Your home’s septic tank and accompanying system require extra special care throughout the winter months. In addition to normal preventative maintenance, you’ll also have to be aware of how the freezing temperatures will affect the system. This guide points out a few common problems to watch for throughout the winter.

How Does Winter Weather Affect Your Septic Tank?

1. Frozen Septic System Components

Just as any homeowner has to guard against frozen plumbing in the winter, the pipes that lead to and from your septic tank will have to be guarded against freezing. Extreme low temperatures will cause the ground to freeze and eventually lead to frozen pipes and other outdoor components. You can wrap these pipes and parts in insulation, or you can use straw, dirt, or blankets to protect exposed components. It can also help to make sure you use your system several times each day to keep the water from standing still, which prevents it from freezing.

2. Broken or Clogged Pipes

You may not notice a leak in your septic system’s pipes right away, so you should have the system inspected before the ground freezes. Once freezing temperatures arrive, a clogged or damaged pipe could cause water to remain in the pipe long enough to freeze. As a result, the surrounding pipes could suffer additional damage, the flow of water and waste will be interrupted, and tap water could become contaminated as a result of the leak. You can avoid all of these problems with a seasonal inspection of your system.

3. Septic Tank Pumping 

Everything becomes more difficult with the arrival of snow and ice, including the work that a septic tank cleaning and pumping service must perform. If it’s close to the time at which you typically need your tank serviced, you may want to get it pumped ahead of the first snowfall. This will make it easier for the professionals you hire and help you keep your service costs lower.

4. Drain Field Damage

Regardless of the season, parking vehicles and other heavy equipment on your drain field can damage your septic system. This is especially true in the winter when compacting the soil will cause it to freeze more thoroughly by eliminating warm air pockets. As a result, there will be a greater likelihood that the pipes and machinery in the drain field will also freeze.

When you need your septic tank pumped and cleaned, relying on experienced professionals will help you keep your system functioning efficiently all year long. Located in Galesville, WI, Holmen Pumping Service has 30 years of experience in pumping, cleaning, and maintaining septic tank systems. Each of their technicians is licensed and certified to perform the services you need to keep your system in peak condition. You can learn more about their services online or by calling (608) 526-3865.