Septic System Maintenance in Northern Virginia: Common Causes of a Septic System Freeze

SES, the experts in septic system maintenance in Northern Virginia want you to understand some common causes of septic system freeze up.

1. Lack of snow cover - uncompacted snow insulates the septic tank and drainfield. Without a good blanket of snow, frost can go deeper into the ground and freeze your septic system.
2. Compacted snow and soils - means that equipment or livestock have traveled over the tank and drainfield. This not only causes frost to go deeper, it causes damage to the system.
3. Lack of plant cover - vegetation insulates the system and helps hold snow; therefore low vegetation means low insulation.
4. Irregular use of system - periods of non-use and low usage will allow the system to freeze.
5. Leaking plumbing fixtures and furnace drips - a slow moving and thin film of water caused by trickle flow can freeze within the pipe, and eventually cause the pipe to freeze solid.
6. Pipes not draining properly - causes sewage to collect and freeze.
7. Cold air entering the system - open, broken, and uncapped riser or inspection pipes, and manhole covers allow cold air into the system, and cause the system to freeze.
8. Water logged System - a system that is hydraulically failing can cause the effluent to freeze, and prevent further effluent from entering the soil.

Frozen septic tanks can be avoided with proper septic system maintenance in Northern Virginia. For more information on septic system maintenance or to schedule an inspection, please contact the professionals at SES. Serving residential and commercial markets since 1987, SES specializes in septic system design and repairs in Northern Virginia.