7 Winter Maintenance Tips for Septic System Owners

1. Inspect Your Manhole Cover or Tank Lid and the Surrounding Area for Cracks or Damage

Inspect your tank lid for cracks or leaks. No uninvited water should be allowed into the tank. The tank’s drainage systems should also be inspected for clogs, debris and other problems that can interfere with proper drainage. While you’re checking on things, make a note of where your tank lid or manhole cover is located should it become hidden by snow.

2. Check for Water Leaks Inside Your Home

Just like it’s important to check the tank lid for cracks or damage, it’s important to eliminate water leaks inside your home, too. Remember, you don’t want any extra water in your tank. And a leaky faucet can cause interior damage if left unchecked.

3. Winterize Your Home & Pipes

If you don’t plan to occupy a home in the winter, winterize your home and plumbing before the cold sets in. Have the septic tank pumped, then drain and winterize your pipes. When you open the property again in the spring, have the septic system checked again for any signs of winter damage.

4. Keep the Water Flowing

Moving water doesn’t freeze, so move water through the system on a daily basis. For most active households, this isn’t a problem. Showers, laundry, dishwashing and regular plumbing use should provide enough action to prevent liquid in the tank from freezing. Having said that, don’t allow a faucet to run continuously, and don’t overload your tank. Too much water in the tank can cause its own set of problems! If you’re worried about your pipes freezing, insulate them and keep the heat in your house above 60° F at all times.

5. Have Your Septic Tank Pumped As Needed – Don’t Postpone Due to the Cold

We highly recommend having your septic tank pumped out every 2-4 years and we offer clean out services all year round. If your tank is due to be serviced contact us today
to schedule your Twin Tiers septic service.
The last thing you want during a snowstorm is a septic backup! We can perform a thorough inspection of your tank and septic system when we do your cleanout, to ensure your system is ready for the cold.

6. Do NOT Park Cars or Equipment Above Your Septic System

When the ground is frozen it might not seem like an issue to park on a sand mound system or in the yard near your septic tank, but we recommend you avoid parking on or near your septic system anytime of year. The weight of a vehicle can cause damage to your tank, laterals/pipes or baffles.

7. Do NOT Plow Snow Off the Top of Your Septic Tank

Snow above your tank acts as insulation. We’ve seen tanks freeze when snow has been plowed off the top because that layer of insulation was removed. When in doubt, let the snow melt naturally. We also recommend that you inspect the ground or plant cover on/above your system if it’s a new system. Septic systems installed in the fall may not have enough vegetative cover to properly insulate the system to prevent winter freezing. Placing a good layer of mulch or dry soil over the new system is an important preventative measure.

Feeling ready for winter? We hope these tips will help you be prepared as the cold weather sets in. We offer 24/7 service 12 months a year so if your tank is due to be pumped out, be sure to give us a call at 607-564-7931. Our team is standing by!

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