With winter just around the corner, preparing your septic tank for the season is a critical maintenance task. There are a few key steps for ensuring your system is protected throughout the cold season. Here are a few tips to help you keep it functional all winter. 

How to Prepare Your Septic Tank for the Winter

1. Pump Before Snowfall

Septic pumping should be performed every three to five years. Some homes require this more frequently. If you’re due for service this year, have your tank pumped before the first snowfall. As the temperatures drop and the ground becomes covered in snow, it is harder to access a septic system, especially if the ground freezes.

2. Clear the Area

Make sure the area around your tank is clear of any objects or debris. Remove any furniture, trash, fall debris, and equipment so that the tank and drain field are easily accessible in case you require emergency maintenance. The fewer items there are blocking your tank, the easier it will be to keep your unit up and running.

3. Protect the Drain Field

Your drain field requires as much attention as your tank. A frozen field can be problematic, as water could expand and cause burst pipes. To prevent this, insulate the drain field with a few inches of mulch and straw so there is a layer between the soil and any snowfall that could lead to freezing.

4. Inspect the Lid

The lid used for pumping should remain in good condition to face inclement weather. There should be no holes, cracks, or damaged areas so that everything stays out of the tank, especially critters seeking shelter from the cold. A secure lid also keeps precipitation like snow out of your tank.

5. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Conserving water should be a priority year-round, but reducing strain on your septic tank in the winter is important for keeping it functional when it becomes harder to service.

Consider installing low-flow toilets, which use as little as 1.6 gallons of water per flush. By comparison, older fixtures waste up to 3.6 gallons per flush. This will help you reduce malfunctions, save money, and protect the environment.

Serving La Crosse, Galesville, Trempealeau, West Salem, Melrose, Mindoro, Ettrick, and the surrounding cities in Wisconsin, Holmen Pumping Service is the septic pumping and cleaning company to call to prepare your home for the winter. The family-owned business keeps your equipment functional by providing pumping at least every three years. They also perform grease trap cleaning and sewer line services. For 24-hour care, call (608) 526-3865, or visit them online to learn more about their tank cleaning work.