How to Winterize Your Septic Tank System

Your septic system isn't quite as appealing as a gazebo decorated with fairy lights or a garden filled with colorful blooms, but it keeps solid waste out of your home, making it an unsung hero. During the winter months, snow and freezing temperatures increase the risk of clogs and septic tank damage.

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Follow these tips for winterizing a septic tank to avoid a smelly problem when the ground thaws.

What Does It Mean to Winterize Your Septic Tank?

The winterization process helps prepare your septic system for cold weather. A septic system usually has four components: soil, a drain field, a tank and a pipe to carry waste from your home. The tank uses bacteria to break down solids, greases and oils. Leftover liquids travel through a series of pipes before they're released in the soil of the drain field.

Can a Septic Tank Really Freeze?

The bacteria responsible for breaking down wastes are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures, so it's common for septic systems to slow down or even clog during the winter. Additionally, it's possible for the pipe between your house and the septic tank to freeze, causing serious problems. Winterization is necessary to keep your septic system running properly.

When Should You Winterize to Prevent a Frozen Septic System?

At a minimum, you should start winterizing your septic tank in October. This gives you plenty of time to batten down the hatches before the cold really sets in. If you live in New England or another cold region, consider starting in September. If temperatures dip earlier than usual, you'll be prepared.

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How Do You Winterize Your Septic System?

The good news is that winterizing your septic tank requires just a few simple steps. Although you can do these steps on your own, it's also a good idea to have a professional inspect your septic system annually. An experienced inspector can help you find cracks, leaks and other problems before they leave you with a big mess on your hands.

1. Check the Lid

Your septic tank lid pulls double duty all year long, but it's especially helpful during the winter months as it prevents debris from getting inside. Before you do anything else, check the lid to make sure it fits properly and doesn't have any cracks or other types of damage. If you don't check the lid, you may end up with a septic tank full of snow and ice.

2. Protect the Drainage Field

The drainage field is where liquids go after they're separated from solids, greases and oils. Over time, these liquids sink into the soil, creating a veritable buffet for bacterial organisms. Because the drain field prevents contaminated liquids from mixing with rainwater, it's one of the most important components of a septic system.

To prevent septic problems during the winter months, keep your drainage field free of debris. If you decide to do a little fall landscaping, make sure you plant trees and shrubs far from the drain field or their roots could inhibit liquid absorption. If you have a holiday party, ask guests not to park in the yard, as cars and other heavy objects have the potential to damage the drain lines underneath the ground's surface. It's also wise to avoid putting holiday decorations, such as giant inflatable penguins, on top of the drainage field.

If you don't have grass, rake up all the leaves in your yard and place them over the drainage field. Grass and leaves act as insulators, so they help prevent drainage pipes from freezing when it's cold outside. Alternatively, you can use straw to winterize a septic tank, but it'll cost a bit of money.

3. Eliminate Sources of Excess Water

The more water you use, the harder your septic system has to work to separate liquids from other materials. If you invite guests for a holiday meal, don't run your washing machine and your dishwasher at the same time. Ask overnight guests to stagger their showers instead of showering one right after the other. When you hang lights and other decorative items, be careful not to block your gutters. If you have a blocked gutter, water might run from your roof right to your septic drainage field.

4. Prepare for Long Trips

If you spend the winter in Arizona, Florida or another warm location, have a professional pump out your septic tank before you leave. Pumping removes wastes, reducing the risk of clogs while you're not using your septic system. If you're on a budget, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to stop by a few times per week and run the water or do a load of laundry.