When winter rolls around, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the health of your septic tank. Can you imagine if the toilets won’t flush properly during a snowstorm? Or if you can’t take a nice, hot shower because the shower won’t drain quickly enough?
Fear not, because you can avert these disasters by taking some steps toward proper septic tank winterization. All it takes is a few steps to make sure your septic tank is ready to brave the icy winter months.
Here are some winter septic system considerations you should know about so you’ll be prepared for the cold season ahead.
Insulate the drain field
One of the easiest things you can do to help with septic tank winterization is to insulate the drain field. Why is it so easy? All you have to do is not mow the lawn. Letting the grass grow nice and thick will give your septic tank a natural cover and barrier against harsh winter chill.
Winterize the pipes
One step you should take if you’re going to be leaving your house for a stretch of time is winterizing the pipes. It’s important to do this before the weather starts to regularly dip into freezing temperatures to make sure you’ve prepared enough to avoid disaster.
This process involves draining the pipes in your home, so they do not freeze or crack while you’re gone. To winterize your pipes, first, shut off the water main; then open all the faucets to let them drain. Flush the toilet a few times until the bowl no longer fills up. Drain the appliances that use water, including the water heater, and empty your septic system’s pressure tank. Once you’ve drained all the water from the pipes in your home, you should add a septic-safe antifreeze to the line.
Get the tank pumped
Once cold weather really sets in, it’s possible that the sewage in your septic tank may freeze. That can make it harder for the tank and soil to treat the wastewater properly when temperatures start to warm back up. Especially if you’re planning on leaving the house for vacation, it might be a good idea to have the septic tank pumped before winter sets in.
Get a septic inspection
Another good winter septic consideration is to have your septic system inspected. You should be getting an annual inspection anyway, and fall is a good time to get it done since the weather is going to get harsh soon.
It’s also a good time to check if everything is functioning properly because you may be having guests over for holiday gatherings. That may put extra stress on your septic system, and it would be the most nightmarish time to have a septic disaster unexpectedly befall your home.
To schedule a septic system inspection before winter hits, or for any other winter septic considerations you may have, reach out to the experts at Gullett Sanitation Services, Inc. today. We look forward to assisting you!