Owning a septic tank means keeping up with its maintenance in a way that other people wouldn’t understand. Aside from regular pumping, you should have your system checked for cracks, and cleaned so it operates properly. Bacterial treatment may be in order as well. In some areas, winterizing a septic system is vital.
Winterizing is Only Necessary in Freezing Temperatures
On the island of Maui, winterizing is the last thought on a homeowner’s mind. Since it rarely gets below 60 degrees fahrenheit on Maui, freezing temperatures are far from a concern.
But if you own another property far out in another part of the country, freezing cold is much more of a concern. If your other property depends on a septic system and is in a climate where freezing is more common, make sure the septic system is winterized before freezing can begin. The northern United States can start experiencing frost and snow as early in the year as September or October, and may still get snowfall into the mid-spring.
How Do You Winterize a Septic System?
Winterizing a septic system is a process that might take several steps. You could follow many of these steps if you plan to leave your home unused for an extended period of time. If a long vacation or a season abroad is in your future, take the following steps to protect your septic system:
- Get a Septic Inspection. An inspection can tell you a lot, so make sure you call the professionals at Maui pumping so you can identify any leaks or maintenance issues, and even get the system pumped if necessary. You don’t want to leave a full septic system to sit for a long time.
- Winterize your Pipes. Winterizing your pipes can be done without professional help if you are confident in your ability to identify your water main and shut it off. But shutting off water to your home isn’t enough. You need to open all of the faucets in the home to release any water in the pipes. Then, flush the toilets until the bowls no longer fill with water. Even if you aren’t worried about freezing cold, it is a good idea to do this when your home will be vacant for an extended period of time.
- Protect your Drain Field. A lot can happen during a long absence. Ensure vehicles do not park on your drain field, or the pipes underground could be damaged. Make sure dying tree branches nearby are trimmed, because a falling bough can damage a lot more than just your drain field. If you do own another property in a freezing area, you can purchase insulation for your drain field, and even let your grass grow long through the fall for better freezing protection.
