Winter can be tough on your septic system. Ice, snow, and the lack of proper maintenance throughout the year can cause a number of issues with septic tanks.
While winters in Kelowna and around the Okanagan aren’t as extreme as in other parts of Canada, problems can still arise. You can avoid most winter septic tank challenges, however, by preparing your septic system for winter ahead of time.
Your business or home septic system will keep running smoothly if you prepare it in a timely manner. With that in mind, here are some useful tips for safeguarding your septic system this winter.
Regular Septic System Maintenance
Inspecting, servicing, and maintaining your septic system regularly is essential to keeping it functional. Maintaining and servicing the health of your septic system is best done during fall. Regular inspections make sure that issues or small problems don’t escalate into something much worse.
Problems with septic systems are easily overlooked until they get completely out of hand, which leads to a real disaster. If you regularly service your septic system every 1 to 3 years, it’ll be much easier to prepare it for the winter without breaking a sweat or having to spend lots of money on expensive services and repairs.
With that being said, regular maintenance also includes getting your septic tank pumped to prevent it from clogging and ensure proper draining.
Keep the Ground Around the Septic System Clear
People tend to keep various yard equipment, work tools, and lounge furniture near the septic system area during the summer and other warm months. These things, as well as natural debris and leaves, can’t cause damage to your septic system but they can block access in an emergency.
To avoid this risk, clear the area around the leach field and septic cover to make your system easily accessible. It’s most recommended to move all heavy items, vehicles, lawnmowers, etc. to prevent them from damaging drain lines and the tank. It’s better to keep the septic area clear in case the unexpected happens.
Take Care of Water Sources
Repair leaky toilets and faucets
and only install low-flow water fixtures. This helps avoid putting additional strains on your septic system and conserve water during winter. Make sure you take care of all water sources like downspouts, sump pumps, and surface water in your yard to divert water from getting into your septic system and flooding it.
A flooded septic system can be a serious health hazard to you, your family, neighbors, and your entire property. If this happens, call professional septic service experts to take care of the problem.
Professional Septic Cleaning in Kelowna & the Okanagan
Just like with maintenance, it’s recommended to perform septic cleaning once in a while. It’s best to leave it to trained professionals as they have all the necessary equipment to make sure household wastewater containing toxic chemicals and disease-causing organisms is properly taken care of.
Regular septic cleaning will not only ensure that your septic system keeps running smoothly, but it’ll help prevent any unwanted health issues.
Contact us today to book your next septic system cleaning or maintenance – and get out ahead of potential winter problems before they arise.