Most homeowners take their access to indoor plumbing for granted. If your home relies on a septic tank to help remove and house sewage waste, it's essential that you are taking steps to actively maintain your system in order to prevent damage that could lead to costly repairs and restricted access to your indoor plumbing.
This is especially true in the winter months, when cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your septic system. Here are two winter-weather tips that you can use to keep your septic system functioning properly until outdoor temperatures rise once again.
1. Have your tank pumped before winter sets in.
If you think that it might be time to have your septic tank pumped, you will want to contact a septic tank professional before winter weather sets in. A contractor will have to drive heavy trucks and other machinery across the surface where your main drainage pipe is buried in order to reach the tank to pump it out. This could cause the snow on the ground to become compacted, driving the frost deep into the soil.
Your main drainage pipe could freeze and burst if the frost level reaches it, so it's best to leave the snow covering this pipe uncompacted. Snow that hasn't been compacted will act as an insulator to prevent frost from affecting your drainage pipe. Avoid serious problems associated with equipment-compacted snow and frost levels by having your tank pumped out before winter.
2. Repair any leaking fixtures.
A slow drip coming from your faucet or shower head might not seem like a big deal, but these leaks could cause serious damage to your septic system when cold weather sets in. A slow leak allows a small amount of water to trickle into your plumbing pipes. This small volume of water can easily freeze inside the pipe, resulting in a buildup of ice along the interior wall of the pipe.
Over time, this ice will obstruct the pipe completely, preventing your sewage and waste water from draining properly. Ensuring that you address any leaking fixtures prior to winter will prevent the pipes servicing your home's septic system from freezing up as the temperatures drop.
Preparing your home's septic system to withstand the rigors of winter is important if you want to retain access to reliable plumbing. Be sure that you have your septic tank pumped prior to winter and repair any leaking fixtures before winter sets in to avoid frozen septic pipes. To learn more about the process, contact companies like Parrish Portable & Septic.
