As the weather gets colder and snowfall is on the horizon, moving towards a warmer climate is popular. While homeowners often winterize their houses, it’s unwise to forget about your septic system. Before you leave, it’s important to prepare your septic system for the low temperatures of winter. Whether you’re expecting a harsh winter or a mild one, following these tips protect your septic system from damage and any inconveniences.
How To Prepare Your Septic System This Winter
Before the snow hits, work with your local septic provider to winter-proof your septic system and set you up for success before and after you return home. These tips are the perfect starting guide for preparing your home during the colder months.
If your system does freeze, contact your septic service provider as soon as possible.
Schedule a Septic Pumping
Starting the winter with a clean tank relieves the stress of worrying about a full tank once you return home. This is more true if people are staying at your home while you’re away. The last thing you want is to leave guests with septic issues due to a full and overflowing tank.
If you’re going to be on vacation or at a second home during your next scheduled appointment, reschedule it before you leave to ensure an appointment and avoid the rush of others doing the same.
Find Someone to Run Hot Water
One day of cold weather isn’t enough to freeze a septic system, but over a long period of time, it’s very possible. If a pipe attached to your home or the tank freezes, it creates problems throughout your system. If any pipes are exposed, this increases the chance for major issues. Keeping your system active helps fight freezing, so ask someone to run your dishwasher, shower, or sink.
You don’t need to run it constantly—this potentially creates issues—but occasionally flowing water through the pipes and septic tank assists in preventing freezing. The vent pipes found on your roof are easy access points for snow and cold air. Running water is crucial for combatting this. Homes with vent pipes in their yards—look for the candy cane shaped pipe—also need to assure there’s ample ventilation. Make sure any snow is cleared to allow optimal air flow.
Utilize Septic Additives
Cold weather commonly lowers your septic tank’s helpful bacteria levels, which in turn, makes your entire septic system less effective. When scheduling your pre-winter septic pumping, inquire about septic system additives. Adding it after your next pumping, but before leaving for the winter sets you up for success during the colder months and after you return.
Planning ahead for the winter allows you to enjoy your time away from home stress-free. Contacting septic experts like Wind River Environmental is the first step towards creating a plan for protecting one of the most important parts of your home. If you have any questions on winter prep, or want to schedule a service, call Wind River Environmental at (877) 560-9007. For any of your other septic needs, don’t hesitate to contact WRE today!
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