Did you know that cold winter weather can put additional stress on your septic system? This stress leads to problems that can cause serious damage to your septic system and result in poor performance. Luckily, with some understanding of how the system works, these issues can be prevented. Here are some of the most common wintertime septic tank problems you should know about in order to avoid costly septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN.
Compacted soil and snow above the system
Driving any vehicle over the snow above your septic tank or drain field can compact the snow. Compacted snow plus freezing cold temperatures can make the soil above your system compact as well, making the soil less effective at insulating your tank. What’s more is that compacted drain field soil prevents wastewater from properly filtering and draining. Avoiding these issues is possible. Remember to aerate your soil before the cold weather settles in your area, and don’t drive over the areas where your tank and drain field are located.
Frozen septic tank components
It’s possible for snow, frost and icy water to get down into your septic system, which can freeze vulnerable components and potentially lead to the whole system freezing over. Frozen components will undoubtedly slow down the metabolic rate of anaerobic bacteria in your septic tank, which means the waste in the tank will not be able to be broken down like it’s meant to. However, this tank problem can be avoided when you use an insulating cover or blanket to keep your septic system warm during the cold winter months. Also, let warm water run through the septic system everyday to lower its risk of freezing.
Problem pipes
Pipe leaks and clogs at any time of the year can lead to improper drainage, but leaks during the cold winter months can cause water to freeze. This can damage your septic system and its components. Additionally, clogs during winter can cause wastewater to accumulate and freeze in the pipes, resulting in damage to the system. It can even contaminate your household’s drinking water. Your best defense against these issues includes fixing leaky pipes prior to cold spells and taking care of clogs and leaks as soon as possible.
Difficulty pumping out the tank
If you’ve already gone through a couple winters with your septic system, then you know it can be more difficult to pump your septic tank in freezing weather. During the winter, the ground may be hard and frozen, and when combined with snow on the lawn, digging in the soil to reach your septic tank can prove difficult. This doesn’t mean tank pumping is impossible in the colder months, but it’s definitely harder and not the ideal time to perform this type of maintenance. If you can, get the tank pumped early, before the ground freezes.
To ensure your septic tank and system function well all year and last a long time, be sure to schedule regular septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN with Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services. Call us today for more information!