Cold Weather & Your Septic System

Wintertime can be a tough season for homeowners, particularly those with a septic tank. Fortunately, however, Florida homeowners typically enjoy the perks of relatively mild winters. Yet, particularly for residents of central and North Florida, it is possible for temperatures to drop below freezing, and when that happens, their septic tank may be at risk of developing problems, functioning at a slow rate, or failing, leaving their households without access to water until they can schedule septic tank repair services. Just like water pipes, your septic tank and system are susceptible to freezing, so it's important to know what to look out for during cold weather months of the year.

Here, our Florida septic plumbers at Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service discuss several cold-weather septic tank problems and what you can do to avoid them. Contact us today to learn more about our available solutions and to schedule septic tank service for your property.

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Low Temperatures

Cold weather can affect your septic system, much like how freezing temperatures can affect the functionality of pipes, drains, and plumbing systems. If your home's system is not provided with professional, preventative septic tank care, an assortment of issues can occur. Despite the fact that your septic tank is installed below ground, it is still susceptible to damage. When the ground temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the low temperature can threaten the lives of the bacteria in your septic tank.

Within your septic tank, there are microscopic anaerobic bacteria that naturally digest the waste, leaving behind carbon dioxide and carbon. Any waste left behind by the bacteria will settle to the bottom of your tank as a layer of sludge. If your septic tank doesn't have enough bacteria within it, such as due to low temperatures, this sludge can build up and become an issue. And because homeowners often spend a greater amount of time indoors during the cold months, they typically create more demand on their septic systems. A combination of high use and low bacteria presence can quickly spell disaster.

Septic System Freezes

Just as issues can occur with the physical holding tank within your overall septic system, low temperatures can also cause freezing problems for the pipe connecting your tank to your household. When temperatures fall and the outdoor air turns frosty, these freezing temperatures, particularly freezing ground temperatures, may make some homeowners inclined to find solutions that might prevent freeze-related problems to their septic system, such as using antifreeze. However, all property owners with septic systems should steer clear of using antifreeze solutions in their septic systems.

The bacteria naturally present in and integral in the functioning of your septic system can become affected by low temperatures as well as chemical additives like antifreeze. In order to help support the presence and processing of waste of these bacteria, it's important to ensure you don't further prohibit their effluent disposal by introducing harmful additives. If you're unsure whether or not an additive is safe for your septic system, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for expert advice and services!

Frozen Water Thawing

If temperatures drop substantially and your septic system freezes, you have to consider the harm to your system while it's frozen, but you shouldn't overlook problems that can occur as the frozen water thaws as temperatures rise. Cold weather can cause problems for your septic system when the frozen water thaws out. As the frozen water melts, the sudden flow of water can drench the drain field, which will make it impossible for your septic system to drain out water.

As this occurs, the water flowing from your household to the septic system will travel backward through the pipes and back into your home's drains and toilets. When the frozen water thaws and the drain field floods, this can also result in untreated sewage leaching into the groundwater and local water bodies. If this occurs, it can cause environmental contamination. Fortunately, you can avoid cold weather issues with your septic system through regular septic tank service, including preventative maintenance.

How Florida Septic Tank Maintenance Can Prevent Cold Weather Issues

When it comes to avoiding septic tank issues due to cold weather, the best approach is prevention. Whether it is issues with thawing ice in your septic system, low temperatures, or freezing of your system, each of these issues can be prevented with proactive maintenance from your trusted Florida septic company, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service. During our maintenance call, we will ensure the following, in addition to other procedures.

  • Your septic system is emptied on a scheduled basis.
  • Your septic system is seeded with the required bacteria to function properly, even in cool weather.
  • The bacteria in your septic tank are thriving, and your tank is free from harmful chemicals.
  • Your drain field is clear, and there are no heavy obstructions above it.
  • Your gutters are clear and pointed away from the drain field.
  • A riser is installed for easy access to your septic tank.

If you're experiencing problems with your septic tank or if you want to avoid problems in the future, it's important that you hire a professional company with years of experience handling plumbing and septic systems! Our septic professionals can provide you with all the information you need about how to properly manage and maintain your septic system for a long lifespan and proper function, no matter the weather. Contact us today to schedule a service call!