The chill has really set in the past few days here in northern Wisconsin. With temperatures reaching single digits overnight and working hard to crawl into the 20s during the day, winter finally feels like it’s here.

So it was appropriate that I opened up the online version of Minnesota’s St. Cloud Times newspaper today to be greeted by a story reminding homeowners to watch for freezing septic systems. It’s great to see septic tank maintenance tips reach the mainstream media, where many folks will benefit from good advice on a topic that’s often foreign to them.

The newspaper’s tips, collected from the Stearns County Environmental Services office, included:

• Add an 8-12 inch layer of mulch over the pipes, tank and treatment area to provide insulation. Loose hay, straw or leaves work well. Keep it loose to form air pockets.

• Make sure all risers, inspection pipes and manholes have tight covers.

• Fix leaky plumbing.

To view the complete list, go to: http://www.sctimes.com/article/20111207/NEWS01/112070007/Prevent-septic-system-woes-winter

Do you have a handy way to remind your customers about taking care of their septic systems in the dead of winter? Maybe a holiday postcard including maintenance tips? Let me know how you drive home the point of winter septic tank care. Email me at editor@pumper.com or start a discussion right here.