How to Prepare Your Septic System for the Winter

November 19, 2021 3:31 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Wondering what to do before winter to keep your septic system working? Whether you’re planning to ride out the winter at home or you’re heading to warmer climates, winterizing your septic system is your best bet against any damage that can occur due to freezing temperatures. Read on to learn about the essential ways to prepare your septic system for the winter season.

Schedule an inspection

Before freezing weather arrives, schedule a comprehensive inspection of your septic system from your trusted septic service provider. During a fall inspection, your technician will take a look at all essential components of your system, ensuring there are no leaks and that everything is working as it should. Your technician will also determine whether septic pumping is necessary or if you can wait until spring.

Pump the tank

If your septic system professional has recommended pumping, don’t think you can wait and have it done in the spring—even if you’re leaving your property for the winter. Cold temperatures can freeze the sewage in the tank. As temperatures warm up in the spring, cold effluent will leave your tank for the drain field, making it harder for the tank and soil to treat it properly.

Insulate the drain field

Homeowners with a septic system should stop mowing their grass in September. Not only does this cross one more thing off your to-do list, but letting the grass grow long also serves to insulate the drain field, helping to prevent your pipes from freezing. If you’ve continued to mow as fall approaches, spread leaves over the drain field or invest in special insulated blankets to keep freezing winter temperatures from damaging any pipes.

Winterize the pipes

If you’re planning to spend the winter away from home, you need to completely drain the pipes to keep them from freezing and cracking when temperatures drop. Start by shutting off the water main and opening all faucets, allowing them to completely drain. Give the toilets a few flushes, drain all appliances and completely empty the septic system’s pressure tank. After you’ve drained everything, add septic-safe antifreeze to the system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Stay off the drain field

Being vigilant about keeping traffic off the drain field is one of the most important—and hassle-free—ways to prepare your septic system for the winter season. Make sure no traffic, whether by car or by foot, goes over the drain field, since disturbing the soil pushes frost deeper underground, creating a greater risk of essential septic system components freezing. Experiencing heavy snowfall? Don’t plow it if it’s over the drain field, and let it melt naturally instead.

Now that you understand what to do before winter to keep your septic system working, it’s time to get started and schedule your fall inspection. Reach out to B.H. Cameron Septic Services LLC today. We know exactly what to do to keep your septic system in perfect shape all winter long, whether you’re braving the cold in New Hampshire or you’re spending the winter in warmer locales.

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