Now that the cold weather has officially hit, there are some key tips you should follow in order to keep your septic system in tip-top shape all winter long.
1. Pump your Tank
If you haven’t done so already, be sure to get your tank pumped. By getting on a regular pump schedule (for most septics, that means every 2-3 years), ensures solids don’t accumulate up too much and clog your system – potentially causing expensive damage. Your tank is also more likely to fill up faster over the winter months when family and friends from out of town come and stay at your home for the holidays.
2. Keep the Hot Water Flowing Regularly
Keeping hot water running through your pipes regularly will prevent ice from building up and even keep them from freezing altogether. This means that if you plan a vacation over the winter months or even a weekend getaway to the slopes, it’s a good idea to have a friend or neighbor stop by and run the faucet for a few minutes.
3. Remove Compacted Snow and Large Structures
Snow on your tank and drain field can actually act as a good insulator, but too much heavy, wet snow becomes compacted, and large equipment and vehicles can be too heavy – adding too much pressure and ultimately damaging your tank. This all can lead to expensive repairs that you want to avoid, especially in the cold months! Be sure to remove heavy objects and debris and to another location on your property.
4. Don’t Pour Kitchen Grease Down the Drain
Turkey drippings, bacon grease, and other oils are a big no-no for your drain and septic. These oily substances solidify when they cool which can then become a sticky trap for other debris inside your pipes. Not only is it bad for the pipes because it can cause clogs, but if it reaches your septic, it won’t break down the way water and waste does which can lead to your system backup. Avoid these major headaches and expensive repairs and instead, pour kitchen grease into bottles and throw them away in the trash.
5. Know the Location of Your Tank Lid and Keep it Accessible
Be sure you know where your tank lid is located and keep it accessible, even as the snow piles up and covers your septic. That’s where a septic tank riser can come in handy because it allows our technicians to easily access your septic without digging around to locate the lid itself. If you’ve already invested in a septic tank riser – good for you! Having a riser can come in handy, so be sure to know where it is and dig around it to keep it easily accessible. This way in case of an emergency, it’ll be that much easier to fix quickly – saving you time and money!
At Felix Septic, we want you to have a stress-free holiday and winter season. But, if an emergency does arise, we have highly experienced technicians who are ready to help. Call us at (603) 945-7355 today!