Tips to Protect Your Septic System from Winter Damage

Septic systems in cold climates should be designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of winter. But what if you live in a region that rarely gets cold weather? If the last few years have taught Americans anything, it is that when it comes to weather, learn to expect the unexpected. An unexpected cold snap could put your pipes, septic tank and drain field in jeopardy of damage. However, there are a few ways to protect your system from winter damage. Consider these tips:

–          Insulate your drain field. A cold snap, especially without snow, can put your drain field at risk of freezing if it doesn’t have ample insulation. Grass and even snow can help protect your drain field pipes, but if you have neither, use mulch. Mulch can provide enough insulation to get you through those cold snaps during the winter months without damaging your drain field.

–          Inspect your septic tank cover. If your tank cover is visible, check it for any cracks or chips before the cold weather hits. If it is loose or has any damage, call your local septic service company to have it replaced.

–          Schedule an inspection. The best way to ensure your septic system is ready for the upcoming winter is to schedule your annual inspection. Ask your local experts about any preparation you need to ensure your septic system will not be compromised during a winter storm.

What could make a winter storm worse? Having your septic system freeze up when it is happening. Plan ahead to make sure your septic system and the rest of your plumbing is ready for anything Father Winter throws your way.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

 

What to Do If Your Septic System Freezes

Rarely do we ever consider the possibility of our septic system freezing until it actually happens, or your hear of it happening to someone else. If your septic system has been functioning properly, has had regular inspections and septic tank pumping, and winter presents with a heavy blanket of insulating snow with moderate temperatures, then chances are good that your system should be fine. However, caught unaware by a cold, snowless winter without having placed insulating mulch over your system, cracked or missing pipe covers, leaky faucets and running toilets, you just may discover that your septic system is frozen.

If you are experiencing a backup of wastewater into your drains, you will want to shut off all running water in your home. Frankly, the next best course of action that you can take is to call your local septic service professional right away. Dealing with a frozen septic system is not a job that you want to do yourself; this is one of the jobs that is truly best left to the professionals. To attempt to remedy this situation without a professional could cause further costly damage to either your septic system or your home.

You can rest assured that your local septic tank professional has the experience and equipment to tackle the problem. Sometimes they will try to unfreeze the tank or piping with steamers, hot water from high-pressure jets, applying heat tape to the pipes or a heater to the tank itself. Above all, do not add any anti-freeze or other chemicals to reverse the freezing, as they will harm the natural bacteria in your tank needed for the breakdown of waste.