The first thing you want to do at the start of spring is make sure that the portable toilet is accessible to trucks. After a long winter freeze, the portable toilet may have been barricaded by snow, ice or mud. As the ground thaws it’s a great time to ensure that your portable toilet is located in an area that’s easy to access for proper pumping and cleaning.

If you have been operating portable toilets with a tank system, it was most likely necessary for you to have had a heat source running directly into the unit ensuring the contents would not freeze. You can now unplug the heating system and rely on the natural heat of the sun to do the same job that electricity had to do before. The last thing you want to do is burn the contents of the tank and by unplugging the system you can effectively save money on your energy costs.  Not everyone utilizes these systems.

A general tip is to never dispose of items like paper towels or feminine products into a portable toilet. In the winter, these items run the risk of clogging the unit and then freezing causing major disruption. In the spring and summer months, these items can be just as debilitating by blocking the piping system. So it’s a good standard of practice to avoid these items year-round.

Hopefully with proper winterizing techniques the portable toilet has been maintained. If so, then the transition into the spring and summer months will be no problem and will mostly involve small tasks like unplugging a 120v cord, or repositioning the unit. However, if winterizing precautions were not taken then it’s mostly a waiting game in which you wait for the contents of the unit to thaw and return to liquid form to be pumped. If properly maintained throughout the winter than the transition into spring should be no problem. All that has to be done is a thorough cleaning and sanitizing and you’re back in business.

Nix Tank Company has been serving the Gainesville, North Georgia and Atlanta areas for over 40 years.  Contact us today for portable toilet rental, servicing or for a free quote.  We’re happy to help you meet your needs.

The good news is that portable restroom rental doesn’t have to be a headache. In fact, this should be the least of your worries when planning and outdoor event simply because after renting them you shouldn’t have to think about them. Allowing the stalls to be professionally pumped and cleaned routinely throughout your event will ensure that your guests are accommodated.

However, there is some planning involved. There are three main things to consider when renting portable toilets.

First, what kinds of stalls are appropriate for the event? A wedding and an outside music festival are two very different events. A portable toilet for a wedding will most likely be different than one for a music festival in terms of amenities, such as space and hand washing sinks. Be sure to rent the right stall for the right event.

After you’ve decided on the types of portable restrooms to use, it’s important to discern how many people will be attending the event. The expected guest tally will influence the number of portable toilets you rent and of course it’s always better to go a bit higher than lower on this issue. There’s nothing worse than ineffective portable restrooms.

The last thing to consider is where to put the stalls. Again, depending on the event, this will vary. If they’re being used at a small to midsize wedding, a good way to camouflage the stalls is to place them under a tent and grouped together. However, if this is a large county fair then placing them around the perimeter in different places for ease of access is probably a better strategy.

Renting portable toilets for an outdoor event is something that has to be done. But if executed correctly, it doesn’t have to be stressful before, during, or after the occasion. This is definitely a ‘get what you pay for’ rental and it’s better to over plan than not. To make your outdoor event go off without a hitch, provide your guests the accommodations they deserve.  Contact us today for more information on our toilets and the right number for your event.  Our quotes are free and easy

Essentially a septic system consists of chambers that move wastewater in and out. The wastewater from the house flows into the tank and is separated into three parts; the sludge layer that consists of heavier material that settles on the bottom, the scum layer that floats to the top of the tank, and the middle layer which is essentially bacteria-heavy water that helps break down solid waste. For every gallon of wastewater that goes in, a gallon of water is expelled from the second chamber into a drainfield. To ensure that the water going into the drainfield is as clean as possible it’s important to make sure that the system is operating properly.

The most effective way in which to discern the health of your system is to hire a professionally trained inspector. This is an especially good idea if you’ve recently purchased a house with a septic system. The professional will observe and test the system and recommend any further action. Also, by testing the system, the inspector will be able to tell you what the tank is made of and about how long it will be before it has to be replaced.

When the tank should be pumped and cleaned is also crucial information that a certified technician can provide. Pumping and cleaning the tank is essential to the life of the system. A professional will be able to determine the proper time to pump and clean based on the level of the ‘sludge’ layer which rests at the bottom on the tank. If this layer is more than one-third the capacity of the tank, it’s time for service.

There are several great reasons to have your septic system inspected and maintained professionally. Mainly it’s to ensure the health and life of the system as a whole. A certified technician will not only be able to pump and clean it but will also be able to provide estimates as to how much longer the tank will last before needing to be replaced. All of this information is crucial to a fully functional and flowing septic system. This is indeed one of those things that is simple to maintain but also has to capacity for great distress in the event that something goes wrong.

Landfills are carefully orchestrated and managed locations that are federally regulated to protect both the environment and the employees who work there. As such, not just anything can be thrown into a dumpster and hauled away to a landfill. There are certain restrictions that should be adhered to for proper disposal.

The most obvious items not to throw into a traditional dumpster are chemicals. The types that are not allowed in a landfill are lead-based household cleaners, paint, pesticides, and anything else that may damage either the environment by seeping into the ground or the wildlife that feeds on refuse. All chemicals should be avoided for good measure but these are the most commonly used.

