Septic tanks and cold weather

Septic systems can easily freeze when there are cold temperatures and frost is running deep under the ground.  People, who live in rural areas and have a septic system installed in their properties, should be very careful about running water to keep their lines open.

If the temperatures are really cold and you keep adding water to your septic system, it could cause the entire system to freeze completely and lead to more problems in your home.  Residences, which have a septic system installed, should consider installing an alternative method for keeping their water pipes flowing with water properly, as this will prevent their septic systems from freezing.

Mark Mathre, who is an environmental health specialist, stated “lots of communities are having trouble with freezing water lines, which is a fairly new issue for the larger systems.  The easy fix is to tell people it’s a good idea to let the water drip.  That is one of the worst ideas for a septic system, because it really increases the risk of freeze up.”

Here are some more tips, which will help any septic system owner, to prevent freezing and other problems:

• Do not let water run, if you own and are using a septic system.
• Dripping fixtures, like toilets and faucets, should be repaired immediately.  If at all possible, using a condensation discharge from a high-efficiency furnace can help to prevent your septic system from freezing up.
• Immersion-type tank heaters and stock tank heaters are also a good way to prevent your system’s tank from freezing.
• Insulating your septic tank is an excellent way to prevent it from freezing and this can be done by piling up snow or covering the top of your septic tank.

If you are having other types of problems with your septic tank you can always contact Lake Norman Septic and we will help you solve your problems.

Thankfully, the cold winter days are almost over now and you will not have to worry much longer about your septic system freezing up.