Septic tanks are environmentally-friendly and don’t require a lot of maintenance, which is one of the reasons that they’re so appealing. In fact, the main septic services you have to worry about is getting your tank pumped and cleaned every couple of years. Unless you need repairs or want to replace your tank, then you don’t have to worry about these repairs on a daily basis. That being said, there is one thing that can affect your tank, no matter how well you maintain it: weather. More specifically, we’re referring to cold weather and heavy rainfall.
Cold Weather
Before we discuss why cold weather can harm your tank, we have to acknowledge how a tank functions. Septic tanks have natural bacteria that break down solid waste. Without this bacteria, the tank will get clogged and the system will fail. This becomes complicated with cold weather because the cold makes it hard for the bacteria to survive. In fact, the bacteria is so sensitive to temperature, that they even slow down after the temperature reaches below 50°F. When this happens, the solid waste will build up and can become a problem.
Heavy Rainfall
If heavy rainfall occurs, it could saturate the drain field, making it impossible to drain from the septic tank. This could even cause the water to move backwards through the pipes, where it could eventually reach your house through your toilets and drains. Even more, it can also lead to contamination by sending untreated sewage water into the groundwater.
If you live in an area that has cold weather or heavy rainfall, don’t feel discouraged. All you have to do is be cautious and have some preventative maintenance. This includes staying up to date with your septic services, such as having your tank emptied every couple of years. In addition, avoid puting harsh chemicals or anything with antibacterial properties down the drain, as that could kill your bacteria. By taking care of the bacteria, they won’t be as affected by the cold weather.
