Winter Septic Tank Care Tips

Winter Septic Tank Care Tips

If you are a homeowner with a septic tank installed in your property, then you know that its care and maintenance is solely your responsibility. Metro Septic Pumping knows a thing or two about septic tank care and we are happy to share some of our insight. In this article, we will focus on winter septic tank care tips. If you have any specific questions or concerns, then feel free to call Metro Septic Pumping and consult with a friendly professional. We are also ready to schedule an appointment or arrange an urgent dispatch for repairs, replacements, and maintenance.

Your Responsibility as A Septic System Owner

A significant majority of homes in the United States are connected to a centralized sewer system which is maintained by the respective local government or municipality. The remaining twenty percent of homes are left to figure out their wastewater treatment on their own. These homeowners generally opt for a septic system, an onsite wastewater management system. Though septic systems save you from monthly sewer bills, the responsibility of maintaining the system rests on the homeowner’s shoulders. Luckily, professional companies such as Metro Septic Pumping offer affordable and reliable services.

Wintertime Septic Care and Maintenance

Winter brings cold temperatures that can put your septic system at risk of freezing. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of stressful and costly damage to your septic system during the winter:

• Repair Leaks: Pipes should provide some sort of insulation to keep water inside the pipes from freezing. Leaks, however, expose the inside of the pipes to the harsh cold. Repair leaks to protect water inside of the pipes from freezing.
• Use Hot Water: We probably don’t have to suggest this one. What’s better than a nice hot shower during the winter? Remember not to take long showers though, as excess water can overwhelm your drain field.
• Use Insulation: There are a range of ways to insulate your pipes from attaching foam pipe insulators to spreading mulch around the area.
• Keep Soil Aerated: Compacted soil makes it easier for cold to transfer down toward your septic tank and pipes. Avoid driving over the septic system area and refrain from installing heavy structures on the area.

What Not to Do

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do during the winter. For beginners:

• Do NOT add antifreeze or salt into the septic system. Chemicals in general are risky as they can threaten the “good” bacteria in the tank.
• Do NOT start a fire on or around the septic system or pipes to attempt to thaw ice.
• Do NOT keep water running to try and unfreeze the system.

Call the Professionals

If you end up with a frozen septic system, then the best advice we can give is to call your septic system specialists. Metro Septic Pumping is proud to be available around the clock with 24-hour emergency services. Give us a call now to speak with a live representative.