Our lack of snow this winter is once again creating problems for people with sewage treatment systems. Last winter’s very cold temperatures and little or no snow cover put Minnesota’s individual sewage treatments under a lot of stress. This combination of cold temperatures and little snow led to some freezing problems with septic systems. We are seeing the same problems again this winter. If you have a sewage treatment system, here are some things you can do to help prevent your system from freezing. o Keep people, animals and vehicles (cars, snowmobiles and ATVs) off of the sewage treatment area. o Have someone use water in your house if you are away. If you leave on a winter vacation, have someone run your dishwasher once a day, or run 10-20 gallons of hot water into your septic tank. Do not let a water faucet run while you are gone. o If you have a pump station, increase the frequency of your pumping cycle. o Do not use antifreeze. o Cover the area over your pump station, the sewer line from the pump station to the drainfield, and the drainfield itself with hay or straw. Once your septic system is frozen you may have to operate the septic tank as a holding tank until weather conditions improve, or have a contractor try to steam it open. Unless we get more snowfall this winter to insulate septic systems, implementing these tactics are the best way to prevent your system from freezing. For additional information visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service Web site at http://septic.coafes.umn.edu/ Homeowner/FactSheets/Freezing Problems.htm .
