Homeownership and home maintenance go hand in hand. But maintenance needs to be done year-round to prevent seasonal issues, like wintertime sewer and septic system problems. So, since winter weather (especially rain and snow) can take a toll on home drains, it’s important that you know when to seek help. Let’s look at a few plumbing problems that may call for professional septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN this winter:
- Leaky pipes: While there are all sorts of reasons for a leaking pipe, weather changes are the most common (that is, unless there’s obvious pipe damage). In the warmer months, or if your pipes are exposed to sudden warm air during winter, piping might expand enough to cause a pressure buildup at the seals. In winter, temperatures drop—sometimes to below freezing—which can lead to pipes contracting; they basically shrink down. Older pipe seals and pipe connectors have been known to give way sufficiently for leaks to spring. Damaged connections are also usual suspects.
- Frozen pipes: In areas of the country where it gets well below freezing, plumbing experts recommend you insulate or otherwise warm your home’s septic piping. These suggestions are to avoid structure-damaging pipe bursts. And if the fact that your pipes are frozen is not enough to irritate you, consider the implications should a pipe burst inside one of your walls. You may not even notice a pipe problem inside a wall right away, which can result in mold growth, mildew and serious water damage.
- Cracked pipes: In winter, cracked pipes are usually due to extreme cold weather hanging around for an extended period of time. Weak or old piping is most susceptible to cracking, but it could also be associated with poor installation or using low quality materials. You certainly don’t want the pipes leading to your septic tank to rupture!
- Clogged pipes: Septic system clogs are an all-too-common year-round issue. Really think about just how many drains run from your home and empty out into the septic tank. So, if you are using your kitchen garbage disposal as a garbage can, not using hair catchers in the showers, flushing non-toilet paper items and pouring hazardous chemicals down drains, bad things—like major clogs—are likely to happen.
- Indoor flooding: If you have a septic tank, then seasonal maintenance is a must. Otherwise, you could end up learning the hard way come winter. A full tank can overflow and a cracked tank can leak, causing toxic, stinky septic water to pool in your yard above where the tank is buried. Even worse, clogs and frozen pipes can lead to backed-up water flooding into your home, making it smell terrible and creating all sorts of costly damage to the structure and your possessions.
Don’t suffer through wintertime plumbing problems. Instead, call on the experts at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services to come help you tackle unexpected sewer or septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN. Contact us as soon as you notice issues to avoid bigger, more expensive problems down the line.