Winterizing Your Septic System

While the winter months are typically slow for septic system installations and residential pumping due to the limitation of digging in frozen ground, the volume of emergency work often rises dramatically due to backups or frozen lines. Like all emergencies, these tend to happen during the holidays or as luck will have it, when weather is at its worst. In our many years of septic service experience, we've learned the best way to prevent a problem is to plan ahead. As the Boy Scouts would say, "Be Prepared." So today, we're sharing some expert tips to help you avoid a septic backup this winter holiday season. Keep reading to learn more, or click here to schedule your Elmira, NY septic service.

Cold Temperatures & Septic Systems

First things first, lets cover the effects of temperature on your septic system. Temperature can influence the rate of flow and mixing within your septic tank, as well as the nitrification process - the process by which your waste is broken down by the healthy bacteria in your septic tank. In the winter months, the microbes that are responsible for breaking down your sewage, are less active than in the warmer months, so your waste is processed slower at lower temperatures.

Because your tank is buried below ground, the temperature is never as low as it is above ground - in fact, it's typically 10-20 degrees warmer than the temperatures above ground. But when temperatures fall, it's important to keep an eye on things, especially in shallow septic system installations, or systems that include a large volume tank, or multiple tanks/components that are connected in a series that may be partially or completely surrounded by frozen soil.

Frozen Lines - Tips & Solutions

If you own a cabin or rental property, freezing can occur if there is slow running water from fixtures, water softeners or the emptying of furnace condensation into the system. This slow running water can quickly cause ice to accumulate in the drain lines, eventually causing a complete blockage from slow ice formation. On the flip side, if you live in the home full time, regular household use, frequent warm water use , soaps and detergents can raise the level of the wastewater's freezing point and help maintain biological activity in your septic tank to prevent freezing.

If you're installing a new system, install insulated sewage piping that comes encased in an insulating urethane foam sandwiched between a polyethene exterior sleeve. Installation is simple and long lasting. There are other affordable options, and these need to be installed from the start.

For existing systems, you can prevent freezing of your pipes and drain fields in a few different ways:

• Protect your drain field and prevent it from freezing by keeping the grass long on top of your septic system and drain field. Stop mowing the grass in this area in October. Longer grass will help retain winter snow, providing an insulated layer above your septic system.
  
• You can also spread an insulating layer of leaves or straw above the area to help it retain heat and prevent freezing.
  
• Do not park or drive over the area your septic system is buried. This is vital to keep pipes or line from breaking or shifting.
  
• If your home is going to be closed up over the winter months - cabins, RVs etc. - be sure to shut off the water supply to the house and drain the water line completely. Open all the taps and leave them open and drain the septic system's pressure tank completely.
  
• For cabins and homes that will be closed up over the winter months we recommend having the septic tank pumped out beforehand.

A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to keeping your septic system working properly all winter long. Simple measures like insulating your pipes, turning off water lines or regularly running the hot water at your rental property can keep things running smoothly and prevent a freeze so you can enjoy the holiday season (and we can too!).

If you do find yourself in a frozen situation this winter, no need to panic, just give us a call. We can help you thaw your lines or remove blockages with our high pressure jet. We'll be sure things are flushing smoothly before we go and our team is on call nights and weekends. Contact us today for any of your Corning, NY septic service needs.