Winter is here and so is the snow. Express Septic Systems is going to talk about some winter problems that affect your septic system. If you haven’t had your septic system inspected and serviced in a long time, call us to schedule an appointment. The winter months can be particularly hard on a system that is almost full or has other problems such as cracks and leaks. Don’t take chances with your septic system.
Frozen Septic Tank
The colder the ground gets the colder your septic tank gets. As frost and snow pile on top of the ground, it can freeze the septic tank and leave the good bacteria inside of it nearly useless. The colder the bacteria get the slower they eat away at the septic waste. This can cause your septic tank to fill up faster than it normally would. You can prevent the bacteria from going into hibernation by covering the septic tank with a blanket or insulating cover during the winter months.
The snow and freezing temperatures can also affect the drain field. If the snow compacts the soil in the drain field, the wastewater will have nowhere to go. In other words, the drain field will be unable to treat the water and filter it into the groundwater system. Every fall, take the time to aerate the soil above your septic system’s drain field to help prevent the soil from compacting when the winter weather hits. Also, avoid driving or parking an automobile over the septic system.
Tank Pumping Difficulties
Another winter problem that affects your septic system is an inability to pump the tank if the ground is frozen. It’s a good idea to have your septic system inspected and pumped in the spring or summer when the tank is easy to get to. Freezing conditions and compacted snow can make digging to the tank nearly impossible. We can get to it, but it is much easier to pump your tank in warmer weather. Schedule your next septic system maintenance when the ground has thawed.
Frozen Pipes
Your septic system relies on healthy pipes to process human waste and wastewater. Frozen pipes can expand and burst. They can also prevent human waste and wastewater from making their way into the septic system. If your pipes are leaking, the fluid will freeze even quicker and you will have a higher risk of a bursting pipe. Clogged pipes can also be a problem.
Call Express Septic Systems in Greenville, SC, today to schedule a septic system inspection so we can make sure that winter weather is not affecting your septic system.
