Cold weather can do a real number on your septic system. It puts a lot of stress on even the sturdiest septic tanks and pipes, and that can lead to some serious and expensive problems. Here are just a few ways that cold weather affects your septic system and what you can do about it.

Frozen Pipes

Water expands when it freezes, which is why frozen pipes tend to leak or burst. If this happens to your sewer line or any pipes connected to it, you could be dealing with leaks, backups, or even a full system failure.

To keep this from happening, cover exposed pipes in your basement, crawlspace, or garage with pipe insulation. If temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, open your faucets slightly to let water trickle through your pipes. This keeps water flowing, which will make it less likely to freeze.

Slower Waste Breakdown

Your septic system relies on bacteria to break down waste. When it gets cold, much of this bacteria slows down significantly. This can cause waste to build up in your tank and create clogs in the rest of your system.

The best way to counteract this is to keep your septic tank from freezing. Spread out your water usage to keep warm water steadily moving through your system. Try to wash a load of laundry or use your dishwasher every day, but don’t use too much water at once. This could overload your septic system and cause flooding in your drainfield or even your home if the wastewater backs up into the rest of your plumbing.

You can also prevent freezing by adding a layer of mulch over your septic tank, especially if you have a relatively new tank that isn’t covered by a thick layer of vegetation yet. Just don’t do this if your septic tank is already frozen; it can keep your tank from thawing in the spring.

Shifting Ground

The soil around your septic system shifts as it continuously freezes and thaws. It can shift your pipe or your tank out of place, cracking your sewer line or even expose your tank to the cold air and make potential freezing problems worse.

While there’s not much you can do about shifting soil aside from keeping vehicles and heavy equipment away from your tank and sewer line, you can keep an eye out for signs of trouble in your home. Look for slow drains, standing water, frequent toilet backups, gurgling sounds, or foul smells coming from your drains. Those are all signs that something is wrong with your septic system. Call a plumber for assistance if you notice any of them.

If you think the cold weather is causing problems with your septic system, get help quickly. Don’t hesitate to call Happy & Clean Septic Rescue in Muncie, IN to schedule a septic inspection.