repairs.
Septic Cover Replacement and Safety at EarthCare
Last year, tragedy struck in Jacksonville, FL when 3-year old Amari Harley fell into a septic tank due to an unsecured septic cover. The town of Jacksonville spent close to $1 million to install new locking covers to approximately 200 homes.
EarthCare takes septic cover safety seriously. At each service, our technicians inspect the condition of each septic cover. Once the covers to the system are exposed they are inspected for integrity and safety.
If our technician discovers a cover which is unsafe, his first action will be to secure and block off the area. He then reports the cover to his manager and customer service and remains onsite until the customer has been notified.
Septic System Cover Types
Septic covers are available in a variety sizes and types to fit the system. Our professional technician will always be on hand to consult with you about the best onsite options for your replacement covers. For example, green plastic covers can be used to blend naturally with the yard. If the cover is in an area where it would be weight-bearing, such as a parking lot or driveway, special load-bearing covers are used to ensure safety.
Contact EarthCare Today!
EarthCare offers the full range of septic and plumbing service for residential and commercial customers, so don’t hesitate to contact us!
Blog
EarthCare Septic Service in Holmes, New York
Holmes, NY is a little hamlet of around 3,500 people, located in the southwestern part of Pawling, NY. Located just west of the Connecticut border and about an hour north of New York City, Holmes is the home of Lake Bliss, a quiet, well-liked vacation destination. Though small, the area has served as the home of such notable historical figures as Thomas E. Dewey (ex-governor of New York and presidential candidate), the actor James Earl Jones, famed broadcaster Edward R. Murrow, and talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael.
With a median home price of a quarter-million dollars, low crime rates, and a peaceful setting, it’s a well-maintained town with well-maintained residences dotting the streets. Part of having a well-maintained residence, of course, is having your septic services handled by skilled, experienced professionals like the ones at EarthCare. Whether you own a house in the town or are fortunate enough to live by Lake Bliss itself, septic cleaning needs to be a routine part of your home’s upkeep. Not only does such maintenance ensure requisite parts of your septic system are replaced before they break, it helps limit the possibility of a badly clogged drain turning your dream home into a nightmare.
If you’re not sure how often your septic system needs to be maintained, our septic experts can advise you on an appropriate time frame based on your usage. And if you do have the misfortune of dealing with a clogged drain, EarthCare can free you from the pain quicker than any competitor or DIY solution. Our septic service covers all of Holmes and the surrounding town. Learn more about septic pumping in Holmes, NY, here.
At EarthCare, we aim to keep your septic system running at its peak for as long as you own your home. Whether you live in Holmes, NY, or elsewhere in southeastern NY and northern NJ, contact us for more information on our services and pricing.
Drain Cleaning
Preventative Maintenance Jetting For Your Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can be an annoying and costly problem for your business. Getting your drain regularly jetted can help to avoid this issue in the future. Read on to learn more about preventative maintenance jetting, and how it can help prevent expensive repairs in the future.
Drain jetting is a process where water is sprayed from a tank, and down into the drain at a high velocity, easily cleaning and clearing out any soft blockages. It’s a highly effective technique that uses a specialized hose to navigate all the twists and turns in your pipes, so it can get all the difficult to reach spots.
It’s a great idea to have your drains regularly jetted, even if you aren’t having problems with clogged drains. This is because the high-pressure water jet can help to prevent any future blockages. If there’s a bit of waste, grease, minerals, or debris building up in your drain, preventative jetting will clear it out before it becomes a full clog. While there are many options for keeping your drains clean, hydro jetting tends to be the most effective, because, unlike other methods, it cleans the walls of your drain as well. Getting your drains jetted every few months can save you time and money in the future, so you don’t have to wait for an emergency plumber to come bail you out when your drain gets clogged. It’s a smart investment for any business owner!
So if you’re tired of always having to call a plumber for that clogged drain, or simply want to prevent other clogs from forming in the future, consider getting your drains jetted every few months. If you’d like more information on preventative maintenance jetting, or other commercial plumbing services, contact us. EarthCare is proud to offer commercial, municipal, and residential plumbing services.
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Septic 101: Make Septic Maintenance Part of Spring Cleaning
Are you ready to start your spring cleaning? Spring is right around the corner, and for many, it won’t come soon enough. The warming weather means the snow will soon be gone and outside activities will become the norm again. Spring is a time of rebirth which leads to spring cleaning, yard beautification projects, barbecues, and playing in the grass. As the snow melts and you prepare for warm weather, remember that spring is the ideal time to check your septic system and perform septic maintenance.
Performing regular maintenance is essential to avoiding failure of your septic system, and when you compare the few hundred dollars you spend on routine upkeep, with the thousands of dollars that a malfunctioning system can cost, the value of maintenance is apparent. Preventative maintenance can save you plenty when it comes to your septic system and eliminates costly repairs. The EPA recommends several septic tips to ensure that your system is working as it should.
