Pipe freezing is a serious concern in the winter time. Leave a home without water running, and you may end up with a big mess on your hands. Even if you’re regularly using your water, you may run into issues with freezing pipes if the temperature drops too much or your pipes are too exposed to the elements.
For those with septic tanks, you face the same risk. Only, if a septic pipe bursts, its not just going to be water spraying everywhere.
How Do Septic Tank Pipes Freeze?
The biggest contributing factors are the depth of your pipes and how far the frost goes down. The colder the winter gets, the deeper the frost line is going to go. That’s why you always want to make sure your septic tank is placed deep enough in the ground.
Additionally, if there are leaks in your septic tank or its left uncapped, cold air can get in, increasing the risk of freezing. And just like your water pipes, extended periods of non-use increase the risk of freezing.
The good news is there are some steps you can take to keep your septic pipes flowing smoothly.
How to Keep Your Septic Tank from Freezing Up
One of the simplest/easiest ways to keep your septic tank warm and protected is with snow. It may sound strange, but snow is actually a natural insulator. So when there’s snow sitting on the ground above your septic tank, leave it be.
Even compacting or stepping on it decreases its effectiveness.
If there’s no snow, but the temperatures are plunging low, you may want to use some thermal blankets to cover the ground above your tank.
Lastly, be extra cautious with how you treat your septic system during the winter months. With all the holidays, events, and guests, septic tanks are often put through the ringer at the worst time of the year. Be cautious. Don’t flush paper towels or wash coffee grounds down your sink.
Respect your septic system, keep it warm, and you should get through the winter just fine.
One of the best ways to respect your septic system is with regular cleaning, maintenance, and inspections. Trust us, the cost more than pays for itself. It’s much more expensive to fix and replace a broken septic system than it is to maintain a working one.
It’s less messy too.
For septic system service in Springfield, Ohio, contact AAA Wastewater today.
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