During the winter, your septic tank is vulnerable to cold weather or icy conditions that can cause a range of problems. You should insulate your tank and pipes to keep them warm throughout the season. Without this protective measure, you may experience a variety of issues—such as clogs or backups—that require a professional to repair. 

Winter Septic Tank Problems to Look Out For

1. Frozen or Compacted Drain Field

For a septic tank to work properly, the water has to be able to seep out through your drain field. If the ground is too hard, the water can back up and damage your tank and property. Drain field treatments can loosen the soil, preventing this issue.

2. Frozen Tank

Inside of your septic tank, bacteria and other microbes break down waste. In freezing temperatures, bacteria activity can slow or stop because the bacteria die or go dormant. This causes sewage clogs that prevent water in your home from draining, and the result can even be sewage backups inside your house.

3. Burst Pipes

If water freezes and expands in your septic pipes, they’ll crack or even burst. If they do, you’ll need repairs to contain the spill and prevent bacteria from becoming a health hazard. Even if the pipes don’t burst, they can still freeze solid, leading to backups. Have a professional heat up the pipes or use a water jet to remove the blockage.

4. Overloaded System

If you entertain guests, the extra bathroom usage can overwhelm your tank’s capacity, leading to backups, leaks, or unpleasant odors. Your guests may also flush items down the toilet that your septic tank can’t handle, including sanitary products, baby wipes, or paper towels. This can cause clogs immediately or when you have your tank pumped.

When you need septic tank services to prevent or fix the above issues, contact Mark Cromley Septic Service in Union County, PA. Mark has been providing septic tank pumping and repairs for decades and will get your residential or commercial job done right. To schedule an appointment, call (570) 524-0249 or visit his website.