How to Prepare Your Septic System for Winter

A septic tank is one of the most expensive features in your home, so you should maintain the septic system properly. However, many homeowners don't pay much attention to the septic tank until it stops working. Septic malfunctions are especially common during the winter, as the low temperatures cause the tank to freeze and develop other problems. 

Learn how you can prepare your septic system for the winter.

Use the Septic Tank More

Winter weather can be especially hard on rarely used septic tanks. If the septic tank remains unused during the winter months, it can get very cold and allow sewage to freeze. Normal household waste, such as laundry and washing dishes, is enough to keep the septic system active. 

If you aren’t around at home as much during winter, ask a trusted person to stay in the house for a few days every week while you are away.

Pump Out the Septic Tank

If you only use the septic tank a few times or close it for the winter, pump it out. If your septic system is on a high-ground water table, only pump out the system if the tank's design is specifically for high-ground water environments.

By pumping out the septic system, you will start with a clean and empty septic system when the temperatures rise again. As a result, your septic system will resume working with warm effluent.

Warm effluent helps maintain the best conditions in the soil surrounding the septic system. Also, if you use an electric septic system, shut off the blower if you are away for a long time. To properly shut off the electric septic system, read the manufacturer's requirements.

Winterize the Pipes

Do the following things to winterize the pipes:

•  Don't add salts, automotive antifreeze, or other additives to the pipes.
•  Fix any drips or leaks on the pipes before the onset of winter. 
•  Drain all pipes and shut off the water at the source.
•  Drain the pump and let it run for a few seconds to remove all water from the pipes.
•  Open all faucets and leave them open to drain the system.
•  Remove any liquid in the pressure tank.
•  Inspect hoses in bathtubs and sinks and drain them completely.
•  Drain the water valve by turning on the machine for some seconds to drain.

You can reconnect the valves, hoses, and pipes in the spring.

Stop Yard Work Early

The septic tank will function more efficiently if the ground is warmer. Therefore, stop any work in the yard early to allow frost and snow to cover the yard. The cover acts like a blanket that keeps the ground beneath warm. When you keep the yard untouched, you help improve soil insulation and allow snow retention over the drainfield.

Keep Vehicles Away

Don't park any type of vehicles near or on top of the drainfield. The soil will compact over the septic system if you park vehicles and other heavy machinery on top of the drainfield. This can prevent proper insulation and expose the septic tank and pipes to the cold.

Utilize Septic Additives

Cold weather can reduce the population of helpful bacteria in the septic tank, making the whole system less efficient. As you prepare your system for winter, ask about the best additives for your septic system. Put the additives in the system after the next pumping but before the colder month begins.

Septic systems are essential features in any home, particularly in the winter. However, optimum maintenance of the system is necessary for maximum performance. AAA Pumping Service Inc. is a septic company in New Mexico. We install and maintain septic tank systems. Contact us for more information.