About Me

Septic Solutions: An Introduction

I recently bought a house with a septic tank for the very first time. I thought I was prepared, but I really had no idea what I was getting into. Shortly after we moved in, the septic tank backed up. I had to call for emergency septic services to have it pumped and taken care of. That's when I learned that I had overlooked some of the signs that the tank needed to be emptied. I created this site to share my experience and the tips that I learned along the way. My goal is to help others avoid the same septic problems that I have dealt with.

Search

Categories

Latest Posts

Septic Solutions: An Introduction

Winter Septic System Maintenance To Avoid Plumbing Problems When Cold Weather Arrives

by Camila Pena

If you want to ensure you do not have problems with your plumbing drains during the winter, it is important to keep up with septic system maintenance. Before the winter weather arrives and pipes start freezing, you want to make sure to do the right maintenance to your septic system. The following winter septic system maintenance can help prevent serious problems with your plumbing this winter.

1. Make Sure Your Septic System Has the Proper Insulation to Protect Tanks and Pipes from Freezing

Just like the water lines in your home, the pipes, tanks, and other components of your septic system are also vulnerable to freezing. Therefore, you want to make sure these areas have plenty of insulation or a good thermal barrier. For pipes that are exposed, add insulation to them. For components of the septic system that are not below the freeze line of soils, add an insulated covering to landscaping like mulch or thick plant coverings to help protect them from freezing temperatures.

2. Prevent Problems with Freezing Pipes by Addressing Issues with Grade Due to Settling

Another problem that you may have with pipes that are exposed to the outside air is settling. This can cause the grade of pipes to change and puddles to form in these areas of the pipes. Check the grade of your pipes for these problems and talk to a septic service about options to correct these problems to protect your septic system from winter problems that can cause damage.

3. Avoid Excess Water Use During the Winter Months That Can Lead to Damage to the Drain Field

Excessive water use can cause problems with your septic system at any time of the year, but it can especially cause problems in winter. This is because there is more water that can cause problems with freezing and ice blocking pipes and other installations. Therefore, you want to avoid excessive use of water in your home during a short amount of time, which leads to septic tank overburden that can cause problems with your system.

4. Use Hot Water to Make Sure That Wastewaters Make It to the Tank Without Obstacles

Another simple solution that can be done to help your septic system is using warm or hot water to clear lines. The hot water that flows through the pipe will help melt and dislodge any ice that is causing blockages before they cause problems. Doing this will ensure that the wastewaters from your home make it to the septic system. It is best to do this during daylight hours when the air is warmer to ensure the hot water does not also quickly freeze in the pipes.

These are some winter maintenance tips for your septic system to help prevent problems once the winter weather arrives. If you need help with septic system maintenance and repairs before pipes begin freezing, contact a septic tank pumping and maintenance service to help prevent problems.

Share