Prevent Frozen Septic System Elk River MN

by | Jan 12, 2018 | Septic Do's and Don'ts, Septic System Info

Avoid Frozen Sewer Pipes | Septic Tank | Drainfield

How To Prevent Septic System Freezing Elk River MNMinnesota is in the middle of another Arctic Blast of Freezing Cold Air. The Elk River MN area is not protected from frigid temps and potential Frozen Septic Systems that can create a very bad situation for homeowners. CSI Custom Septic, Inc. has seen a lot of winter related Septic System Problems over the years. To help keep your home or business from the headache and cost of a Frozen Sewage Line, Septic Tank or Soil Treatment Area, CSI would like to pass on some use tips.

 

Why Septic Systems Freeze

It might be helpful to start with understanding Why Septic Systems Freeze Up. Frozen sewage system components could be related to any one or a combination of the following factors:

  • Poor Septic System Design
  • Improper Septic System Installation
  • Poorly Maintained Septic Tank or Soil Treatment Area
  • Very Cold Air Temperatures
  • Not Enough Insulation Over Sewer Pipe, Septic Tank or Drain Field
  • Lack of Heavy Snow Cover
  • Dripping Faucets, Leaky Toilets, Etc.

 

Where Septic Systems Freeze During Cold Temps

There are several different points in which a Septic System Can Freeze Up when the temperatures stay below zero for an extended period of time. Its good to constult with a Licensed Septic Professional to examine your septic system to determine whether your property may be at risk. Take a closer look at these areas of the septic system:

  • Sewer Pipe leading from house to septic tank
  • Septic Tank
  • Lift Station Pump
  • Sewer Pipe going from septic tank out to drainfield
  • Soil Treatment Area (drainfield)

 

7 Tips For Avoiding Septic System Freezing

The way to Avoid A Frozen Sewer System is to plan ahead and keep your septic tank and drainfield well maintained.

  1. Schedule regular Septic Inspections to look for issues that can lead to a frozen or failed sewage system.
  2. Have the Septic Tank Pumped Out when needed, usually about once every three years.
  3. Run warm water through the plumbing pipes during cold weather.
  4. Repair any leaking or dripping faucets.
  5. Add a thick layer of insulation such as leaves, mulch or straw. Pile it up about 8” to 12” deep and about 5 feet wide.
  6. A thick layer of undisturbed snow will insulate most Elk River MN septic systems from the freezing weather. A snow fence may be useful for trapping snow over the top of septic components.
  7. Keep all types of vehicles away from the septic tank, sewer lines and soil absorption field to avoild compacting the snow and soil beneath. Its never a good idea to drive a vehicle over your septic system.

 

MN Licensed Septic Professional

MN Licensed Septic Professionals at CSI Custom Septic, Inc. can be a great partner for Preventing Septic System Freezing. We take the time to make sure that your septic system is properly Designed and Installed to minimize the chances of having problems now or in the future. Protect your investment by having a Septic System Inspection to evaluate the current health and compliance of your septic tank system.

In Elk River MN, contact CSI Custom Septic, Inc. to schedule a Septic Inspection or Septic System Repair by calling: 763-218-4769