A freezing winter can freeze the liquids inside your septic system. The freezing can damage some parts of the system, interfere with waste treatment, and prevent you from using the system as usual. Take these tips to prevent such problems.
Encourage Insulation
The most critical step is to prevent winter temperatures from reaching and affecting the septic system. An insulation layer between the air and the buried septic systems can help. Focus on the septic parts likely to experience freezing problems, such as the tank, lift station, and outlet and inlet pipes. Below are some insulation tips.
Don't Shovel Off All the Snow
Snow is good for insulation. Don't shovel snow over the buried septic system. If the snow is too much and you must shovel it, don't shovel off all of it, leave a bit to provide insulation. In addition, do not compact the snow over the septic tank and other parts since loose snow insulates better than compacted snow.
Don't Mow the Grass
Vegetation over the septic area also insulates the underground materials. Therefore, stop mowing the grass over the septic system until the freezing weather passes.
Add Insulation
Add a few inches of materials over the septic system. Leaves, mulch, hay, and similar organic materials work well. Spread a tarp over the organic materials to keep them dry and in place.
Plug Plumbing Leaks
Trickling water from taps or faucets can prevent frozen water pipes. However, the same is not true for septic systems, so do not let the water trickle into the drainage pipes. Otherwise, the water might freeze and cause septic blockages. On the same note, ensure you do not have plumbing leaks since they might cause the same problems for your septic system as the trickling taps.
Use the Septic System
An unused septic system is more susceptible to freezing than one in use. Do not be afraid to use the septic system because the weather is freezing. Use the system to keep the water flowing from the house to the septic field, reducing the risks of freezing. Rent out your house to temporary guests to keep the septic system active if you are not around.
Pump the Tank
Pump the tank before the winter season, especially if you won't use the septic system during the freezing weather. That way, the tank will be empty, and nothing will freeze.
Hopefully, your septic system will survive the winter season without freezing-related damages. Maintain your septic system so it doesn't malfunction every time the weather changes. Contact a septic service for diagnosis and repair if the septic system malfunctions.
Share22 February 2023
Hi there, I am Wes Nelson. When I lived in my first home, I discovered the plumbing connected directly to a septic system on the land. The septic system consisted of a tank, lines and leach field that processed the waste. I had to quickly learn how the septic system worked to keep it in good shape. I had to pay close attention to the substances I sent down the drains or flushed down the toilet. I did not want to disrupt the colonies of bacteria hard at work processing the waste products. On this site, I would like to help others keep their septic system in good working order by sharing the information I discovered. Please visit again soon.
