Can Your Septic Tank Equipment and Plumbing Freeze in Austin TX  

People automatically associate Texas with mild temperatures throughout the year. However, the state has been exposed to sudden and bitter cold snaps in recent years. 

With many residents unprepared for extreme conditions, the potential for freezing pipes and even a frozen septic system is possible. Visit Preventative Measures to Stop a Septic System from Freezing – This Old House – for tips on preventing septic equipment from freezing.  

The septic system is buried beneath the ground, usually in areas without municipal sewer systems. It uses technology, gravity, and nature to treat wastewater from toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, washers, and on. The liquid entering the tank flows into a leach field while the solids settle on the tank floor.   

In the worst-case scenario, sewage can back up into the home if freezing occurs; however, this and other signs, such as high septic tank water with a running pump, can indicate other concerns that need immediate attention from a trusted and qualified plumbing contractor.  

Companies, including Rooter-Man Plumbing of Austin TX, specialize in septic tank inspection, repair and maintenance, and pumping. Maintaining the system is as important in the winter as it is the rest of the year. Stressful situations can be avoided with a few simple guidelines.  

Prevent Your Septic System from Freezing  

An Austin home’s septic system can freeze when unexpected and sudden extreme temperatures strike the area. Often the primary reason for a frozen tank involves bitter cold like that produced with a polar vortex and also depends on how well the system is protected from the cold and the amount of water you use.  

Signs that a problem is developing include gurgling sounds coming from the drains and toilet or slow drains throughout the house.  

If you’re unsure how to keep the system warm or believe a problem may be developing, it’s essential to reach out to experts for an inspection and to address the issues. Consider these common mistakes as you care for your septic in the winter.  

• Minimal water usage can lead the system to struggle in extreme temperatures.  

• Refrain from adding antifreeze or salt to resolve the issue. This can create damage and lead to contaminated groundwater.  

• When you notice signs of a developing problem, it should be addressed immediately. A minor issue can quickly escalate when it’s bitterly cold.  

• Soil or snow acts as insulation for the system. Refrain from compacting the septic area by driving over or parking on it.  

• Regular inspections and pumping are vital; neglecting maintenance can result in significant problems.  

What proactive measures can you take to keep the septic area performing in cold weather? Follow a few preventive tips.  

• Add to the insulation. Replace pipes with insulated ones wrap the tank in expanded foam panels and increase the soil coverage. You can place a roughly 12-inch thick layer of mulch over the area particularly if it’s a new system without an established vegetation. Don’t add mulch to a frozen system.   

• Perform visual inspections. If you notice pooling or seepage, contact a professional to diagnose and resolve the problem.  

• Use water. It’s important to use warm water each day – wash laundry or do dishes if freezing temperatures are a concern. Don’t keep water running constantly to avoid overwhelming a system struggling in the cold. If you’ll be away for a prolonged period, have someone stop in to regularly run hot water. You can also have the system pumped before leaving.  

• Fix all leaks. Even the slightest leak with appliances or fixtures should be immediately addressed throughout the year to prevent freezing and allow an efficiently functional system.  

As with any equipment in the home, the most proactive approach to septic system care involves regular professional inspections and maintenance to ensure integrity and optimal performance.    

Credentialed and reliable contractors identify developing issues as they thoroughly evaluate the equipment and address problems immediately to prevent extensive damage and the possibility of a breakdown of the system, ideally avoiding an expensive replacement.  

Professional contractors inspect the tank, its internal plumbing, the drain field, delivery line, mechanical equipment, alarm system, and on. They further inform and educate homeowners on the system’s function, how the components work together, and proper upkeep between service calls.  

Final Thought  

Texas residents are unaccustomed to bitter cold, but it’s not unheard of for Austin. Southern states are having more exposure to cold temperatures. They’re learning to adapt and prepare their homes, particularly the plumbing and the septic equipment to prevent freezing. Read here for what you should know about septic equipment and the cold.  

Homeowners can take varied steps to upkeep the system; however, it’s essential to include a trusted and qualified company as part of a proactive plan.   

These experts specialize in septic equipment inspections and repair and maintenance to ensure its integrity and efficient functionality and help extend its lifespan. Prevention is always better than cure.