Well, we knew we couldn’t avoid winter forever in the Twin Cities. Now that the cold temperatures have arrived you’ve likely been on full alert to prevent your pipes from freezing. But while you’re focused on insulating your pipes and keeping your faucets running overnight, it’s essential to not overlook your septic tank.

Just as it’s important to keep your sewer lines and water lines flowing, it’s also crucial to prevent your septic tank from freezing when the temperatures dip.

Our St. Paul septic tank experts reveal common causes of frozen septic tanks, and how you can avoid these issues at your Twin Cities home this winter.

Risks of a Frozen St. Paul Septic Tank

If your septic tank freezes, it can cause numerous threats to your St. Paul home. These can range from inconveniences to problems – and even health risks.

Some of the biggest risks of a frozen septic tank include:

• Blockages in the drainage system. This can result in slowdowns – or complete stoppages – of wastewater flowing into the septic tank from the house.
• Backups of sewage in the home. If this happens, it can put your family at risk of illness.
• Damage to different components in the septic system. The pipes and other parts can crack or rupture if they freeze and expand.
• Delays in the treatment of the sewage in the septic tank. This can result in untreated or partially treated wastewater being released into the drain field.
• Foul odors if the trapped gasses if key parts of the septic system freeze. These odors might enter the home, as well.
• Potential damage to the drain field, which can make it ineffective.

To prevent these risks, you can follow these tips from our St. Paul septic tank experts!

What Causes Septic Tanks to Freeze?

While many factors can put your septic tank at risk for freezing, there is one common threat here in the Twin Cities – freezing temperatures. When the temperatures turn extremely cold in the winter, it can cause components and pipes in the septic tank to prevent the unit from working correctly.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent your septic tank from freezing.

How to Prevent Your St. Paul Septic Tank from Freezing

When the temperature in St. Paul hits the “why do we live here” and “when’s the next flight to Florida” level, it’s important to think about your septic tank and take steps to prevent it from freezing. Our team of septic tank experts near St. Paul recommends taking the following steps!

#1 Way to Prevent Your Septic Tank from Freezing

Turn off the Water If You’re Traveling

Especially if you’re a snowbird and are traveling south for the winter months, it’s essential to shut off your water supply while you’re away. One of the top reasons that septic tanks freeze is if the water is not being used and is not flowing through the pipes regularly. It can sit in the system and freeze. To avoid this, you should shut off your water supply if you are going to be away for a period of time, especially if the forecast calls for extremely cold temps.

You should also drain your lines before you leave, and have your septic tank pumped to take extra precautions.

#2 Way to Prevent Your Septic Tank from Freezing

Repair Plumbing Leaks

If you have an ongoing leak in your plumbing system – from a dripping faucet to a leaking toilet or pipe – it’s essential to repair it as soon as possible. If these are leaking pipes that run from the house to the septic tank, they can freeze and cause issues. In some cases, they can cause burst pipes, which can create a large, expensive mess. Instead, you can avoid risks and negative outcomes by catching and repairing leaks quickly.

#3 Way to Prevent Your Septic Tank from Freezing

Don’t Shovel Over Your Septic Tank or Drain Field

When the snow piles up on your property, you might start to worry about having layers of snow on top of your septic tank or your drain field. While the temptation might be to shovel the snow off of the space or even use your snow plow to clear the area, this can actually be more dangerous for your septic tank. Believe it or not, the snow helps protect your system from freezing. The snow acts as insulation from the freezing temperatures.

#4 Way to Prevent Your Septic Tank from Freezing

Schedule Routine Septic Tank Maintenance on Your System

The best way to prevent your septic tank from freezing is to schedule routine maintenance services on your system. Call our team of experts for septic tank maintenance near St. Paul. Our team will perform routine tune-ups and services to ensure your unit is working correctly, address concerns, pump the system, and more to keep it running correctly and safely all winter.

Call Ground Tech for Septic Tank Repairs Near St. Paul

If your septic tank freezes, or if you need routine maintenance or repairs, contact our team of septic tank experts near St. Paul. At Ground Tech, we can perform complete septic tank services, including septic tank installations, septic tank replacements, and repairs in the Twin Cities.

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