Batteries also have a separate disposal protocol and should not be thrown into a dumpster. This includes anything that’s attached to a battery as well such as a cellphone. Batteries contain things like lead, cadmium, mercury and other such materials that are harmful to the environment. However, places that sell batteries will take back used ones to dispose of properly.

In terms of physical safety, heavy materials should also be avoided. Asphalt, bricks, mortar, and concrete are all extremely heavy when they’ve dried and may cause injury to the dumpster itself or the staff that empties the receptacle.

Appliances and computers or computer accessories (such as hard drives) should not be thrown in a dumpster mainly for the same reasons as the batteries. They contain certain elements that as they degrade may cause environmental damage.

The good news is that for everything that cannot be placed in a traditional dumpster there exists a different container designed to handle whatever it is that needs to be thrown away. Auto repair shops will take in used oil from an oil change as well as tires that cannot be placed in a dumpster. And a special type of heavy duty dumpster can withstand the weight of concrete and bricks and seal-able drums can be used to dispose of hazardous waste or chemicals. If there is a question about a particular item it’s best to avoid it and call your local information hotline to determine whether or not a special disposal protocol is needed.

Most dumpster rental companies offer different types of dumpsters in different sizes. Because of these options, it’s easy for you to select the type you need and the size you want. Perhaps it’s just for recyclables or extremely heavy materials like bricks from a construction site. Either way, choosing the right size and type is relatively simple as long as you know what you’re using it for.

The obvious advantage to renting a dumpster is the size. It’s clear from the beginning of the project that using simple trashcans will be insufficient, so what’s the next step? You could always pile the trash in the back of a pick-up truck to save money but in the end, if you have to take multiple trips to the dump and stop work to do so then it’s likely that this money saving technique wasn’t really worth it.

Also, because it’s a rental, the dumpster will be dropped off and hauled away by the company that rented it at your convenience. This is a major plus. Essentially you have one huge garbage can that can hold all of your refuse and will be taken out by someone else. This is a huge time saver.

No matter how big or how small your project is, renting a dumpster will save you both hassle and time. This is absolutely a ‘get what you pay for’ scenario and it will become evident quickly that you made the right decision to rent a dumpster.

To avoid common problems with septic systems, like a clog, it’s important to understand how the system works. All of the water that’s used in your home drains into a large tank and is separated into solids, water, and what’s called a ‘scum layer’ that sits on top. The water in the middle contains types of bacteria that act as a fertilizer. Once new water flows into the tank, the other is pumped out into a drainfield.

Needless to say, there are several components to a 1,000 gallon septic system with the potential to cause problems. However, these problems are generally easy to prevent so long as you take the necessary steps to do so. General maintenance is the key.

Take care to avoid flushing certain things down the toilet and placing certain foods in your kitchen’s garbage disposal. Avoiding even these two things will save a lot of hassle. Things like paper towels and feminine protection products are not designed to be flushed into a septic system the way that toilet paper is. As such, these items do not dissolve effectively and can clog your system. Similarly, certain foods should also not be placed in a sink even with a garbage disposal. The point of a garbage disposal is to chop small food items so they don’t get caught in the system. Large and/or thick foodstuffs like watermelon rinds should be simply thrown in the trashcan rather than placed in a garbage disposal. Similarly, grease can become extremely problematic because as it cools, it hardens making it easy for the pipes to become clogged.

Every two to three years, hire a certified, professional septic tank specialist to service the system. The professional will pump, clean, and inspect the septic system which will absolutely prevent future problems.

By combining both short term and long term preventative measures, your septic system should definitely perform for as long as the tank and pipes hold. Just like any other product that’s used daily, the life of the system depends on care and maintenance. Luckily, this is simple and consists of routine inspection and common sense practices.

A septic system consists of two main parts; the tank itself located closer to the home, and the drainfield, located further away. The sewage and wastewater drain into the tank and separate. Overtime, the solid waste decomposes while the liquid flows into the drainfield. From there, the pollutants and germs of the wastewater are filtered out through the soil, which contains natural chemicals that break down wastewater germs and bacteria. Needless to say, it’s important to keep the system clean and in proper working order to avoid overflow and clogs.

Clogs are generally the most troublesome issues encountered with a septic system, and there are certain things that will easily block the system. Things like diapers, and paper towels are pretty obvious things to avoid but coffee grounds? Yes. Coffee grounds can also cause clogs, as well as cooking oil or grease. The reason is because these things, especially the grease, will harden in the pipes causing them to narrow and become blocked. Also, if you have an in-home garbage disposal, use it sparingly. The food washed down the drain that isn’t completely shredded may become clogged in the pipes causing future issues.

Overflow is also a common issue with septic systems. A properly designed system will not need to be pumped or drained for about three years. However, after that time and depending on how much water the house uses, it’s absolutely essential to have the system pumped and cleaned by a certified professional. Otherwise the system becomes overflowed and will not be able to separate the solids and liquids properly.

