Imagine this: the wind is whistling outside while snow flurries float down from the sky, leaving you and your family all comfy and cozy inside your home. Although this situation seems all comfy and cozy for you and your family, the situation might not be the same for your septic system. The upcoming cold weather may introduce many risks to your pipes and it’s vital that you’re ready to take action. At Johnson Septic Service, we make the health of your pipes the number one priority and to help with this, our team has composed a list of a few cold weather risks to be aware of and how to keep your septic system healthy during the bitter months.
Common Cold Weather Risks to Your Septic System & How to Prevent Them
There are many risks your septic system could face this year. Between the freezing temperatures and the typical bitter weather, your septic system could be at risk for a majority of things. Johnson Septic Service wants to help your septic system this winter, so we’ve compiled a list of risks to look out for as well as many preventative measures you can take.
What cold weather risks your septic system could be facing this winter:
Freezing pipes: With temperatures below freezing, it’s extremely common for pipes to freeze – especially those that connect the septic to your home. This is especially an issue because of the increased risk of breaking the pipes themselves. In fact, when the water inside the pipes freeze, the water inside them naturally expands, causing the pipe to break due to increased pressure.
Slowed bacterial activity: During colder months, the production of healthy bacteria in your tank starts to slow down, making it naturally less effective. In fact, septic tanks have a certain type of bacteria that break down the waste inside the system, helping the waste move through the system smoothly. Unfortunately, this type of bacteria is very sensitive to cold temperatures and when the weather dips below 50 degrees, they tend to slow down and sometimes even stop. This makes it so then your system may become less efficient, but luckily there are some ways to combat this to keep your system up and running this winter.
Compacted soil: Unfortunately, freezing temperatures often mean a frozen ground. Sometimes, when the ground is frozen above the septic tank, the ground can become compacted, lowering the area’s ability to absorb water. This can lead to an increased risk of backups, especially those of overflowing water in toilets and drains. In severe cases, it can even lead to a damaged septic system itself. It’s vital that you take preventative measures to avoid these possible backups and keep your septic system from getting damaged.
To protect your system and prolong the health of your septic, follow these next steps:
Proper installation depth: A proper installation depth can affect just how vulnerable your tank could be to freezing temperatures. Typically, a good rule of thumb is to ensure that your septic is installed below the freezing line in your area. For Indiana residents this would usually be anywhere from three to four feet below the surface – give the tank ample room to be protected from freezing temperatures.
Insulation: Although a tank placed a few feet below the surface can help avoid freezing, it’s also best practice to make sure your pipes are insulated to further combat the cold. Especially with areas of the tank that may be closer to the surface, this step is crucial in ensuring that your pipes are guarded and protected from freezing temperatures, no matter how close to the surface they may lie.
Regular maintenance: As a typical preventative practice, pumping your tank regularly can help ensure that your tank is clean and ready-to-use all winter long. This practice isn’t just to protect against cold weather, but it’s to prevent malfunctions and backups all year round. Check out our pumping services we offer to keep your tank healthy and efficient during any season.
Water usage: We highly recommend consistently using warm water to help with the flow through your tank’s pipes. Typically, using warm water will keep the system running efficiently throughout the winter and it’s a super easy and convenient way to prevent freezing. This is why we recommend it to almost every family to keep their pipes healthy – it’s a simple yet effective way to keep your pipes running properly this cold season.
Keep Your Septic System Healthy and Safe This Winter
Winters can always be harsh on plumbing and septic tanks, especially if preventative measures aren’t taken right away. Our team strives to protect you and your tank from any damage that’s possible. If you experience trouble with your septic tank this winter season, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (219) 393-3576 to find a solution to keep your tank safe and healthy.