If all the toilets won’t flush or the drains in your home have stopped draining properly, you might have a big problem on your hands. The first step is diagnosing what the problem might be so you can know how to fix it.
One thing that might be causing this problem is a frozen septic line. If the weather has been below freezing and the plumbing hasn’t been used much lately, this could cause an ice blockage to build up and clog the line. This could cause other plumbing problems down the road if you do not seek out septic tank services right away to fix it.
While septic tank services from an experienced professional septic company are the safest and easiest route, it may be possible to thaw out a frozen septic line on your own.
Here are some tips on how to thaw a frozen septic line.
DIY frozen septic line thawing
There are some ways you may be able to thaw a frozen septic line yourself. As with all DIY projects, you should be sure to take the proper precautions when undertaking this project.
The first step is to find your septic holding tank and open the cover that’s closest to your home. Then you’ll need to find a water supply that is not connected to the domestic water supply. A hot water supply in a utility room is probably the best solution here. Connect a garden hose to that water supply.
Run the hose into the septic pipe coming from your house, and turn on the hot water. Push the hose farther into the pipe until you feel resistance. When you do, you’ve reached the ice blockage. You should be able to feel the ice break up and melt while holding the hose.
Once the blockage is cleared, turn the water off and pull the hose out. Close up the septic access lid, and clean and sterilize the hose with the appropriate cleaning products. This entire septic tank service can also be performed by a professional septic company if you aren’t able to (or just don’t want to!) complete any step in this process.
How to prevent a frozen septic line
While it is possible to thaw a frozen septic line, the best way to handle it is to try and avoid a septic line from freezing in the first place. There are a few ways you can help avoid this from happening.
First off, you can add septic tank insulation around the pipes in your home. This will help stave off the cold when temperatures get below freezing. You should also fix any leaking faucets to prevent unnecessary slow water loss.
Perhaps the best way to prevent frozen pipes is to use the septic system regularly when the temperature drops below freezing. This will help generate heat and keep the cold from settling in for too long and freezing the pipes.
When you need professional septic tank services to thaw a frozen septic line or any other issue, contact Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services today.