Caring for Your Septic System During the Winter

In this brief article brought to you by Septic Blue of Lakeland, we offer some tips on caring for your septic system during the winter. If you’re looking for uniformed specialists from a reputable septic company, then hit up Septic Blue to get in touch with a live representative today.

Recognize how winter affects your septic system

There are three major factors to consider here: freezing temperatures, increased usage, and the weight of snow.

Freezing temperatures can cause the soil or pipes in the drain field to freeze. This can disrupt the flow of water and potentially leading to blockages or backups. As such, it’s safe to say that the drain field is the most vulnerable part of your septic system during winter.

The shorter and colder days of winter often means more time spent indoors; and this means more water usage. From hosting holiday gatherings to taking longer and hotter showers, there is a lot that will add strain to your septic system.

A blanket of snow might look picturesque, but compacted snow over your drain field can lead to frozen soil. There’s also the threat of frost penetrating deep and potentially reaching the septic tank or pipes.

Winter septic system care tips

With the risks in mind, we can now look at some measures to protect your septic tank installation and drain field throughout the winter months.

1. Insulate: Spreading a layer of straw, mulch, or grass clippings over the area can help trap heat and prevent the ground from freezing. The thickness will depend on your local climate.
2. Mind Your Drains: Items like grease, coffee grounds, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products can clog your system. Stick to septic-safe toilet paper and avoid harsh chemical cleaners that disrupt the bacteria balance in your tank.
3. Pre-Winter Pumping: A full tank is more susceptible to freezing, and dealing with a backup during freezing temperatures is a messy and costly ordeal. Handle your septic tank pumping before the homebody mood sets in.
4. Let Your System Rest: Stagger your water usage throughout the day to prevent overloading the system. For example, don’t run the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower simultaneously.
5. Protect the Drain Field: You should always avoid driving or parking heavy vehicles over your drain field, but this is especially important during the winter. Compact soil can be more prone to freezing.

These simple measures can help you avoid an untimely septic tank repair in the middle of winter when you’d rather enjoy your time in the comfort of your home. In any case, Septic Blue is here to help.

Handle repairs and maintenance ASAP

The wintertime is without a doubt the worst season to deal with septic issues, so handle all of your septic tank cleaning and repairs before the harsh temperatures kick in. Call or message Septic Blue of Lakeland to schedule your appointment today. Our team is on standby to help.