Tag Archives: winter

Wisconsin Winters and Your Septic System

December 23, 2024Uncategorizeddrain field, Insulation, Kuettels, Maintenance, septic, Septic Questions, septic system, Septic System Tips, winter, winter septic issueskuettels_septic

These cold winter months in Wisconsin can present a unique set of challenges for your septic system! Here are some reminders and tips to help you avoid problems in our frigid weather:

Going on vacation? Leaving for the winter to a warmer climate? If so, keep in mind that lines can freeze without regular plumbing usage in the building. Then when you get home, you may experience draining issues throughout the house. To avoid these problems, it can be helpful to have a house-sitter or a trusted neighbor stop in regularly to run some water down the sinks, drains, and flush the toilets. It would also be a smart idea to let them know where your septic system’s covers are located, in case urgent service would be needed while you are away.
If you regularly use your system throughout the cold months, it will usually generate the needed warmth to avoid freezing. However, if we have a dry winter with no consistent snow-cover, there is no natural insulator for the ground and your septic system. If that’s the case, it can be helpful to lay some loose hay or straw on the manhole covers to act as insulation. This can also be done on your drainfield if those lines are prone to freezing, especially for a mound system.
It is always wise to keep snowplows and other large vehicles or objects away from your tank and drainfield, thus reducing the risk of cracking your covers & risers or damaging any lines & components below ground.

We hope these tips help you get through the winter without any septic emergencies! And, as always, stay safe & warm!

Winter Septic Tips

December 13, 2023Septic System Tipschemicals, drain field, drainfield, Insulation, mound, Odors, septic care, snow, Vents, winter, winter maintenance, winter septic issueskuettels_septic

Keep snowplows away from your tank and drainfield. The plows can compact soil or dig up the area around your system and cause damage.
When the temperatures drop, you may be concerned about your tank freezing. Avoid adding anti-freeze or any other chemicals that could harm the balance of bacteria in the tank. If your septic is used regularly throughout winter months, it will in most cases create enough heat to stay thawed. If we have a winter with very little snow cover to act as an insulator, it is wise to throw loose hay/straw or insulation around manhole covers and even on the drainfield area or mound. Insulated covers are also available to protect against freezing.
If you are away for long amounts of time in the winter, make sure your caretaker is aware of where the septic system is located in case of emergency.
Keep house roof vents clear of ice and snow to allow odors and gasses to escape.

Why should I install risers on my septic?

March 30, 2015Uncategorizedburied cover, cover, digging, Risers, winterkuettels_septic

Installing risers on your underground septic cover will obviously save you a lot of time and effort digging it up when pumping or other work is needed. Homeowners may not know where their covers are and go to great lengths searching for them. This may not seem that inconvenient in the summer months, but it is very difficult in the winter. All too often, people experience septic back ups and other problems when the ground is frozen solid. Not only do they have to experience the stress of a backed up septic, but it tends to be very time consuming and costly to thaw the ground and access that cover, which is essential to fixing issues. Installing risers can save all of these headaches.

Some are concerned that risers are an unattractive addition to their yard, but there are many options to beautify it. Poly plastic covers are dark green and can easily blend into the surrounding greenery. The risers can be covered with fake rocks, landscaped around and even painted! There are many possibilities. Call us today to set up an installation!