Septic system clogs and pipe damage are a nuisance any time of the year, but winter is an especially terrible season to run into such issues. The soil may be hard, putting the tank out of reach to make repairs. Heavy rain storms can drop so much water that your septic tank floods and overflows into your yard, or worse, sewage backs up inside your home.
If you are looking for wintertime septic tips in Prior Lake, MN, read on! Here’s what you need to know and do to ensure a problem-free winter.
Insulate the tank
Cold winter weather can take a toll on septic systems—especially the septic tank itself. The best thing you can do to protect your in-ground tank from freezing temperatures is insulate it. Don’t worry—it’s not as nerve-racking to do as it sounds. One way to insulate the tank is by using an insulating blanket or cover that spreads over the tank. Placing bushy plants around your tank area is another option, but be sure you don’t buy plants with invasive root systems. A warm tank can prevent components and waste from freezing, which can damage the system.
Aerate the ground
The soil surrounding your septic tank and pipes needs to be properly aerated to allow water to pass through. If the soil is packed in your drain field, wastewater will not be able to filter into clean groundwater. In other words, the wastewater in a drain field that cannot function properly will become contaminated groundwater. It’s also capable of damaging your septic system. Aerating the soil in winter can be difficult—the soil can be compacted by snow falling on top, and the ground can freeze. Aerating the soil before the ground freezes is your best defense against improper drainage.
Pump the tank
You want to pump your septic tank on a regular schedule, but keep in mind that tank pumping can be challenging in winter. During winter, the ground is hard and frozen, and snow may collect on your lawn, all of which can make digging down to reach the tank a difficult task. That’s not to say that it’s impossible to do this type of septic maintenance in winter—it just requires more patience.
Fix problems with the system
Keep an eye on septic system parts and connections every winter. Leaky pipes can freeze during the colder months, and a frozen leaky pipe that thaws can wind up bursting. Clogged pipes can also be trouble. When water cannot pass through a pipe, it’ll sit there and freeze. And frozen pipes will have to thaw, at which point they can burst. Don’t get stuck with hefty repair bills this winter! Avoiding these issues is as easy as fixing leaks as soon as you notice them and scheduling a professional to come clean clogged drains and pipes.
If you have a septic system, don’t ignore important winter maintenance in Prior Lake, MN. Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services’ septic experts are ready to help. Call us today!