Learn about some simple precautions you can take to keep yourself from having to deal with messy septic tank problems during the cold winter months.
Caring For Your Septic Tank in The Winter
When temperatures get below freezing, your pipes and septic system can freeze without the right protection. This depends on many different factors, but some of the most common causes of frozen septic tanks are:
Cover your septic tank. Septic systems are less likely to freeze in areas that see a lot of snow during the winter. While it may seem like snow would freeze your septic tank, it is actually an excellent insulator to keep the septic system warm and running this winter. If you do not get snow throughout the winter we recommend adding mulch, leaves, straw or plant coverage over your pipes.
Keep the pipes in regular use. Running warm water periodically can also help prevent pipes from freezing. When septic systems are not regularly used they are more likely to freeze. In properties that are unoccupied for long periods of time, the system is unable to keep a consistent temperature due to the low level of water and sewage passing through. If you are going to be away for any significant amount of time, we recommend having your septic tank emptied.
Schedule regular maintenance and repairs before winter. Leaky faucets and other fixtures increase the chances of your septic system freezing substantially. If something is leaking, it is constantly sending a small trickle of water into your pipes. This thin layer of water easily freezes and can grow over time until the entire pipe is frozen solid.
My Septic Tank is Frozen, Now What?
Having a specialist look at your system is the safest way to get it back in working order. Nix Tank Company has over 40 years of experience dealing with the manufacturing and maintenance of septic tanks. Our experts will perform a septic tank inspection to get to the root of the problem; making sure that you won’t have to deal with a frozen tank again next year.
There are many “home remedies” for frozen septic tanks out there, however, these do not always work and can damage your system even further. When dealing with septic tanks problems we advise that you:
DO NOT add antifreeze, salt or an additive to the system
DO NOT pump sewage onto the surface
DO NOT start a fire over the system to “thaw it out”
DO NOT run water continuously
If you experience any septic tank issues this winter, call the experts at Nix Tank Company or request a free quote. We serve all of Gainesville and the surrounding North Georgia area with septic tank service and maintenance.
Ray Matchen is our septic tank specialist. Please contact Ray at rymatchen@yahoo.com for any septic tank questions or service requests.