Septic systems are a bit of a mystery for most homeowners. You may have a basic understanding of how it works and realize that the drain field and tank need periodic maintenance. You probably only think about the septic system if a problem happens. Freezing temperatures and frozen ground can exacerbate septic tank problems.
How Winter Weather Affects Septic Systems
Cold weather similarly affects septic systems and pipes, drains, and plumbing systems. If you don’t prepare the septic system for winter, you could experience many problems. All weather affects your septic tank, but winter weather is usually the hardest. Here’s why.
Low Temperatures Affect Bacteria
Frigid temperatures make it difficult for the bacteria inside the tank to survive. Cold weather slows the bacteria’s ability to break down solids and physically digest the waste, so only water and carbon dioxide are left. Waste that doesn’t break down settles to the tank’s bottom as sludge. When the temperature falls to 50° Fahrenheit or below, bacteria can slow down significantly or even stop working. When combined with the increased load your septic system faces in winter, the tank can become full quickly and potentially create a disaster. One way to prevent this is to have Salina Septic Service Septic Service place septic system additives into your tank in Hutchinson, KS, to combat freezing winter weather and allow the system to run at total efficiency.
Frozen Septic Tank Components
When the temperature drops below freezing, your septic system components can also begin to freeze. The pipes running from your home to the holding tank may freeze, or the drain field and sometimes even the tank itself. A frozen system won’t allow for the processing of waste. To prevent your tank from freezing, have Salina Septic Service Septic Service place a thick insulating blanket or cover over the entire system. Continuous usage during the winter will also make your system less susceptible to freezing.
Frozen Water Thaws
When frozen water thaws, it can wreak havoc on your septic system. Sudden water flow can saturate the drain field, making water drainage impossible. If your drain field becomes flooded, it can send untreated sewage into local groundwater, leading to environmental contamination.
Soil and Snow Compaction
Avoid parking any vehicles on top of the drain field or tank, as this practice can cause impacted snow, as well as make the soil overly compacted, resulting in less effective tank insulation. Compacted soil can lead to a frozen septic system. Think about aerating your soil before winter to avoid the problem.
Overworking or Underworking Your System
Both can cause problems in winter. If you have many guests in the winter, your system may be unable to process waste properly. Not using it enough can result in freezing. Try to achieve a happy medium, if possible.
Essential Winter Septic Maintenance
Preventive maintenance before winter arrives is the most effective way to avoid winter septic system problems. Consider the following steps:
Maintain regular maintenance, including emptying every few years
Seed the tank with bacteria that function well in cooler temperatures
Avoid cleaners with bleach or have antibacterial properties that may end up in the septic tank
Never park, drive, or use heavy vehicles over the drain field
Keep gutters clean and have them pointing away from the drain field to avoid frozen septic field issues
Use a riser for easy tank access in case you have a freeze-up that causes components to freeze. Use a professional like Salina Septic Service Septic Service to install a riser for the septic tank.
What to Do If Your Septic System Freezes
If you have problems with your home’s septic system in Hutchinson, KS, during the winter, you’ll need to call Salina Septic Service Septic Service to help identify the issue. Having the issue diagnosed will help you get a potentially serious problem resolved as soon as possible. However, you should remember that you may also need repairs during this time.
Find the Best Septic Maintenance Professionals
Septic maintenance is more than a one-and-done deal. To properly maintain your system, you need periodic maintenance to drain accumulated sludge and address other issues that may occur.
Get the Best Septic Services
Salina Septic Service Septic Service can provide you with a full range of sanitary services, including portable restrooms, roll-off dumpster rentals, and other related waste services. Contact us for consultation on all septic and waste-related services that you need to keep your system running freely.
