Winter can be a dicey time for septic tanks. It can be a disaster if septic systems freeze, so septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN performed both by you and the professionals can be essential. Many winter mishaps involving septic tanks can cut off your access to water for days, so the risk is not worth it. Here are five tips to avoid a septic system freeze in the cold months ahead:
- Request hot jetting: Using water jets is an effective way to clean pipes and septic tanks. When you take the same jets and use hot water, you have an excellent strategy for preventing a freeze. High-powered hot water cleans and thaws a septic system. If you are due for maintenance, arrange to have hot jetting performed as well. This extra precaution can go a long way in assuring that your system stays functional this winter.
- Build up mulch: Natural insulation for pipes and the tank plays a big role in preventing pipe and tank freezes. When spring hits and you are performing landscaping, move eight to 12 inches of mulch over pipes, the tank and any soil treatment systems. Straw, leaves, old hay or any other loose vegetation you may consider composting can provide this insulation. Even with the ground being frozen, adding vegetation will help. However, only add natural insulation if your system is not frozen already. Once it freezes, it needs to be accessible for repairs and thawing. Mulch will prevent that.
- Keep the hot water running: Run your warm water every day. Start the dishwasher, use the warmest water temperature possible on your loads of laundry and take hot showers. Like the hot jetting, the consistent flow of warm water will thaw the tank and pipes. You do not need to run warm water all the time, and in fact, doing so will overload your system. However, making sure you run the hot water every day, even for a few minutes, will prevent that from happening. In fact, if you are out of town, ask your neighbor or house sitter to run the warm water regularly.
- Fix the leaks: If your pipes are leaking, they are more likely to freeze. Repair leaks as you discover them, and never let them linger during the winter. If you suspect a leak, arrange for an inspection just to be sure. Otherwise, you will pay more for a serious problem later. It is a good idea to stay on schedule with your septic system inspections anyway, because the systems are vulnerable, especially during cold weather.
- Pay attention: Winter is the worse time of year to neglect your septic system. Keep watch for seeping or ponding, since a frozen tank can breach, giving you a dreaded cold weather catastrophe. Call in a professional as soon as you see these conditions so the cause is neutralized sooner.
Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services is available for the septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN and hot jetting that can prevent freezes this winter. Call us today to schedule an appointment.