Published June 2007

Deep Freeze Dilemma

By Roger E. Machmeier, Ph.D. (page 102)

Even though it’s summertime, we should promote customer education and proper safeguards to protect septic systems from freezing next winter

QUESTION:

I saw an article in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune about septic systems freezing. Why don’t people take care of their septic systems so they don’t freeze? What can the septic industry do to help these homeowners?

ANSWER:

Apparently last winter was bad for freezing because of the lack of snow cover combined with extremely low temperatures in some northern regions.

The freezing situation you mention is common in the northern states during many winters. Freezing is particularly a problem when there is little or no insulation from a snow cover. The topsoil freezes and the frost moves downward to the drainfield. When that freezes, sewage begins to back up into the home.

People continue to move to the country from large metropolitan areas, even with the higher price of gasoline. They are willing to drive from their home in the country to their job in the city. And people who have always had municipal sewer and water service don’t realize they’ve become operators of their water supply system and sewage treatment system. And they know very little about either one! Unfortunately, they are usually not given this message when they bought the property.

THE EDUCABLE MOMENT

Education is one way to solve the freezing problem. Information on onsite systems is readily available. The University of Minnesota Extension Service, for example, has publications dealing with freezing systems.

When I was in the Minnesota Extension Service, we often used the term, “the educable moment.” This referred to the time when a person was willing to listen and learn. An educable moment for a homeowner with a frozen septic system would be when they are standing in sewage in their basement. The sewage backup could be from failing to clean the septic tank or from freezing. At that point, the homeowner will be willing to listen and to learn. However, the first part of their educational lesson has already been very expensive.

I’m glad you asked what the industry can do. I’m going to challenge the entire industry to provide educational information to homeowners with onsite sewage treatment systems. Along with education, you should make service contracts available to homeowners. This service contract could include the total care and operation of a homeowner’s onsite system.

Preventing onsite system failure benefits the entire industry. Failure of systems, whether from freezing or other causes, damages the reputation of the onsite industry.

SERVICE CONTRACT TIPS

What should a service contract offer the homeowner? Here are some items to consider:

• Advise the homeowner on what can and what cannot be put into the onsite system.

• Be available to answer questions from the homeowner on their sewage system. Have written information available.

• Annually check the amount of septic tank solids.

• Clean the septic tank when needed or according to local ordinance.

• Monitor the amount of drainfield being used and estimate the available capacity of the system. (Inspection wells will be needed for this.)

• Advise the homeowner if freezing will be a problem the coming winter.

• Advise the homeowner what measures are needed to prevent freezing.

• Offer to install and provide freezing protection if the homeowner doesn’t want to do this.

• Provide an annual report to the homeowner on their onsite system.

This column appears in the summer, when the weather is warm. Homeowners who’ve had freezing problems will still be “educable” and willing to listen to the offer of a service contract. There are usually informational pamphlets available from your local Extension office regarding onsite systems. Have a supply of these to discuss with your customers and give them one. The point to emphasize to the homeowner is that you are a professional and know how the system should be used and maintained.

IDENTIFY FREEZING RISKS

A list of available prospects would be those homeowners who have had recent freezing problems and the expense of repairing the damage. Very likely companies that specialize in thawing out frozen onsite systems would have a list of customers they recently serviced. Remember, the homeowner of every onsite system is a potential customer for your service contract.

Contact local real estate agencies and tell them about your service contract for onsite systems. Too often the water supply system and the sewage treatment system are not adequately described to new homeowners. Homeowners must understand that there is a cost for operating their onsite system.

Your service contract fee will depend on the level of service you provide. Some homeowners may want comprehensive service while others may want only certain services. You need to reinforce your position as an onsite system professional. Following your advice will keep their onsite system doing its job.