The Ultimate Septic System Maintenance Guide for Winter

From shoring up insulation in the attic to sealing cracks in the foundation, there are tons of things homeowners need to do to prepare for winter. And that work doesn’t stop inside the house—you also need to get your septic system ready to handle winter weather. This post from your local septic services in Lancaster, NY will teach you how to prep your system for the wintertime:

• Get a professional checkup: Our best advice for winter preparedness is to call a septic service for an inspection. A routine inspection can identify any problems before they occur, saving you from a big hassle and a ton of money in repairs. The sooner you call our team, the sooner we can send someone out for an inspection.
• Repair leaky fixtures: Obviously, it’s always a good idea to repair those dripping faucets and constantly-running toilets sooner rather than later, but it’s particularly crucial that these problems are addressed in the winter, when there’s a high chance that a pipe can burst.
• Use hot water: A long, hot shower is a great way to warm up in the dead of winter—and it’s really beneficial for your septic system! All of that hot water rushing through the pipes and into the septic tank will help to prevent ice buildup.
• Lay down mulch: While you’re laying mulch down around your trees and shrubs, spread some of it on top of your septic system, too. A few inches of mulch or straw on the tank, pipes and drain field helps keep the ground warm and prevents freezing.
• Avoid parking on it: It’s never a good idea to park vehicles on top of your septic system, but it’s even more important in the winter, as the weight of the cars compacts the soil and makes it easier for the system to freeze up.

What can professionals help with?

You can’t perform all of the maintenance above by yourself. Luckily, your local septic services in Lancaster, NY can! Here’s what Macken Services, Inc. can help with:

• Insulating the system: As you can tell, insulation is key in preventing any freezing this winter. While you lay mulch down on the ground, let our team insulate the pipes and tank. With the right amount of insulation, you can rest easy knowing that your tank won’t freeze up on those frigid winter nights.
• Pumping the tank: Depending on its size and usage, your septic tank should be pumped every three to five years. Though we prefer to pump the tank when the ground is thawed out, we can perform this service whenever you need it. If it’s been a while since you’ve had the tank pumped, be sure to give us a call.
• Fixing leaks: It’s not good to have a leak anywhere in your home, but it’s particularly bad to have a leak in the pipe leading from your house to your septic tank. If you’ve experienced issues with your septic system, it’s wise to call us as soon as possible to make the necessary repairs.

It’s never too late to have winter maintenance performed on your septic tank! Contact your local septic services in Lancaster, NY today to set up an appointment or to get a quote.

Categorised in: Septic Systems

This post was written by Writer