Unless you take the proper steps to prepare your septic system for the winter, there are a variety of problems that could occur with the system over the coldest months of the year. Here are just a few of the most common mistakes you should make sure to avoid when preparing your septic system for cold weather and caring for it during the winter months in Prior Lake, MN:
- Mowing your grass too short: During the summer, it’s a good idea to keep the grass trimmed over your septic system. However, you should stop mowing as you get close to the end of the growing season. Cutting the grass too low right before winter could remove some of the natural insulation longer grass and vegetation could provide your system over the winter months, which means you could experience potential issues with freezing. While you could rectify this problem with mulch if it’s a seasonal home you won’t be using again until spring, you wouldn’t want to use mulch if you’re planning on using the septic system all winter long, because it could inhibit evaporation.
- Letting faucets drip: There’s a common belief that leaving faucets open at a slight drip can help prevent frozen pipes, but this could be a problematic approach if you have a septic system. Regular use of water, particularly warm water, can prevent frozen pipes, but could also feed an ice clog if there’s one somewhere in your system. If you open up the faucets too wide, this could overwhelm your septic tank with water.
- Failing to perform simple maintenance: There are a variety of tasks you should perform before winter hits. Any necessary septic maintenance and repairs should be done before the ground freezes, so you can make sure the system is in perfect condition before the winter arrives. If needed, schedule your pumping and inspection before your first freeze.
- Plowing over the system: During the winter, you’re bound to get heavy snowfalls, but you should never run a plow on top of the septic system. It is imperative that you avoid letting any heavy equipment run over the system, as this could result in soil compaction that would damage the system’s natural ability to filter the wastewater. Plus, the snow can act as an extra insulating blanket for the system to keep it from freezing up.
- Exceeding the system’s limitations: The holiday season comes after the ground has frozen, and often features lots of gatherings with numerous people, placing an extra strain on your septic system. It’s important that you understand your system’s limitations before you invite the entire extended family over. Set whatever boundaries you need, including shower times and laundry loads, before you decide to have family stay with you for the holidays.
To learn more about some of the common septic tank winter mistakes you should avoid to keep your septic system in good condition throughout the winter months in Prior Lake, MN, contact the septic service experts at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services today.