If you live in Pike County, PA or the surrounding area then you know about frigid winters. If you have a septic system then you should also be aware of the problems that can arise during colder months. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to avoid emergency winter septic problems. View our septic system preparation plan to help you curb any potential problems. When the temperatures drop in Northeastern Pennsylvania, contact Septic Medic for maintenance, repair, or emergency.
How to Prepare Your Septic System for Winter
Protect your septic system from harsh cold weather conditions and keep it working at its best throughout the winter. There are several steps you can take to avoid septic system problems during the winter. The most important thing is to prevent pipes and parts of your septic system from freezing. Freezing can cause pipes to crack or cause a septic back up, which may result in an emergency septic pumping.
- Get Your Septic Tank Pumped. We’re often asked, “Can You Pump A Septic Tank in Winter?” The answer is yes! Septic tanks can be pumped all year round and winter clean outs are generally not a problem, however, it is recommended to have your septic tank pumped before the winter weather hits. When the ground freezes it can make it harder to access the tank if there is an emergency.
- Keep Snow Plows Off of the Septic Drain Field. It’s important to know where your septic tank and drain field are and make sure to keep snow plows off them. Plows could damage the ground which, in turn, can damage your septic system.
- Run Hot Water in Your Home. When the temperatures drop below freezing for an extended period, be sure to frequently flush your system with hot water. You can do this by planning your laundry, dishwasher cycles, and hot showers so that your system gets a dose of warm water frequently throughout the day and evening.
- Don’t Leave Water Dripping in Your House. Keeping faucets dripping may help you avoid frozen pipes in the house but it can harm your septic system. A gradual stream of water can overload a septic system which will actually cause pipes near the exit to your home to freeze.
- Insulate and Prevent the Drainage Field From Freezing. Add one to three inches of mulch on the drainage field, pay particular attention to areas that do not have adequate grass cover. Mulch or straw insulation will stop melting snow from saturating the ground and reduce the chance of flooding. Insulation can also help to prevent underground septic components from freezing.
- Schedule a Septic System Inspection. Before the temperature drops, make sure your septic system is thoroughly inspected, and if needed, make recommended repairs. Septic Medic will check your system for leaks, which can be particularly damaging in colder months, and sure all pieces are properly insulated.
Septic Medic Pike County, PA, Delaware Township and surrounding townships. We’re here to help you prepare your septic system for the colder months and resolve any septic emergencies in this winter.
Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444
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