How to Winterize Your Septic System
The winter months can be brutal on your septic system. If the temperatures dip low enough, various components of your septic tank can freeze up. Severe winter weather conditions can wreak havoc on your septic tank, pipes, and drainfield. Failure to prepare your septic system for winter’s cold temperatures might result in major problems. Therefore, it’s important to take the right preventive measures to keep your septic system safe in the winter.
At Septic Blue of Charlotte, we are experts in winterizing septic systems, so we know what you can do to keep your septic system working optimally during the winter. In this article, we will share some helpful tips to prepare your septic system for winter.
Winterize the Pipes
If your house will not be occupied during the winter, drain all the septic tank’s pipes so they won’t freeze or crack. Turn off the water and open all faucets to let them drain completely. Leaving all the faucets open throughout the winter season will ensure there’s no vacuum that will hold water in the pipes. Also, ensure you drain the pump and let it run for a few moments so that all the water is out of the lines. Disconnect the hoses to appliances, flush all the toilets, drain all appliances, including your water heater, and completely drain the pressure tank.
Get Your Septic System Inspected
Before winter sets in, call a professional septic company to inspect all the components of your septic system to ensure everything is in good working order. A septic system technician will check for tank leaks and damages, measure the scum and sludge layers, check the baffles, inspect the drainfield, and observe for foul odor. You should have your septic system inspected annually to keep all the components in perfect working condition. An annual septic system inspection will help you identify potential septic issues and resolve them before they become major problems.
Consider Pumping Your Septic Tank
If a septic technician suggests pumping your septic tank before winter sets in, be sure to do so. A septic tank with too much accumulated sludge can cause problems if the temperatures dip low enough. Besides, pumping a septic tank during the winter can be laborious and expensive. It’s a good idea to pump out your septic tank before winter if it has reached three quarters capacity. If you’re not sure if septic tank pumping is necessary, reach out to a trusted septic company for help.
