During winter, your septic system is under unique stress. Cold weather, ice, snow, and a surge in house guests can all contribute to problems that can seriously damage your septic tank. From the frozen ground below to reduced bacterial activity, all of these can cause major damage to septic tanks in Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, and surrounding areas. To prevent these issues from occurring and reoccurring, you’ll need to learn about these potential problems and how to avoid them by proper preparations and maintenance.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some common problems that septic systems in Hansville, Kingston, Port Orchard, Silverdale, and nearby areas can experience during the festive weather and what you can do to prevent them.
Signs of Winter Septic Tank Problems
1. Frozen Septic Components
Frozen tanks and pipes are the most evident septic problem in winter, especially after the first snow. When the most basic components of your septic system freeze, it delays or stops healthy bacteria from breaking down waste in the tank. If the sewage and wastewater aren’t sufficiently broken down, the septic tank can overflow and cause clogging and blockages. Frozen lines and ruptures also pose a significant health hazard to the locals.
How To Avoid It?
- Cover your septic system with a blanket or cover for insulation.
- Avoid cutting grass in the drain field by mid-September for extra insulation.
- Put leaves, mulch, or plant cover on your pipes.
- Use your septic tank daily to reduce the possibility of freezing.
2. Difficulty Pumping Your Tank
Septic tank pumping in Silverdale and nearby areas is much more difficult during the winter, as the hard, frozen ground combined with snow on your lawn makes digging to reach your septic tank difficult.
How To Avoid It?
To dodge these issues, get your septic tank pumped if you know it’s full or overflowing. Early pumping before the ground is frozen will decrease the likelihood of essential maintenance during the cold days.
3. Snow and Soil Pressure
Be careful where you park your heavy vehicle during winter, as it can cause compacted soil and snow, reducing the insulation of your septic system in Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, and nearby areas. Furthermore, it can also build pressure, solidify the septic tanks, and impede the proper treatment and drainage of sewage and wastewater in the draining fields.
How To Avoid It?
Before winter fully sets in, aerate the soil in your leach field and remove snow from your septic system.
4. Improperly Functioning Water Pipes
Raggedy pipes with leakage, blocks, and clogging can lead to insufficient drainage and preventable damage to the area around your septic system in Kingston, Hansville, and surrounding areas.
Obviously, leakage during the cold weather can also increase the chances of freezing, further weakening the septic tank. Clogs can cause the sewage water to accumulate in the pipes, and frozen drainage can end up causing damage to the overall septic unit, which can also contaminate the drinking water.
How To Avoid It?
Conduct routine inspections of your pipes to identify any signs of wear and tear.
Replace and fix any leaky pipes before winter hits.
If you notice blocks, clogs, or leakage, contact a qualified septic service like Northwest Septic O&M.
5. Overworked by Holiday Guests
Having guests over during the holiday season can cause damage to your septic system. Your tank can become overworked with increased showers, toilet, and laundry usage. The preparation of elaborate holiday meals can also contribute to an overworked system.
How to Avoid It?
If possible, stagger your food preparation over a few days. Additionally, remind your guests what items can and can’t be flushed down the toilet.
How Do I Prepare My Septic Tank For Winter?
Some winter tips to prepare your septic pumping system in Bremerton, Poulsbo, Silverdale, and nearby areas are,
- Minimize waste accumulation to prevent an overfilled septic system.
- Inspect the lid routinely to ensure there are no chips or cracks.
- If you notice any issues with your septic pumping tank, don’t leave it to rot or spiral into much bigger problems. Instead, call a credible septic professional like Northwest Septic O&M and get them treated.
- If possible, schedule any necessary septic tank pumping services before winter hits.
- Use water sustainably to avoid overworking your septic system.
- Drain all the septic tank’s pipes if you leave for long periods.
- Schedule timely septic inspections, cleanings, repairs, and maintenance by qualified professionals like Northwest Septic O&M.
Final Takeaway
Dealing and coping with septic system issues during the colder weather can be a lot of work and potentially damper your festive mood. So, ideally, the best way to deal with these winter problems is to seek assistance from a reliable, competent, efficient, and resourceful septic service like Northwest Septic O&M. Serving Kitsap County since 2004, we’re the premier providers for all your septic-related needs including inspection, cleaning, pumping, repairs, and maintenance.
As a family-owned business, we provide fast, friendly, and professional septic service in Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Hansville, Kingston, Poulsbo, Silverdale, Port Orchard, and surrounding areas. At Northwest Septic Operations and Maintenance, you can trust our expertise and experience anytime to handle your septic issues.
Whatever your septic need may be, we’re here 24/7 for you. Contact us at (360) 845 5026 or (206) 842-5111 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
