Freezing temperatures, dry soil conditions, and lack of snow cover can cause septic systems to freeze creating frustrating and troubling situations for homeowners. Tom Scherer, agricultural engineer of North Dakota State University Extension Service, advises homeowners with septic systems. “With a little effort, many potential freezing problems can be eliminated. Take the time to examine your system.”
Tom Scherer also states that “fresh now is an excellent insulator.” Ten inches of fresh, fluffy snow containing about 7 percent water is approximately equal to a 6-inch layer of fiberglass insulation with an R-value of R-18.”
Unfortunately, there is often very little snow while temperatures are freezing, allowing frost to penetrate deep into the ground.
Other causes of frozen septic systems:
Compacted Snow
Compacted snow is not as effective in insulating. No equipment should ever be driven over the septic tank, especially during winter. Driving any equipment over the septic system during winter can compact snow, causing frost to dig deeper into the ground.
Lack of usage or very little activity
In situations where the home is vacant for an extended period of time, there is no sewage entering the septic system to maintain warmer temperatures. Equally inconvenient, low volumes of sewage being produced can contribute to freezing. Greater water use, warmer water temperatures and more continual use are essential to prevent a frozen septic system.
Cold Air
Riser and inspection pipes that are open or broken can allow cold air to enter the system, causing it to freeze.
How you can prevent your septic system from freezing
Luckily there a few tips homeowners with septic systems can follow to prevent a frozen septic system.
- Place a layer of mulch 8 to 12 inches thick over the tank, pipes, and soil treatment system to provide additional insulation. You can use straw, leaves, hay or any other loose material that will stay in place and will not compact. This is especially important if you had your system installed late in the year, not allowing for vegetative cover to be established. If your septic system is already frozen, skip this step because it will only hinder thawing in spring.
- Use as much warm water as you can: take hot baths, wash one warn/hot load of laundry a day, and use the dishwasher. Just avoid leaving the water running all the time, as this will overtax the septic system
- Fix any leaky plumbing fixtures
- Keep vehicles, people, and animals off the septic system to prevent snow from compacting, causing frost to penetrate deep into the ground
- If you plan on going away for some time, plan ahead by leaving someone in charge of using warm water regularly
- Find a way to add more insulation to your septic system either by adding more soil cover, foam panels, or replacing pipe with insulated pipe
If your septic system freezes:
Call a septic system professional immediately. The septic system professional will most likely use a steamer or high-pressure jetter to thaw the pipes. Jones Septic Services, one of the top septic system companies that has been operating since 1950, offers services for Poughkeepsie NY septic tank installation, Dutchess County NY septic tank installation, Poughkeepsie NY septic tank pumping, Dutchess County NY septic tank pumping, Poughkeepsie NY septic tank cleaning, Dutchess County NY septic tank cleaning, Poughkeepsie NY septic tank repairs, Dutchess County NY septic tank repairs, Poughkeepsie NY septic tank inspections, Dutchess county NY septic tank inspections, and Septic Emergencies NY. Jones Septic Services is the trusted and reliable septic system service company to go to for all your septic system needs.
