If you didn’t properly insulate your plumbing before the cold season, your septic system could freeze. Foul odors, slow drainage, basement sewage backups, and slow-flushing toilets are among the most common signs of frozen septic tanks. And while there are some steps you can take if your tank freezes, professional services must be part of the unfreezing plan. Here, review what you should and shouldn’t do when dealing with a frozen septic system.

Do:

Schedule plumbing repairs.

Get any leaky plumbing fixtures and pipes fixed by plumbers to avoid burst pipes. Leak repairs also help you reduce water bills and increase your plumbing system’s efficiency.

Have a professional use heat tape.

Your septic professional will insulate exposed plumbing pipes with heat tape, especially those in unheated rooms such as your basement and garage. Insulation helps water stay warm as it enters your septic tank, thawing frozen areas.

Reduce water usage.

Conserve water until septic system professionals arrive to keep the tank from freezing further. Fill up large pots and pans for washing dishes, take short showers instead of long baths, and avoid using your washing machine on the cold setting. Use warm water whenever possible to keep your septic tank and lines from freezing further.

Don’t:

Use salt, antifreeze, or additives.

Keep antifreeze, salt, and septic additives out of your tank. These products interfere with the enzymes that break solid waste down naturally, which affects the functionality of your system.

Start a fire.

Do not build a fire on top of your tank. Septic systems emit methane gas due to bacterial function, which breaks down solid waste. A fire over the tank can therefore quickly spread, especially when gases accumulate because of insufficient ventilation. 

Keep water running.

Refrain from running water continuously when you have a frozen septic tank. Too much water will overload the system and possibly cause it to crack from the added pressure. The extra water may also freeze and contribute to premature tank cracking and leaking. 
 

Rely on the experts at Holmen Pumping Service to help thaw your frozen septic tank. Serving La Crosse, Galesville, Trempealeau, West Salem, Melrose, Mindoro, Ettrick, WI, and the surrounding cities, this family-owned business provides septic pumping and maintenance. All tanks in this area must be pumped at least every three years as per county regulations. Call (608) 526-3865 today to schedule an appointment or visit the team online for tank cleaning information. Get more tips and news on Facebook.