The Importance of Wintertime Septic Service
Once the weather turns cold, many septic owners make the mistake of thinking their systems won’t need maintenance again until spring when the temperatures start to climb. However, the reality is wintertime septic service is just as, if not more, important as maintenance throughout the rest of the year. Cold weather can have some pretty dangerous effects on your septic system, and keeping ahead of them by maintaining your service visits will help prevent disaster this winter.
Winterizing your system is important for several reasons. All the water in your pipes has the potential to freeze, which can damage the pipes. Taking steps toward preventing broken pipes saves money on costly repairs. Winterizing your septic system lengthens the lifespan of your septic system.
Here are some of the most common complications winter can bring for your septic system.
How to Avoid Septic Problems this Winter?
Protect your septic system from the cold weather by employing the following tips.
1. Consider pumping your septic tank.
If the septic system will be used again before the soil temperature begins to rise, consider having your septic tank pumped before winter. Pumping your tank will allow the effluent leaving the septic tank to be warm, which is desirable for the soil treatment area.
2. Winterize your pipes.
In a septic system left unused through the freezing months, it is important to turn off the water and drain all pipes. Check to make sure there are no leaks or drips, because even small amounts of water can freeze and cause damage. After the water has been turned off, drain the pump by running it for a few moments to clear out any water, open faucets and leave them open, and disconnect the hoses to appliances, such as the washing machine and dishwasher.
3. Inspect your furnace.
If you will be leaving a high-efficiency furnace on for the winter, make sure there is no water draining into the septic system. If there is, reroute the drain hose into a large bucket, or some other drain that is not connected to the septic system.
4. Protect the soil treatment area.
As much as possible, attempt to insulate your soil treatment area. Stop mowing the grass covering the area in the early fall. The longer grass captures fallen snow that acts as insulation over the field. Do not park cars on the drain field. Consider putting several inches of mulch or straw over the drain field to help to insulate the tank and pipes in the drain field.
5. Schedule routine septic maintenance.
The best thing you can do to prepare your septic system for winter is to have it professionally inspected. It is a good rule of thumb to inspect your system every time the season changes.
Who Should You Call for Wintertime Septic Service?
Mid-Tenn Septic & Plumbing is a service-oriented company dedicated to providing excellent septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to homeowners in the Mid-Tenn area. We take pride in doing the job that others leave behind.
For any septic emergency this winter, we also offer emergency septic services, 24 hours a day. Whether there’s a leak, an overflowing toilet, or slow drainage, count on the experts at Mid-Tenn Septic & Plumbing to identify the problem, fix the issue, and get you back to enjoying time with your family.
Call us if you suspect that there are problems with your septic system. With over 20 years of experience, we know septic systems and can handle just about any septic emergency.
- Mid-Tenn Septic and Plumbing
- 4470 old Lebanon dirt rd. Mt Juliet TN 37122
- (615) 808-7898