The cold, freezing temperatures of winter pose a real threat to the residential septic system in Snohomish, Lynnwood, and Arlington, WA. Failure to prepare your septic tank for the colder weather might result in freezing, frosting, and blocked septic components. Besides the cold weather, several other factors can cause frozen septic system problems in winter.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these factors and what you can do to prevent or recover from a frozen septic tank in Mill Creek and Mill Creek, WA.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Winterization
Expert septic contractors in Arlington, WA, suggest these top five signs that indicate your septic needs proper winterization,
1. Freezing
Leading septic pumping specialists in Lake Stevens, WA, suggest that when the temperature drops below freezing, the water in the septic tank can freeze, causing the tank to crack or rupture.
2. Clogging
Cold temperatures can cause the grease, oils, and fats in the Lynnwood, WA, septic tank to solidify, which can lead to clogging.
3. Overuse
During cold winter, most people spend time indoors, which increases water usage and strains the Mill Creek, WA, septic system.
4. Snow and Ice
Obviously, heavy snowfall and residual ice can put a lot of pressure on the septic tank and its associated drain pipes, causing them to break.
5. Reduced bacterial activity:
Freezing temperatures can also halt the bacteria that break down the waste in the tank. Without the help of these healthy bacteria, solid waste becomes too plentiful and clogs up your septic system in Lake Stevens, WA, leading to system failure.
Frozen Septic System Symptoms
Top septic repair companies in Snohomish, WA, reveal that several factors can cause the pipes within a septic system to freeze, including:
- A bow in the pipeline or low point that allows water to collect rather than drain freely from the pipe
- Exposed or shallow lines that are exposed to frost
- A slow leak or dripping condensate from a high-efficiency furnace causes water to trickle into the pipes slowly, but because this is in insufficient volumes to create an adequate flow, it can freeze up in the pipeline, causing a blockage.
How to Winterize an Onsite Septic System
- You can do the following things to properly winterize your septic system in Snohomish, WA, and prevent the costs and inconveniences that come when septic parts freeze up.
- Place a deep layer of mulch 8 to 12 inches thick over the drain pipes, septic tank, and the leach field to provide extra insulation. You can use straw, hay, leaves, and other loose material that will remain in place and not become compacted. However, if your septic system in Lake Stevens, WA, is currently frozen, you don’t need to add mulch now, as it will delay thawing in the spring.
- Use warmer water if your septic tank in Arlington, WA, freezes up. Spread out your weekly laundry schedule so you run one load a day. Use the dishwasher and take hot baths. Don’t leave water running all the time, as it can overload the septic system in Snohomish, WA.
- If you are going away from home for a few days, have someone regularly pump out your septic tank.
- Fix any leaky plumbing fixtures or appliances in your property, as it will help prevent any freezing problems and keep your septic system performing better all year.
- Keep all vehicles, animals, and people traffic off the septic system in Arlington, WA. Pay special attention to the area between the house and the drain field.
- Keep an eye on your septic system. If any seeping, ponding, or water pooling occurs, contact an onsite septic care, repair, and pumping professional like A Wesco Septic to help understand the cause and remedy.
- Add more insulation to your system, including replacing the traditional pipe with insulated pipe, adding expanded foam panels over the septic system, or adding more soil cover.
Seeking Professional Help for Septic System Winterization
Seeking professional expertise can make a huge difference in preparing your septic system in Arlington, WA, for the challenges of the cold weather. Technicians at A Wesco Septic bring the necessary knowledge and experience to the table, including,
1. Thorough Inspections
Septic tank repair and maintenance contractors from A Wesco Septic in Arlington, WA, have the right insight and equipment to inspect your septic system thoroughly, which includes assessing the septic tank’s condition, checking for potential vulnerabilities, and ensuring all components are in perfect working order.
2. Identification of Potential Problems
Professionals at A Wesco Septic in Lynnwood, WA, can identify potential issues like leakage, cracks, and signs of slow bacterial activity that might go unnoticed during a routine septic inspection.
3. Expert Solutions
Our professional septic care and maintenance experts in Mill Creek, WA, can provide tailored solutions to the specific needs of your septic system.
Budget-Friendly Prevention Tips
- To prevent this, you need insulate the tank and any pipes exposed to the cold.
- To reduce the strain on the drain pipe, avoid using water-intensive appliances and spread out your water usage throughout the day rather than all at once.
- Avoid disposing of oils, fats, and grease down the drain and toilet.
- Try to use a septic-safe drain cleaner.
- Make sure to clear snow around the septic tank in Snohomish, WA, and any pipe exposed to the cold.
Final Takeaway
By following the tips suggested above, your septic system in Lynwood and Arlington, WA, will run smoothly, and you won’t have to worry about the inconveniences and costs of dealing with frozen or failed septic systems in winter.
Our goal at A Wesco is to turn our new customers into long-term relationships while helping you maintain your septic system in Snohomish, Mill Creek, and Lake Stevens, WA. More than anything, we want to be the ones you use regularly for all your septic-related needs. We don’t want our customers to just think of us in an emergency, but rather to pump and inspect your tank every few years and maintain your septic system to prevent those emergencies.
No matter what your septic questions or issues may be, call our friendly office staff and schedule an appointment today.
