Preparing Your Septic System for Fall
Fall is almost here, which means colder weather is right around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about getting your septic tank ready for fall. How can you prepare your septic system for colder weather? Here are some tips.
1. Grow Out Your Grass
During the fall, you should let the grass surrounding your septic tank, drain field, and connecting pipes grow an extra six inches. The extra grass will provide your septic system with insulation from the winter’s cold. This insulation will reduce the chance of your system freezing during the cold winter months.
2. Spread Mulch
Another way to insulate your septic system during the winter is to spread mulch. Spread an 8-12 inch thick layer over the whole septic system area. This option is a good choice to provide your system with additional insulation. Spreading mulch is best done in the fall before the weather is too cold. If the ground and/or your system is already frozen, the mulch will provide insulation and cause thawing to take longer.
3. Fix Leaks
If your faucet or plumbing has leaks, fall is a good time to fix them. Dripping faucets can lead to frozen pipes when the water turns to ice. Therefore, it’s important to fix leaks before the weather is cold enough for pipe freezing. You should also inspect your tank lid to make sure there are no cracks or leaks. If water and cold can seep into the septic system through the ground, it can lead to freezing and an overworked system.
4. Pump Your System
If it’s been a while since your last septic tank pumping, fall is a good time to pump your tank. During the winter, your tank can be difficult to locate in the snow. Additionally, the frozen ground will be difficult to dig into, preventing access to your tank. Because it is especially difficult to pump your tank during the winter, it’s best to schedule a pumping during the fall months.