Certain vegetation may be grown and maintained over the drainfield and is, in fact, beneficial for the system. Grass and small plants are perfectly fine but vegetation with a deep root system may become problematic. The roots of something like a tree may grow into the pipes causing them the crack or break entirely. This is a costly issue to fix because it’s likely the entire yard will have to be excavated to replace the broken pipe.

General maintenance on a septic system is simple. Be cautious about what does down the drain, avoiding things like diapers, paper towels, coffee grounds and cooking grease. Also, have the tank pumped regularly by a professional to keep the system in proper working order. Lastly, do not plant trees over the drainfield and if there is a chance that an already growing tree could breech the system, have it removed. It’s much easier to cut down a tree than it is to have your entire backyard uprooted to fix a broken pipe.

For more information about our septic tank services to Atlanta and surrounding areas of Buford and Lawrenceville contact us today or visit our septic FAQ’s page today.  We’re here to serve you and your septic needs, when you need it.

Pumping, draining, and cleaning a septic tank system isn’t an easy thing to do. You may consider paying someone to mow your lawn to be a bit extravagant but pumping and cleaning a septic tank is not. To be accomplished quickly, efficiently and, most of all, properly, it requires a contractor with the right amount of experience and equipment to do the job right. It’s one thing to cut the wrong patch of grass but it’s an entirely different thing to improperly drain your sewage and wastewater.

Also, not only does it have to be pumped, drained, cleaned and inspected, but whatever wastewater that’s been pulled out of the system has to be hauled away to another facility. A watertight tank and proper transportation are required for this.

Having your tank professionally cleaned isn’t a big expense. Depending on how much water the house uses, a good tank will only have to be serviced every three to five years. However, if you attempt to do it yourself and something goes wrong, the cost of cleanup and repair can be high.

Cleaning a septic tank is a job for our professional contractors. All you have to do is wait for the professional to arrive and direct them to the tank and that’s the end of the story. Is the removal of your wastewater and sewage really something you want to leave up to amateurs?

At Nix Tank Company we offer a wide variety of septic services in Atlanta and surrounding areas.  To learn more about our services, inspections and other specialties contact us today.  We’re here to serve you.

Minimized Messes

One of the most convenient features of having on site roll-off dumpster access is minimized mess.  Many home renovations can be a nightmare if you’re living in the house during the renovation.  Being able to move waste immediately outside, away from the areas not being renovated can reduce the amount of mess tracked to other areas of the house.

Reduced Chance of Injury

Many injuries that happen during renovations are unavoidable, while others tend to result from a cluttered workspace.  Being able to remove material that could lead to an injury can save you a huge headache during your renovation.  This can also help reduce waste materials around the house if it’s being occupied while renovations take place.  Having a safe home during a renovation is important, and can be easy with on-site roll-off dumpsters.

Flexibility

Many home renovations take longer than expected.  Not having a waste roll-off on site can be a nightmare when waste is constantly being removed from the renovation site.  With Nix Tank Company, you’re able to set a pick up date or opt to call us when you need the roll-off picked up once the job is done.  We also have driveway friendly roll-off dumpsters that won’t damage your driveway.  Every project can be have unexpected problems, having a flexible disposal resource just outside your door can save you a lot of stress in your renovation.

If you’re considering a renovation or find yourself in too deep in renovation waste contact us today.  Our experienced sales team is here to help you find the roll-off dumpster you need, delivered to you on budget.  See what Nix Tank Company can do for you today.

• Crowd – One of the most difficult parts of establishing portable toilet need is the number of people that will be using them.  For closed events this isn’t necessarily a problem as you know how many people will be in attendance.  With public events, it’s far too common to find an overdemand for portable toilets.  Overestimating on public needs is a way to ensure you are able to handle a crowds portable demands.  For construction, estimating portable needs is easier but still needs to be calculated appropriately.  We suggest that 1 unit accounts for 10 workers on site for a standard 40 hour work week.  If your work weeks tend to be longer it’s a safe assumption this ratio will serve fewer workers.
• Timeframe – Possibly the most dramatic difference in event portable needs and construction needs is the timeframe they are needed.  Most portable toilets at events are used for a few hours, a day, or a few days duration.  For construction sites, the portable toilets are used over a number of days, months and even years.  Timeframe is most important to consider for cleaning and servicing of the portable toilets.  Although events can be shorter in duration than construction projects, it’s important if they span a number of days that you consider having them serviced between days if a large enough crowd is present.   It’s also important that construction projects consider the variety of service options available outside of our weekly standard service.
• Wear – Many events take place over long weekends or over a given day in one location, while construction projects are also in one given location but often under very different circumstances.  For events, the duration of use is much smaller, but the crowds can produce a large amount of mess quickly.  For construction sites, mud,  weather and the constant abuse portable toilets undergo can really take a toll on the toilets.   That’s why Nix Tank Company trust that regardless of conditions, our portable toilets are safe for the environment and sanitary for the users.  Our high quality toilets can handle the demand of constant traffic of event goers as well as the wear and tear of construction sites, inclement weather and extended periods of use.  You can trust the products we provide you regardless of your event or construction needs.

Contact us for more information about our portable applications, servicing options or to get a quote for your weekend event or long term construction project.  Our experienced sales team is here to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, on budget and on time.