According to the EPA, systems need inspected and pumped on a regular basis by a trained, certified contractor. You should avoid disposing of fats, grease, or solids down the drain. Try to control water use and avoid overloading the system, don’t decide to wash laundry, operate the dishwasher, and shower at the same time. If you notice a plumbing leak, fix it immediately and consider installing an aerator on faucets. Make sure that you never drive or park over the leaching area or tank where the weight of your vehicle can cause damage to underground pipes and disrupt underground flow.
Ensuring that your septic system is in good repair will protect your property value and protect you from any potential legal liability that could arise from a disrupted septic system. Experts recommend implementing a customized program, including regular pumping, scheduled replacement of the septic filter, and the monitoring and adding of the correct regimen of bacterial additive products. Preventative maintenance performed by a reputable service provider will ensure the system runs smoothly and provide peace of mind this spring.
To learn more about septic maintenance or anything else contact us today.
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Septic 101: Septic System Design and Installation at EarthCare
New Septic System Installation
At EarthCare our septic system technicians are experts at repairing and maintaining existing septic systems, but there are situations when only a completely new septic system can resolve troublesome septic problems. To determine the needs of your system, contact us today!
Additions to the home or adding a new swimming pool to the property can be situations requiring a code compliant septic system, and EarthCare has the engineering design and installation expertise to guide you through every step of the new septic system installation process. We’re thoroughly familiar with town building codes and can handle the red tape involved with permits and soil testing to ensure that your septic system design is 100% compliant with local codes and regulations.
Septic Design
All septic systems have certain elements in common including the septic tank, distribution boxes, and the leach field for absorption of wastewater in the surrounding soil. The conditions for installing these components though vary for each property. Varying levels between the house and the leach field location, the surrounding soil’s ability to absorb liquid, and the number of people residing in the household will all affect the septic system design.
If there are already many existing septic systems in close operation, or existing systems are too close to groundwater or surface water, the new installation septic system design will have to accommodate these conditions.
Alternative Septic Systems
Alternative septic systems are the solution for many areas which don’t have suitable soil conditions required for a standard septic system. If soil testing reveals that your existing soil can’t adequately handle the wastewater treatment demands of safe absorption and natural filtering, alternative septic systems are the answer. They use peat, sand, or plastic media for wastewater treatment. Some systems incorporate lagoons, aerators, or disinfection devices to promote treatment.
Alternative septic systems use technology requiring pumps, float switches, and other mechanical and electrical components. After installation, they’ll require extra maintenance and should be inspected yearly. At EarthCare we can provide regularly scheduled preventative maintenance to keep your alternate septic system optimized and prevent potential problems before they occur. Learn more about our installation services!
Septic Pumping and Maintenance Of Your New Septic System
Once your new system is up and running the best maintenance is preventative maintenance. Earthcare can provide regularly scheduled septic pumping to remove solid waste buildup captured by the septic tank, a crucial step to keeping solid waste from blocking flow throughout the rest of the system. Our 3-step septic maintenance program is a simple and effective way to avoid costly backups and septic repairs.
EarthCare offers the full range of septic and plumbing services for residential and commercial customers alike, including septic pumping, septic system rejuvenation, pipelining, drain cleaning, and grease trap maintenance. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all of your septic system and wastewater treatment needs.
Blog
Our 14-point Grease Trap Inspection Keeps Your Food Service Business Open
Avoid Shutdowns With 14-Point Grease Trap Inspection
As grease hardens it can clog community sewer systems as well as causing health code violations when clogged drains cause backups to your place of business. Professional food service providers create large quantities of grease during the course of normal daily operations, and in NJ grease traps are mandatory to remain in compliance with State Code 7.9A-81, as reported in this informative article at bizfluent.
The code requires T-baffles, as well as manhole covers which are gastight and able to safely handle expected loads. Grease trap inspection can prevent problems before they occur, keeping your food service business running profitably and giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your grease trap is in complete compliance with state regulations.
14 Point Inspection With Every Grease Trap Cleaning
At EarthCare our commercial customers can rely on a thorough 14-point grease trap inspection. We don’t simply breeze in, skim off the topmost layer of grease and call it a day. Our experienced EarthCare professionals will inspect all of the following components:
- Inspect cover
- Inspect gaskets
- Inspect bolts
- Inspect rods
- Inspect baffle
- Inspect baskets
- Inspect for rust
- Check flow of trap
- Check for leaks
- Advise on frequency of drain cleaning services
- Inspect strainers
- Inspect screens
- Advise of frequency changes
- Compile a complete condition report on every visit
Inside Grease Trap Maintenance at EarthCare
No business should have to shut down and risk losing regular paying customers due to grease buildup. Our technicians take the time to scrape down the walls of the trap and baffles to ensure that any hidden problems with the trap’s integrity are uncovered. Our professionals are thoroughly familiar with local grease trap codes and regulations and we can advise you on the recurring cleaning frequency to remain in compliance, as well as to keep your wastewater system flowing at peak performance.
Our 14 point grease trap inspection service is the best maintenance plan available for businesses in the food industry ranging from restaurants and school cafeterias to retirement homes. At EarthCare we offer the full range of plumbing, pipelining, septic pumping, and wastewater system services for commercial and residential customers alike, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
