Prepare Your Septic System For Winter
There is a defininte chill in the air that can only mean that fall is here and winter is not far behind. Now is a great time to Prepare Your Septic System for another Minnesota winter. There are things that you can do to prevent problems for the septic system on your Rogers, MN property and a seasonal cabin property. A newly installed private sewer system is at a slight risk for Freezing. While an existing ISTS (Individual Sewage Treatment System) that has been properly maintained should not have freeze ups.
Insulate To Prevent Freezing
It is important to maintain Good Insulation on top of your septic system. This includes the entire system including Septic Tank, Pipes, Mound System and Drainfield). A good Septic Design should not be prone to freezing but it is wise to take precautions. It is smart to maintain a good groundcover throughout the year.
- Grow Grass an Extra 6” over the whole septic system
- Add a layer of Straw, Hay, Mulch or Leaves spread 8 – 12” deep across the entire system (especially true for a newly installed septic system)
- Keep Snow Cover for Insulation
Do Not Allow Faucets To Drip
Dripping Water can cause an ice build up that could eventually lead to a Frozen Pipe. Freeze Ups are most likely to occur very close to where the septic pipe connects to your home.
- Fix Leaky Faucets
- Run Very Warm Water down the drain regularly
- Running one load of Warm/Hot laundry daily should do the trick
- Use Dishwasher
- Take a Hot Bath or Shower
- Do Not allow water to keep running and risk overloading the septic system
Stay Off Of Grass And Snow
It is best to limit all human, animal and vehicle traffic on top of entire sewage treatment system. This is true for the whole year. Compacting the dirt can be harmful to the pipes. Winter snow will help provide natural insulation and should not be compacted. Pay special attention to the area between your home and the septic tank.
Have Septic Tank Inspected And Pumped
Having your Septic System Inspected by a licensed professional is a good idea. They will check to see if the tank needs pumping and look for any problems. Repairing septic system problems can be more difficult after the ground is frozen. Its smart to have your septic tank pumped out this time of the year.
Is Septic System Frozen?
If you suspect that your septic system is Frozen or has an Ice Blockage, call a Licensed Septic Professional. An inspection will be performed to determine if a freeze up has occurred and where it is located. There are special steamers and high-pressure jets that are used for thawing ice in pipes.
Regular Septic System Maintenance and pumping will help to keep your system running for a long time and could save you thousands of dollars on repairs or replacement. Make sure to maintain Good Insulation, Fix Leaky Faucets and Stay Off of the septic system.
Contact Brad Krotzer at Custom Septic Inc. (CSI) to schedule a Seasonal Inspection of your Rogers, MN Septic System. Brad is a Licensed Septic Professional with more than 17 years of experience.
Custom Septic Inc. (CSI) is Licensed, Bonded and Insured.
Contact Custom Septic, Inc. (CSI) for a Free Estimate at 763-218-4769
Custom Septic Inc. (CSI) serves the Twin Cities and Northern Minnesota.
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