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St. Paul, Minn.-- Just
as frost can cause problems with underground pipes in cities, it can also
impact pipes and other parts of septic systems that are used to treat and
disperse sewage. Cold temperatures combined with lack of snow in some areas may
spell problems for some Minnesota residents who rely on subsurface sewage
treatment systems or septic systems.
“Snow helps to insulate septic systems and
keep them from freezing,” said Dan Olson, public information officer with the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). While much of Minnesota has received
snow already this season, some areas still have sparse snow cover.
With
cold temperatures spreading across much of Minnesota, there are several things
homeowners can do to prevent their septic system from freezing:
- Place a layer of vegetative insulation eight
to 12 inches thick over the pipes, tank and soil treatment system to provide
extra insulation. This insulation can be straw, leaves or other loose material
that will stay in place and not become compacted. Spread out several bales of
straw on top of the septic tank and drainfield area- and try to extend out a
few feet around the outside of the tank(s). Insulation is particularly
important for new systems installed so late in the year that vegetative cover has
not been fully established.
- If you're worried that your system is starting to freeze, use water-- the warmer the better-- as regularly as possible. 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, as this will hydraulically overload the
septic system.
- Leaving for an extended period? Have
someone use warm water in your home regularly while you are gone, or have your
septic tank pumped out before you leave. If a shallow tank is left full for
several winter months, the sewage will become very cold and can freeze.
- Fix any leaky plumbing fixtures or
appliances in your home. This will help prevent freezing problems and help your
system perform better all year long.
- If you have appliances that generate very
low flows, such as high-efficiency furnaces, you can put heat tape in the pipe,
and have someone run warm water for a while you are gone. Alternatively,
install a small condensate pump that holds and discharges two gallons per
cycle.
- Keep all vehicles, 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. Making sure lids are closed tight 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.
- Keep an eye on your system. If any seeping
or ponding occurs, contact a septic system professional to help determine the
cause and remedy.
- Add more insulation to your system. This
could include replacing pipe with insulated pipe, installing expanded foam
panels over the septic tank, or adding more soil cover.
A
common cause of freeze-ups is pipes that are not installed with the proper pitch
or that have settled, resulting in dips in the line. Where a dip or flat spot occurs,
sewage can collect and freeze. Pump lines can develop a dip right next to or
above the septic tank as a result of soil backfilled during tank installation
settling.
If
your septic system freezes, call a septic system professional. The MPCA website
includes a search tool for finding
certified installers, maintainers, or service providers in your area. (Search
the Internet for "MPCA SSTS licensed business search”. In addition to checking your local area, also
check surrounding counties since licensed businesses frequently work in
multiple counties.
If
it’s not feasible to correct a problem, the only option is using the septic
tank as a holding tank until the system thaws naturally. Have a septic maintainer
empty the tank when it is nearly full. To minimize pumping costs you can reduce
water use by limiting the number of toilet flushes, taking short showers, laundering
at a laundromat, eating prepared meals, using paper plates and disposable utensils and/or
using the dishwasher only at full capacity.
There
are some things residents should never do to try to fix a frozen system:
- Do not introduce antifreeze, salt or a septic system additive into the system.
- Do not pump sewage onto the ground surface.
- Do not start a fire over the system to attempt to thaw it out.
- Do not run water continually to try to thaw the system. This can overload the
system.
More information is available at http://septic.umn.edu/.
Broadcast version
The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is warning people that cold temperatures can
seriously damage septic systems if the system is not protected by snow cover.
The
agency recommends that owners of subsurface sewage treatment systems and septic
systems protect their systems by spreading straw, leaves, or other vegetation
around the area of the tank, pipes, and
surrounding area. Using hot water regularly each day for bathing, laundry, and
dishwashing can help to keep the system warm, but water should not be left
running continuously.
For
more information about protecting septic systems, visit
www.septic.umn.edu.
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The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.
St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar
www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864
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