If you're still adjusting to owning a home with a septic system, it's important that you understand the hazards that winter can bring for that tank. The persistent freezing temperatures can bring some risks of freezing in your tank, which can damage your septic tank over the long term. You need to be sure that you're attentive to the condition of the tank to identify potential problems right away. The sooner you spot issues, the quicker you can get them repaired.
Keep The System Flowing
If the water in your septic tank is left to sit undisturbed, it's far more likely to freeze with the winter temperatures. When it freezes, the expanding water can crack the tank. You'll want to reduce the risk of this type of damage by using your septic system on a regular basis.
You should still avoid flooding the system through excessive use, but steady, consistent use of your water throughout the course of the day is important. The constant flow of water will help to reduce the risk of any freezing in your septic tank.
Insulate Your Septic Tank
With cold weather rolling in for the winter, some proactive insulation can help to keep the cold away from the tank. Grass provides some insulation, but you can make it even better by adding a layer of mulch directly over your septic tank before the first freeze or snowfall.
Then, once the snow does fall, that layer of snow over the mulch will help to provide even further insulation for your tank. This may reduce the risk of freezing and the damage that comes with it.
Schedule An Inspection
Whether you book it partway into the season or at the end of the winter, you should have your septic tank inspected. An annual inspection with a camera system is important for identifying any potential cracks inside the tank. Since any level of freezing will cause the water to expand and crack the tank walls, this inspection is essential for preventing leaks and soil contamination.
The technician will send a camera system down inside the tank after cleaning it thoroughly. The cleaner the tank walls, the easier it is to see flaws. You may need to have any visible cracks or chips patched, but your septic tank contractor might suggest spring repairs so that the repair will be easier to complete.
The more you understand about the damage that your septic tank can face in the winter, the easier it is to keep it safe and address the needed repairs. Contact a septic tank service for more information.