septic system
Make sure your septic system is protected from large parties
November 30, 2021
septic system installation
A Guide to Septic System Installation
February 1, 2022
septic system
Make sure your septic system is protected from large parties
November 30, 2021
septic system installation
A Guide to Septic System Installation
February 1, 2022

Is your septic system affected by cold weather?

septic system

You can expect your septic system to be severely affected by the harsh weather of winter. As a result of various factors, such as snow and soil compaction, your septic system’s components can become frozen. First, you have to understand the potential causes of any septic damage, and then you have to find solutions.

The purpose of this blog is to discuss how cold weather affects a septic system and what can be done to prevent it.

1) Frozen Components

Septic systems freeze up when the temperature outside is below freezing. The septic tank being frozen prevents the waste from breaking down quickly, which causes problems for the residents. Most of the damage occurs in the pipes from the house into the septic tank, as well as in the tank and the drain field. By covering your septic system with an insulating cover or blanket during the winter, you can prevent this from happening. Regular use of septic systems makes them less susceptible to freezing, since water flows continuously through them.

2) Snow And Soil Compaction

It is unavoidable for snow to get compacted in the area when cars are parked above a septic tank or drain field. Septic tanks can freeze when the soil around them compacts heavily, resulting in less effective insulation. You can avoid this problem by aerating the soil before winter and not driving over the septic tank area.

3) Malfunctioning Pipes

Incorrect drainage can occur if your pipes leak or clog. Additionally, the cold air passing through these leaks can cause the water to freeze, further damaging your septic system. Clogged pipes can, on the other hand, cause the wastewater to accumulate and eventually freeze during cold weather. By repairing leaky pipes before the cold sets in, you can avoid these problems. Make sure to fix clogs and leaks as soon as possible before they worsen.

4) Overworked Septic System

When you have guests over during the holiday season, it is normal for your septic tank to be used more than usual. As the number of showers and laundry increases, the system will eventually be overworked, increasing the chances of damage occurring. In addition, guests who are unfamiliar with septic systems may flush unauthorized items down the toilet. If you want to avoid any of these problems, stagger your showers and laundry to avoid using a large amount of water at once. Be sure that your guests do not flush items they are not authorized to flush.

5) Irregular Usage

Leaving your septic tank unattended can also cause it to freeze over. Winter is a common time for this to occur in homes that are not always used. Single-person households are also prone to this. The flowing water does not prevent them from freezing since wastewater does not pass through them regularly.

6) Difficulty In Pumping

Pumping a septic tank during the winter can be difficult for many homeowners. As a result, digging into the yard to reach the septic tank is difficult due to the frozen ground. However, one should still perform maintenance before the cold season begins, even if it is not impossible during the winter. In the winter, an early pumping will reduce the need for septic maintenance.

Do you have a septic tank problem? Our experts can inspect and fix it quickly!