With fall already underway, winter isn’t too far behind here in Minnesota (unfortunately). Therefore, it’s important you spend the next couple months performing whatever prep work you need to do around your house to make sure you’re fully prepared for the long, cold winter months ahead.
Your septic system is one of the parts of your property that requires some attention before winter sets in. With this in mind, here are just a few steps you can take with your septic system prep in Prior Lake, MN to get it ready to go this winter.
Focus on insulation
Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on any part of a septic system, so it’s important to make sure that each component has been properly insulated so it can make it through freezing temperatures without issue. At the end of the year, you can allow your grass to grow extra thick over the top of the entire system (from the tank to the drain field), which can help to protect it from frost. You can also add a layer of mulch, hay, leaves or straw on top of the system, at least several inches deep, which can keep the ground underneath warm.
Avoid weighing it down
You should always make it a point to keep heavy items and equipment off of the grass in areas over the septic system, but this is especially important during the winter months, when freezing, compacted soil and large amounts of snow place much more weight on top of the system than usual. Avoid running snowmobiles or snow plows on top of these areas, and even try to avoid foot traffic over your system whenever possible.
Cover up new systems
A newer septic system might still have bare soil surrounding it. This is why the first winter is always the hardest for a new septic system. It’s a good idea to invest in some extra mulch and other loose materials to cover up any bare soil that exists over the tank and drain field, since you won’t have the option of simply letting your grass grow longer than usual.
Prevent drips
Drips and leaks can result in water trickling back into the system, which can make an ice buildup inside the system more likely. If a pipe freezes, it could burst and result in some significant damage both inside and outside of the home. For this reason, you should carefully analyze your entire system and fix all leaks you discover before the winter hits. It can also help to keep warm water flowing through the system at regular intervals throughout the winter. This means spreading out laundry for regular doses of warm water to the system, as well as taking hot baths and using the dishwasher. This doesn’t mean you should constantly run the water in your home, but spreading out your usage of hot water can help prevent the system from freezing.
For more information about septic system maintenance in Prior Lake, MN, contact Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services today.