In areas where it’s not feasible to put in new sewer lines, homeowners need to install a septic tank to handle their waste. While issues that require septic tank maintenance can happen year-round, cold weather can have a serious impact on your system. Extreme cold could freeze your pipes, requiring pipe thawing services to keep your system flowing smoothly. Once the cold weather starts to leave, though, you’ll be faced with entirely different issues that arise from melting snow.

Your Guide to Protecting Your Septic Tank

Why Melting Snow can be Problematic

While it’s recommended that you have the septic tank pumped every years, it constantly filters the waste from your home. To do this, your tank requires an adequate drain field. As it breaks down solid waste, liquid waste seeps into the drain field.

Melting snow can interrupt this process. As the snow melts, it can leak into your drain field and flood it. If that happens, the septic tank can’t adequately drain itself, causing multiple issues. If melting snow floods your drain field, you will notice that your drains move slower, toilets have issues flushing, and water can even back up into your home.

How to Avoid Issues Caused by Melting Snow

Hiring a professional to perform regular septic tank maintenance is a great way to keep it protected, but there are steps you can take to prevent any issues from melting snow. If you notice excess melt happening in the vicinity of your drain field, the best thing to do is limit water usage. By using less water, your system won’t empty into the drain field as much, preventing it from getting backed up. Simple things like fixing any leaks and taking shorter showers will protect your septic tank during the spring. Another thing to do is have your yard landscaped to move water away from the septic system.

 

If you have any issues with your system, it’s always best to hire a professional for your septic tank maintenance. Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK, has been serving residents of interior Alaska for over 25 years. As a locally owned family business, they guarantee reliable, timely solutions for your septic tank issues. Get your estimate today by calling (907) 488-9855 or visit them online.