5 Winter Tips for Septic Systems
Clean Earth Septic • December 24, 2019
Because year-round maintenance is key

If you own a home with a septic system, year-round maintenance is necessary to keep things flushing smoothly! From regular clean-outs and septic pumping to treating the area your system is located with care, our crew is here to provide quality septic maintenance services all winter long. Contact us today to schedule service,
or keep reading to learn more about how you can winterize your septic system for a cold, NY winter.
1. Do NOT Plow Snow Off the Top of Your Septic Tank
Snow above your tank acts as insulation. We've seen tanks freeze when snow has been plowed off the top because that layer of insulation was removed. When in doubt, let the snow melt naturally.
2. Have Your Septic Tank Pumped Regularly
We highly recommend having your septic tank pumped out every 2-4 years. We offer clean out services all year round so if your tank is due to be serviced, contact us today to schedule maintenance.
We highly recommend having your septic tank pumped out every 2-4 years. We offer clean out services all year round so if your tank is due to be serviced, contact us today to schedule maintenance.
3. Do NOT Park Cars or Equipment Above Your Septic System
When the ground is frozen it might not seem like an issue to park on a sand mound system or in the yard near your septic tank, but we recommend you avoid parking on or near your septic system anytime of year. The weight of a vehicle can cause damage to your tank, laterals/pipes or baffles.
When the ground is frozen it might not seem like an issue to park on a sand mound system or in the yard near your septic tank, but we recommend you avoid parking on or near your septic system anytime of year. The weight of a vehicle can cause damage to your tank, laterals/pipes or baffles.
4. Do NOT Pour Turkey Drippings or Grease Down the Drain
Can you guess the number one cause of backups and clogs? It's from grease! When you're cooking this holiday season (or anytime) be sure to dispose of bacon grease, turkey drippings etc. in the garbage - NOT down the drain.
Can you guess the number one cause of backups and clogs? It's from grease! When you're cooking this holiday season (or anytime) be sure to dispose of bacon grease, turkey drippings etc. in the garbage - NOT down the drain.
5. Know Where Your Septic Tank & Manhole Cover is Located
If you require maintenance this winter, be sure you know where your tank and access point is located. When the ground is frozen, digging open a manhole cover is nearly impossible and can add time to your regularly scheduled maintenance call.
If you require maintenance this winter, be sure you know where your tank and access point is located. When the ground is frozen, digging open a manhole cover is nearly impossible and can add time to your regularly scheduled maintenance call.
Need some more advice for maintaining your septic system? Browse the blog for recent topics and articles for homeowners and businesses. We offer both residential and commercial septic services throughout the Twin Tiers region.
Share this post!
You might also like these helpful articles!

At Clean Earth Septic, we specialize in commercial septic system maintenance, pumping, and emergency service throughout Elmira, Van Etten, Watkins Glen, Ithaca, and the surrounding Finger Lakes region. We understand that your business can't afford septic delays — that’s why we offer prompt, professional commercial septic service you can count on.

Whether you need to dig around utility lines to install an electric pole or even something as simple as a mailbox post, hydro excavation ensures that the surrounding infrastructure remains intact. Clean Earth Septic specializes in these types of projects, reducing the chance of accidents or unexpected costs due to damaged utilities.

When you think about your local car wash, you're probably not thinking about where the wastewater goes... but when you work in the sewer & drain industry like us, you definitely are! Here at Clean Earth Septic Service, we work with a variety of car wash clients who rely on us to keep their businesses running.
"Super friendly, very courteous, hard working guys. Called on Saturday, booked for Monday, on time and super fast. Will definitely call again. Thank you for the great service."
Kevin D.
Corning, NY
"Had an issue where I needed a septic tank pumped in short time. Levi came right out and got it done. Their prices are great too. Would highly recommend to anyone."
Anthony F.
Horseheads, NY