Septic systems in Port Orchard are often forgotten until there’s a problem. Climate change, especially in winter, brings different conditions that may impact your septic tank negatively, and it’s essential to know how to deal with them. Any clogs, blockages, or issues can result in exceptionally messy situations, making a routine septic tank inspection, repair, and pumping essential. If you notice any problems, it’s best to nip it in the bud.
Doing it in the colder months can present significant challenges. So, it’s best to ensure it’s properly cleaned and assessed right before winter. This way, you’ll be guaranteed that your tank is in the best possible condition, helping you save money from having to do emergency repairs or replacements in the winter. In this blog post, we’ll address some important septic tank questions for winter.
How does the winter cold affect my septic system?
Winter cold can significantly impact a septic system in several ways. Top septic inspection, repairs, pumping, and cleaning experts in Shelton reveal that freezing temperatures can cause the pipelines to freeze, leading to the tank itself freezing and preventing waste from being processed and disposed of accurately.
Sometimes, increased snowfall, even though it’s a rare occurrence in Port Orchard, can lead to soil compaction over the leach field, inhibiting its ability to absorb liquid from the septic tank. Furthermore, if a property isn’t occupied during the winter and warm water isn’t flowing into the tank regularly, it could contribute to the freezing of the entire system.
How do I know if my septic tank system is frozen?
Frozen septic tanks in Port Orchard can cause serious plumbing issues, including pipe and tank damage. Because of this, you should become familiar with the warning signs of a frozen system, including,
- Slow-draining sinks, bathtubs, and toilets
- Blocked drains
- Gurgling sounds coming from your plumbing
- Sewage backup
If you suspect your septic tank is frozen, contact a credible professional like Danos Septic immediately to prevent damage to your property.
Ways to prepare your septic system for Climate Change.
- Resolve Issues Immediately
If you notice any of the above signs of issues with your septic system, don’t leave it to rot—even if it occurs in the dead of night, in the middle of a festival, or during a busy workday. Contact a 24-hour emergency septic service like Dano’s Septic immediately.
- Pump Your Tank
If it’s been a while since you last pumped your septic tank, remember that autumn is the best time to do it. Leading septic professionals in Port Orchard caution that if you do it during the winter, you’ll have a difficult time tracking down your tank under all the layers of ice. You’ll also have a rough time digging into the frozen ground. Given all these potential challenges, it’s best to pump your septic tank right before temperatures drastically dip.
- Save Water
The fall season sees plenty of celebrations and holidays. You’ll likely have friends and family over for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or literally any activity to celebrate autumn. The amount of guests can stress your septic tank, mostly if they stay in your house for a day or two.
Top septic specialists in Port Orchard reveal that to keep your septic system in good working order, do your laundry once a week and take quick showers. These little acts will help you conserve water, which will help you avoid overworking your hard-working septic system.
- Seal All Leaks
If your plumbing leaks, you should consider fixing them as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’ll risk your pipelines freezing when the water turns cold, which will expand and cause the pipes to clog or burst. Furthermore, be extra sure to inspect your tank lid as well for any cracks, blocks, or leaks.
- Use Mulch
Leading septic inspection, cleaning, repair, and pumping contractors in Port Orchard reveal that insulating your septic system from the cold is crucial to ensure it doesn’t freeze over, and you can do this easily by spreading mulch on the ground.
In the weeks leading up to the colder months, put eight to twelve inches of mulch over the surrounding septic system area. Insulating the ground or system when it’s already frozen will trap the cold, prolonging the thawing process.
- Grow Your Grass
Top septic tank pumping, repairs, and inspection specialists in Bremerton reveal another way to prep your septic unit for winter to grow the grass surrounding it. Extra tall grass(about six inches longer than its usual length) will insulate the leach field, septic tank, and connecting pipes during winter. Adding this additional insulation will reduce the likelihood of your system freezing during winter.
Can I use antifreeze for my septic tank?
Leading septic inspection, repairs, and pumping contractors in Bremerton reveal that automotive antifreeze should never be put in your septic system. This corrosive product contains abrasive chemicals that may kill off the desirable organisms in your septic tank. It also contains synthetic compounds that you probably would not want to end up in the soil on your property.
Preventative Maintenance Measures For Climate Change
Because the significant climate change in Port Orchard, WA, can impact the function and condition of your septic pumping tank, it’s important to implement preventative measures heading into the winter season. Some of the best tips for preparing your septic tank for winter include,
- Schedule any necessary septic pumping, repair, or cleaning services before winter, if possible.
- Minimize waste to prevent an overfilled septic system
- Drain all the septic tank pipelines if you’re planning to leave home for the holidays.
- Use your septic system regularly to prevent freezing.
Final Takeaway
If you’ve been on the lookout for a credible septic service provider, your search ends here. At Dano’s Septic, our team is committed to keeping your commercial and residential septic system functioning seamlessly. If you need assistance with your septic tank this winter, rest assured we’re here to help.
Our team of highly trained technicians offers septic tank inspections, repairs, pumping, cleaning, and maintenance in Port Orchard, Bremerton, Shelton, Poulsbo, Sea beck, Grapeview, and surrounding areas to keep your system working properly all season long.
Contact us at (360)205-1924 to schedule an appointment with our team today. Call today, and a Danos team member will answer your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering you a competitive price and the septic solution that’s perfect for you!
