As the days continue to shorten and the temperatures fall, many septic tank owners are prepping their systems for the cold winter. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to septic tank maintenance, there are a few preventative tips every owner should know. Below are three of the most common ways to avoid frozen or burst pipes this season.

3 Septic Tank Tips for Winter

1. Insulate to Prevent Freezing

Good insulation is crucial to keeping the tank, pipes, and drain field from freezing. By letting the grass grow an extra 6 inches before snow falls, you’ll be giving your septic system an extra layer of coziness that will protect it from harsh temperatures and reduce the chance of major septic tank maintenance issues. If snow has already fallen, do not shovel it, as it is a great natural insulator.

2. Use Hot Water

Using hot water regularly helps avoid freezes, too. Try to spread out your laundry and dishwashing cycles so that hot water is always pumping through your pipes. However, don’t keep water running all day, as this will overload your septic system and dripping fixtures can cause water lines to freeze.

3. Don’t Compact the Snow & Soil

While this is a good tip to follow all year, it’s extremely important to follow during winter. Keep vehicles, machinery, and animal and foot traffic off the system site as much as possible to prevent compacting the snow and soil. The more compacted snow is over a septic system, the deeper frost will reach, which could cause costly repairs.

Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing has more than 25 years of experience providing septic tank maintenance to the North Pole, AK, area. And, with their convenient 24/7 emergency services, the company’s expertise is ready whenever you need it. For more information, call (907) 488-9855 or visit their website today.