With winter around the corner - and all the festivities - as a homeowner, you should think about your septic system and potential problems, such as freezing, that this season may present. Preparing your septic system for the colder weather keeps it in pristine condition and prevents costly problems and nasty surprises. Learn six ways to prepare your system for winter. 

1. Schedule an Inspection

Typically, homeowners should have a septic professional inspect their septic system annually. This inspection is best scheduled before winter, preferably in autumn. The professional thoroughly examines your system to ensure it works optimally and detects any problems before they wreak havoc.

2. Pump Out

Although septic pumping should occur every three to five years, the household size, type of septic system, and amount of wastewater may increase the needed pumping frequency. Signs such as gurgling sounds, foul odors, and water backup may signal that you need septic pumping.

If your tank is due for pumping, ensure that you conduct it before winter. This ensures you get rid of any waste and greywater that can freeze when temperatures plummet. Moreover, you save yourself the hassle of digging into the frozen ground to access the tank.   

3. Insulate the System

Like you, your septic system likes to keep warm during winter to stay functional and prevent problems. First, ensure that the septic tank lid is intact and devoid of cracks and leaks. A cracked cap may allow water and frost into the system and freeze the contents.

Second, invest in drainfield insulation. The simplest way to insulate your drainfield is to let the grass grow over it during the warmer months to retain heat and guard against freezing and associated damage. Alternatively, you can buy specially insulated blankets for the drainfield.

4. Limit Traffic Around the System

One of the essential winter maintenance tips for your septic system is to reduce activities around the septic tank and drainfield. Keep any motorized vehicles off of the ground above the system since they can force snow deeper into the soil and closer to your tank and drainfield, causing freezing problems. Also, avoid plowing snow that is over the drainfield and allow it to melt naturally.

5. Avoid Straining the System

With winter comes the holiday season that sees more guests visiting, which can overwhelm a septic system and cause issues. Luckily, you can ensure your system works effectively amidst the festivities in several ways.

Firstly, be cautious of what goes in the drain. Ensure you don't pour grease, fats, leftovers, and eggshells into the drain in the kitchen. Also, do not flush diapers, floss, feminine hygiene products, and cigarette butts in the toilet.

Secondly, maintenance goes a long way to prevent septic emergencies during the holiday rush. Hire a reputable septic professional to service your system before winter and get it ready for hosting.   

6. Winterize When Away

Preparing the septic system for winter is not only for people who will use it; homeowners who will be away for the season also need to take certain precautions.

Start by shutting off the water supply from the main line, then draining all pipes and faucets to prevent freezing and cracking. Do not forget to drain appliances like the dishwasher and water heater and disconnect the hoses. You can use a septic-safe antifreeze for the pipes and drains.

If you intend to leave the furnace on in your absence, account for where its water drains. Consider diverting the water into a floor drain or bucket that does not end up in the septic system. This way, no water ends up in the septic system and freezes it. 

Getting your septic system ready for winter keeps it operating optimally and increases its lifespan. Get in touch with JT Sanitation for affordable septic tank services in Lancaster, California. We offer high-quality septic tank repairs, installation, and maintenance services.