Septic Systems – Cold Weather, Freezing & Insulation

We’ll be looking at the impact of cold weather and freezing temperatures on septic tanks, how to winterize your system, insulation, and dealing with frost issues.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Septic Systems?

The impact of climate on septic systems is one area homeowners are concerned about. The winter season is the time of year that presents the most challenge. This is due to freezing problems of which affect septic systems.

Such conditions affect smooth operations and need to be addressed.

You’re likely reading this article to learn more in addition to finding solutions to septic tank freezing problems. Luckily, you’ll find all the help and information you need right here.

We’ve taken a close look at this problem by pointing out the septic system components most affected.

More important is the need to fix existing freeze conditions as well as preventing a repeat of such situation in the future. These and more will be discussed shortly.

First, let’s begin by taking a look at the possible causes of freezing and how to avoid such from happening.

Does Freezing Affect Anaerobic Bacteria?

To understand the impact of freezing conditions on a septic system, it’s important to first consider a key player in the digestive process. Anaerobic bacteria play a major role in the breakdown of wastewater or sewage.

Wastewater treatment is impossible without their presence.

Favorable conditions normally promote bacterial activity while the absence of the same affects and depletes their population. The higher the presence of bacteria in a septic system, the better the digestive process becomes.

Septic System Components Most Affected By Frost

As the name implies, a septic system has several parts that all work as a unit to treat sewage matter.

Now, by the nature of their placement, certain components are more exposed to the elements than others.

In regards to frost conditions, components such as the drain field, the main pipe or inlet pipe running from the house to the septic tank as well the septic tank are affected.

Other components most vulnerable to frost conditions include the drain pipe that exits the septic tank to the drain field.

Sometimes, the pump lift station may also get affected due to its exposure to harsh weather conditions. Having spotted the most vulnerable components, it’s necessary to find ways to prevent these from getting frozen.

Not All Septic Systems Freeze During Winter

Can a septic tank freeze?

One of the ways of finding a solution to your freezing issues is by understanding that not all septic systems freeze during winter. So, what makes the others different? It’s simple; insulation!

An exposed septic system will easily freeze compared to the one that’s insulated from harsh weather conditions.

By insulation, we simply mean a covering such as vegetation, snow, or soil. Any of these will serve just fine to keep a septic system insulated from harsh weather conditions. This in turn prevents freezing situations.

Having explained why some septic systems won’t freeze, it’s important to explain how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

Insulation: Protect Septic System From Freezing Temperature

The presence of insulation or the lack of it is the difference between a frost-free septic system and one that freezes.

Now, the best action to take in such a situation involves providing the necessary insulation cover for your septic system.

• Vegetative Insulation Covering

Are you wondering how vegetation serves as insulation covering for septic system components?

You only need to consider the grass growing over your drain field. Such grass or lawn not only serves as a visual covering or blanket over the drain field underground, but it also serves as insulation during winter.

Due to the importance of such vegetation, it’s necessary to check the condition of your lawn before winter sets in.

We recommend you avoid mowing the grass or lawn covering your drain field at least 2 weeks before winter sets in.

The reason for keeping the grasses a little long is because taller grasses will have a better grip on snow when it falls. Snow in turn provides covering by protecting your drain field from direct exposure to harsh weather.

There’s a possibility that your drain field is quite exposed with little to no vegetation at all. For such a situation, an alternative and temporary arrangement can be made. Consider adopting the mulching approach.

This involves spreading a layer of leaves, hay, or straw to a thickness of about 9 to 13 inches.

• Snow Covering

When snow falls over an area, it serves as a blanket that prevents exposure, thus insulating key septic system components. The thicker the snow covering is, the better the insulation.

You’ll need to avoid clearing such snow over key components such as your septic tank as it serves a purpose.

• Soil Insulation Covering

Like other types of insulation covering, soil serves to keep septic systems from exposure to the elements. Shallow soil blankets over your septic tank or drain pipes will likely result in frost.

The opposite applies to tanks and pipes having a thicker soil covering.

• Use Frequency

A septic system that sees little usage is more vulnerable to frost conditions than one that’s used frequently. The reason for this situation is obvious.

Fairly dormant septic systems will have stagnant water lodged along with some areas of the plumbing.

The chances of freezing are pretty high compared to frequently used systems where water flows frequently through the plumbing system. This eliminates the chances of water staying at the same point for long.

Dealing With Frost Impact

If you’re facing an existing frost situation with your septic system, or suspect that your system could freeze, many steps are available to take. These would help better manage the problem.

They include having your tank pumped when traveling and fixing leaky plumbing fixtures.

Increased water usage is another strategy that could be deployed to contain the problem. While taking these measures, it’s necessary to know what shouldn’t be added to your septic system.

Some homeowners make the error of taking certain actions that could damage their septic systems.

They include the addition of salt or antifreeze or any other additives. You should know that an already frozen septic system will require patience to thaw.

Frequently run some water through the system to help with thawing frozen lines.

Freezing in septic systems is quite common during winter. With such realization, your best option is to consider taking preventive action to forestall such occurrences.