In Alaska, winter preparation is essential for septic tank maintenance. Well-maintained septic systems can last 20 or more years, but poorly maintained tanks can fail when temperatures drop below freezing, contributing to groundwater pollution for other residents and wildlife. Here are some ways to prepare your septic system for winter.

3 Septic Tank Maintenance Tasks to Take Care of Before Winter

1. Have Your Tank Pumped

Buildup from solids and sludge shouldn’t be allowed to accumulate. When tanks become full, your home can experience blockages and backups. Solids can also exit into the drainfield, requiring you to install a new one. 

Alaska’s Department of Environmental Conservation recommends septic tank pumping every two years. Homes with hot tubs or garbage disposals may need more frequent septic tank maintenance.

2. Cover Your Septic Tank

When the ground freezes, it jeopardizes the bacteria and function of your septic tank. Install frost blankets, which are made of a waterproof material to trap heat within the soil to limit freezing. Additionally, don’t mow the grass near the septic tank for at least a month before winter. Plant life can also help insulate the ground, so if the soil is bare, consider planting grass or adding sod.

3. Use Your System

Some houses in Alaska are used as vacation rentals. If your property is a rental, make sure it’s occupied as much as possible during the winter. Seasonal or periodic use often results in freezing septic systems. Using the system for bathing, laundry, and wastewater daily facilitates water flow to prevent the plumbing and tank from freezing.

If you require assistance with septic tank maintenance this winter, turn to Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK. For more than 25 years, they’ve offered pipe thawing, septic tank maintenance, water jetting, drain cleaning, and toilet repair. Call (907) 488-9855 or visit them online to request an estimate.