Logo
(952) 440-1800Call today!
Prior Lake, MN
  • Home
  • Drain Services
  • Septic Services
  • Our Team
  • Our Equipment
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Reviews
    • Feedback
Home» Septic Maintenance » How to Prepare Your Septic System for the Winter

How to Prepare Your Septic System for the Winter

Posted by Writer - November 16, 2020 - Septic Maintenance
0

Whether you’re headed to warmer climes for the winter or you plan to stick it out in Minnesota, taking proper care of your septic tank in Prior Lake, MN is the key to ensuring you don’t get any nasty surprises when spring rolls around. Your septic system can freeze in subzero temperatures, which can cause major problems. Here’s how to get your septic system ready for the cold weather.

If you’re planning to use your septic system during the winter, not all of these steps will apply. If you have questions, be sure to ask your local septic contractor for assistance.

Get an inspection

Autumn is a great time to have your local septic company perform a system inspection. You should be getting annual inspections to ensure that your septic components are working, there are no leaks and everything is operating properly. Your contractor will also be able to tell you whether it’s time to pump your septic tank in Prior Lake, MN or if you can let that go for a bit longer.

Winterize the pipes

If you’re leaving your home for the winter, you’ll need to drain the pipes so they won’t freeze and crack. Shut off the water main and open all faucets to let them drain. Flush the toilets a few times until the water no longer fills the tank and bowl. Drain all appliances, including your water heater. Completely empty your septic system’s pressure tank. Once your lines have been completely drained, add septic-safe antifreeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Finally, make sure your furnace (if it will be left on for the winter) isn’t dripping water into your pipes.

Pump the tank

If your septic contractor suggests pumping the tank before you take off for the winter, be sure to do so. When the cold weather sets in, any sewage in your tank can freeze. Even when the temperatures start to warm up again, cold effluent will leave your tank for the drain field, making it more difficult for the tank and soil to treat it properly.

Insulate the drain field

Keeping your septic system in good shape means you get to cross mowing off your to-do list. Starting in September, you can go ahead and let the grass grow. This helps insulate your drain field and pipes so they won’t freeze. If you’ve been mowing faithfully, you can spread leaves over the drain field or buy special insulated blankets for this purpose.

Keep traffic off the drain field

All traffic needs to stay off the drain field. Disturbing the soil can push the frost deeper into the ground, causing your pipes and tank to freeze. Don’t allow anyone to drive or walk over the drain field, unless you’re mowing the grass. Don’t plow snow, either—let it sit until it melts naturally.

Following these steps for proper care and feeding of your septic tank in Prior Lake, MN will help keep your system safe. For help winterizing your septic system, call the team at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services today.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

5
January 20, 2021 Ken Deja
"The greatest service I ever had. Great to work with I called this morning they didn’t answer and I didn’t leave a message but they call..."
January 4, 2021 Nick Bedeaux
"Very reliable on time service! Fixed my clogged septic drain in minutes. Ton of knowledge on septic systems and would highly recommend to an..."
July 5, 2020 Melissa Manning
"Matt and Robin came out right away to help us this morning with a septic issue and thank goodness because not only did they service our sys..."
June 29, 2020 Jason Lybarger
"I called Mike's when I started to hear some gurgling drains and the water starting to show/rise in my basement clean-out. The customer servi..."
June 15, 2020 ReNae Jirak
"Great to work with Friendly and Fast!"
MN State Septic License #2899

Certified Septic Maintainer
Certified Septic Inspector
Certified Pipe Layer
google.png
binged.png
bbb.png
youtube.png
BBB

Learn More!

Contact Us

Location

Mike's Septic & McKinley Sewer Services
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Phone: (952) 440-1800

Business Hours

open
© 2023 Mike's Septic & McKinley Sewer Services | Terms and Conditions