It’s no surprise that winter in Alberta can be challenging, particularly for those in rural areas with a septic system. Freezing temperatures, snow accumulation, and seasonal changes in usage can lead to various issues when it comes to your wastewater treatment. Understanding these common winter septic system problems and taking proactive measures to avoid them is essential in preventing costly repairs and potential system failure.
Read on for some of the most common winter septic system problems we see in Alberta:
Common Winter Septic System Problems
Septic systems are prone to issues when winter temperatures arrive, but they’re usually preventable. No matter what the issue, maintenance is the key:
Frozen Components
Alberta’s extremely cold temperatures can cause pipes and septic tanks to freeze. When this happens, the system can become overloaded and clogged, causing lines to rupture.
Watch for these common signs that your septic system is freezing:
- Septic Alarm Sounding: The system is unable to deliver waste away from the tank, setting off the alarm.
- Sewage backups: When the waste has nowhere to go, it will likely backup into your basement.
How to prevent freezing:
- Running water and using your septic system daily can reduce the risk of freezing. Typically, homes with standard occupancy and water usage don’t have problems with freezing. Small amounts of ice may still form in between pump cycles but typically melt each time water is moved. Most freeze-ups occur when water in the system left stagnant for extended periods
- Make sure your septic system has a small drainage hole in the plumbing to let water drain out. Without it, water can get stuck in the pipes, especially near the surface or in the septic tank. In cold weather, this water can freeze, and in some cases, won’t thaw until spring.
- If you’re planning to be away, have your tank pumped beforehand.
- Have your septic system inspected annually.
- Avoid cutting the grass too short above your septic system after mid-September for additional insulation. Leave 3-5” of length if possible.
Pressure on Septic Field
Parking vehicles or placing heavy objects over your septic system can cause damaged and broken pipes, and drive frost down deeper into areas it may not otherwise reach. This can cause freezing, breaking, or disconnecting delivery lines. Keep heavy items such as trailers, vehicles, or recreational items away from the septic field.
Overuse and Overload
When the winter weather takes hold, many of us prefer to hibernate in the comfort of our homes. Add to that hosting duties over the holidays and an increase in visitor traffic. These can all lead to increased water usage and septic system overload.
Overload occurs when water is being used too fast for the system to process and separate out the solids before passing it on to the drainfield. Solids and materials can then clog the drainfield and pumps.
Additionally, not all guests know the rules when it comes to a septic system, and they may flush objects it isn’t designed to handle.
How to prevent septic system overload:
- Get familiar with your septic system and understand what it can handle.
- Schedule showers throughout the day, rather than everyone showering in the morning, to give your system time to drain.
- Avoid laundry day where multiple loads are run back to back.
- Remind guests of the proper use of the toilets and sinks, including what should and shouldn’t be flushed.
- Consider pumping the tank prior to large gatherings.
Cracks and Leaks
Even minor damage to your pipes and septic tank will worsen through the winter months. Damaged pipes can lead to leaks, increasing the risk of frozen lines. Furthermore, clogs can cause wastewater to build up in the pipes, causing damage to your tank and potentially contaminating your drinking water.
How to prevent cracks and leaks:
- Have your septic tank and lines inspected regularly.
- Complete any necessary repairs and replace any leaky pipes prior to winter.
Have the Professionals at SepTech Help You Fight Winter Septic System Problems
Proactive maintenance and inspections are your best defences against costly winter repairs. Get your septic tank inspected regularly by the experts at SepTech Canada. Your satisfaction is our priority. We stand by our work with a lifetime guarantee and extensive warranties on all installed equipment.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and to book your next inspection.
