Winter weather presents some unique challenges for your septic system. If you don’t want to deal with a system failure in the middle of the season, it’s wise to take some precautionary measures. Use the following guide to make yourself aware of common septic service issues to look out for and how you can prevent them.

A Guide to Cold Weather Septic Issues

1. Frozen Septic Tank

The temperature underground doesn’t fluctuate as much as it does aboveground, but the soil can still freeze in extreme weather conditions. When the components of your septic tank freeze, it slows the metabolic rate of the anaerobic bacteria in the tank. They won’t be able to break down waste at the same rate they usually do, which can cause a backup. Lay down an insulative barrier to keep the tank warm. Straw, hay, leaves, or insulation blankets are all effective materials to use.

2. Soil & Snow Compaction

Soil is already more compact as it cools in winter weather. If you drive heavy machinery over it, such as a car or plow, then it will compact further. This places undue pressure on your septic tank, which can damage the components. Mark off the areas above your tank and drain field so that visitors won’t drive over it, and you won’t accidentally plow over it.

3. Pumping Difficulty

Septic pumping becomes more challenging in winter, since there may be a thick layer of snow or ice on the ground. The ground may also freeze, which makes digging to access the tank difficult. If your pumping due date is coming up soon, schedule it before the first freeze. This way, you won’t need to worry about pumping mid-winter, even if you have an unusually high usage rate of your system throughout the season.

The team at Sloan’s Septic Tank Service will keep your system functioning correctly year-round in Oakley, MI, and the surrounding area. For over 80 years, they have been providing the community with top-notch septic services at reasonable rates. Whether you need routine septic maintenance or a last-minute repair, you can trust their experts to do the job correctly the first time. Learn more about what they do online and call (989) 845-6280 today to schedule an appointment.