The winter season is tough on your home, and septic systems are no exception. Between increased usage and extreme weather, you need to take some steps to protect your system. These simple preparation strategies will prevent winter-time emergencies such as a burst pipe or sewage backup.

A Septic System Guide to Winter

How to Prepare for Cold Weather

Frozen pipes can burst, resulting in flooding and rendering your system unusable. Protect them with insulation. Components in your septic tank can freeze as well, and if the temperature inside the tank gets too low the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tank won’t be able to move quickly enough to break down waste. Aerate the soil over the tank before the first snow of the season so it will be a better insulator. Cover the tank itself with a blanket or a layer of natural insulation such as straw.

How to Prepare for High Usage

Having holiday guests and hosting parties means that your system will be getting more use than it usually does. Try to stagger when people use the shower and space your laundry throughout the week to avoid overloading the system with water. Tell your house guests what cannot be flushed down the toilet and place a trash can right next to it so they’ll throw those items away instead. If you require a septic pumping soon, have that done before the first snow of the season. Your plumbing service can more efficiently access the tank if there’s no snow and the ground isn’t frozen.

Around the Clock Pumping is the winter preparation expert of Anchorage, AK, serving septic systems throughout the Kenai Peninsula borough and Matu-Su Borough. Schedule pumping and any repairs that you need before the winter season starts. They are available 24-hours a day for emergency needs as well. See their full range of services online and call (907) 345-9126 to schedule a service.