Protect Septic Tanks From The Cold Of Winter With These Tips

Any way you look at it, it's been an abnormal winter so far - with a (very) noticeable lack of snow cover on the ground. So far our temperatures haven't been extremely cold, but for sure the single-digit temps that we have experienced haven't been kind to the frost line.

It's that lack of snow cover - at this stage of the season - that has St. Louis County officials urging rural property owners to take the necessary precautions to insulate and protect their septic systems. A little bit of maintenance now can prevent major - and expensive - problems later this winter.

St. Louis County's Environmental Services Department recommends the following steps that can be taken right now:

Add a layer of mulch (8-12 inches preferably) over pipes, tanks, and the soil treatment area. Hay and straw make excellent mulch material.
Use normal amounts of water - the warmer the better. Spread out laundry schedules to one warm/hot load per day.
Don't leave water running to prevent freezing. A slow trickle could freeze and a steady stream could overload the septic system.
If have to be gone from your property for an extended period, enlist the help of someone to visit your home and use hot water regularly.
Re-route the drip water from high-efficiency furnaces and heaters. This slow drip can freeze in the pipes. Route this clean water into the footing drain sump or into a bucket.
Fix any leaky plumbing. Again, small trickles of water going into the septic system can freeze as thin ice layers, which eventually closes off the pipe.
Keep all vehicles (including ATV and snowmobiles) off of the septic system. It's also a good idea to avoid foot traffic over the system.
Make sure all risers, inspection pipes, and manholes have tightly-sealed covers. Adding insulation to these areas is always a good idea. Check for cracks.
Consider installing a septic system heater.

If you find your septic system frozen or you note seepage or ponding of sewage, immediately contact a licenses ISTS pumper or installer or call the St. Louis County Environmental Services office for more information: 1-800-450-9278.

The county also has septic system maintenance information available on their website. Click here for details.