Snow totals are uncharacteristically low this year across many regions in the Midwest, leading the University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program to warn homeowners of septic system freezing concerns. If you have the same conditions in your service territory, maybe it’s time to send your customers a postcard with some of the same tips offered by the Minnesota onsite folks reprinted in the Brainerd Dispatch newspaper this week:
Find the University of Minnesota factsheet on cold weather issues for septic systems here:
http://www.septic.umn.edu/factsheets/freezingproblems/
Here are just a few of the tips to help avoid the deep freeze
• Use water — the warmer the better — if you’re worried that your system is starting to freeze. Spread out your laundry schedule so you run one warm/hot load a day. Use the dishwasher and take hot baths. However, do not leave water running all the time.
• Keep all vehicle, animal and human traffic off the system. This is a good rule to follow all year long as compacted snow and soils cause frost to go down deeper and faster. Pay special attention to the area between the house and the septic tank.
• Make sure all risers; inspection pipes and manholes have covers. Sealing them and adding insulation is a good idea. Insulation may be added during construction particularly if the top of the septic tank is within two feet of the surface.
Are you seeing freezing systems this winter? Tell us your story right here. Or drop me an email at editor@pumper.com.
