Jan 24, 2024
Just because it’s freezing outside does not mean you can ignore your septic system. Winter weather can be especially hard on septic tanks. With snowfalls, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions, your septic tank system faces a number of challenges that can impact its functionality.
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In this guide, our knowledgeable and experienced septic technicians cover the essential tips and practices that will help you keep your septic tank system in good working condition during the chilly months. From pre-winter preparations to things to avoid during winter, we’ll provide you with the strategies needed to keep your septic system healthy and efficient, even when outside temperatures plummet. The experts at Septic Blue of Charlotte are here to help you with all of your septic needs, including septic tank installation, septic tank repair, and more. If you’re looking for a trusted septic service company with a proven track record, look no further than Septic Blue of Charlotte.
This is arguably the most important step. We highly recommend having your septic tank pumped out before winter arrives. Septic tank pumping removes all the waste within the tank, including effluent that would otherwise freeze. Ideally, schedule your septic tank pumping before the ground freezes to ensure easier access. If that’s not possible, aim for early winter before heavy snowfall. We also recommend scheduling septic tank cleaning if it has been more than three to five years since your last cleaning.
Before winter finally sets in, hire a local septic company to inspect your septic tank system and provide you with recommendations. The experts will look for cracks, leaks, or signs of pooling around the tank and drain field. It’s important to fix any issues in a timely manner to prevent further damage and potential water contamination. If you notice signs of trouble, schedule septic tank repair service with a professional septic company.
Another precautionary measure you can take to avoid septic tank problems during winter is to limit water usage. This helps prevent the tank from filling up too quickly and potentially overflowing. Take shorter showers, fix leaky faucets, and run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
It's important to insulate your septic tank system from the cold to ensure it doesn’t freeze over. Spread mulch on the ground in the weeks leading up to winter. A thick layer of straw mulch insulates the tank, helping to promote bacterial activity.
While this may seem counterintuitive, plowing snow can actually remove the insulating snow cover and expose the tank to colder temperatures. It’s advisable to leave the snow cover undisturbed. It acts as an additional insulator and protects the tank from accidental damage by plow blades.
Drain and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential cracks. Consider using commercially available pipe insulation or wrapping them with old towels or blankets. You can call a nearby septic company to help you insulate the inlet and outlet pipes.
Clearly mark the septic tank and drain field with stakes or flags, especially if they’re hidden under snow. Marking its location will help you find it easily for future maintenance or in case of emergencies. It also helps prevent accidental damage during snow removal or other winter activities.
Septic Blue of Charlotte is the go-to septic service company you can trust for all of your septic needs. From septic tank installation to septic repair and septic tank cleaning, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
