Frozen septic lines are common during the cold months, which can cause septic emergencies. Septic system failure is a nightmare to most homeowners. You wouldn't want to experience this, especially during your cold winter holidays. Prevention of such cases is the best remedy.

Find below three ways to winterize your septic system for a stress-free winter season.

1. Drain Field Insulation

Low temperatures inhibit microbial activities that facilitate waste breakdown. Septic pipe insulation helps the pipes retain heat to keep the septic tank warmer than the surrounding area. You can use several insulation techniques. One of them entails the use of a mulch layer around the pipes.

Mulch consists of straw, leaves, hay, sawdust, or other plant remains. You shouldn't compact the mulch material because you will need to remove them at the end of the cold season. Also, compaction will freeze the mulch, which will also freeze your tanks and pipes. This consideration is effective for new installations that have no vegetation cover. Vegetation cover such as grass insulates the drain field.

You can also contact a professional to insulate the pipes with fiberglass, rubber, or polyethylene foam materials. Rubber is popular because of its expansion and contraction properties. Also, it doesn't tear easily.  Another option is to cover your pipes with heat tape.

2. Pump The Tank

You should ensure that your tank is clean as winter approaches. Gray water and the tanks' waste will freeze when left over the cold season. Besides, septic tank pumping during winter will prove difficult. Snow cover and low temperatures cause the ground to freeze. Therefore, you will find it difficult to access the septic tank and will incur higher labor costs for your septic tank pumping.

3. Winterize the Pipes

Septic pipe winterization involves the drainage of septic pipes to keep them water-free. This act prevents the pipes from cracking when the wastewater in them freezes. You should ensure that your septic drainage lines don't have any blockages that might hinder a significant amount of water from flowing. For example, to confirm that your toilet drains don't have blockages, flush your toilet bowl and check for any backflows. These acts will help you avoid water freezes that damage your septic system.

Conclusion

You might face many septic system failures during winter, which increase emergency work. Such situations may require unplanned repair, replacement, and labor costs. Employ the above tips to avoid these extra costs. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your septic system is okay.

Contact a septic service for more information about services like septic tank pumping.