4 Ways to Prep Your Septic Tank for Winter

The winter months can be hard on any form of plumbing, including your septic tank. That is why it is important to take the time to do some basic prep work so that your septic tank has a chance of surviving the coming cold intact. Here are a few things you should do in order to get your septic tank ready for the cold weather.

Have It Inspected

To know if there’s anything you need to have done for your tank, you need to have it inspected by a professional. This way, you can make sure that every part of your septic tank is working the right way. A professional will also make sure that your septic tank does not have any leaks or complications that could turn into bigger problems later on. Additionally, they can tell you if it is time for you to pump your septic tank.

Septic tanks typically need to be pumped every three to five years. However, it will be harder to pump your septic tank in the winter because the wastewater can freeze. Pumping the septic tank early prevents that wastewater from freezing and also ensures you don’t have to worry about pumping while everything is frozen over.

Winterize Your Pipes

Winterizing your pipes is an essential part of septic tank maintenance. Since pipes of any kind can easily freeze during the winter, you may want to think about doing this for all of your plumbing. Frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes when they’re unable to withstand the pressure they normally would from incoming or outgoing water. If the pipes connected to your septic tank end up bursting, it can do serious damage to the tank itself.

You need to drain the pipes in order to prevent them from freezing. You also have to turn off all of the water before you drain the pipes. There are specific anti-freeze products you can add to the tank to make sure your tank doesn’t freeze either.

Protect the Drainage Field

The frozen ground can also do damage to your septic tank. You can protect the drainage field by adding straw or mulch to it to insulate the soil. You should also insulate the septic tank itself, as it’s at risk of freezing over if it’s not buried deep enough. If the tank is above ground, you can wrap an insulation blanket around the septic tank. If it’s below ground but not deep, you can insulate the ground there too with straw and mulch.

Minimize Traffic on the Drain Field

You should avoid letting anyone walk on the drain field. Traffic disturbs the soil, which can push the frost deeper into the soil. The only time that you should be in the drainage field is when you are mowing the grass. Avoid plowing the snow. Allow the snow to naturally melt.

It is important to prepare your septic tank for the winter months. You can prepare your septic tank by having it inspected. You may also need to get your septic tank pumped. You need to winterize your pipes in order to prevent them from freezing. You should also protect the drainage field. Furthermore, it is important to minimize the traffic that is on the field so that you can avoid disturbing the soil.