Common Septic Problems and Their Solutions During Winter

Do you have problems with your septic tank during the winter? The coldness, snow and holiday guests 
garbage create stresses in your septic system that can cause heavy damage. It is best to know 
possible issues, how to detect them and prevent them from happening. 

Here are the common septic problems during winter:

1. Frozen Septic System Pipes and Components

Your septic system or its components could freeze when snow or frost goes around it. When this 
happens, the natural bacteria are unable to break waste materials. The septic system could be clogged 
up and may cause system overload. 

To prevent this, keep your system and its parts warm by putting an insulator, leaves, straw, dirt, cover 
or blanket. You may consider planting vegetation around it. Using your system daily will keep the water 
running and prevent freezing. 

 2. Non-functioning Pipes

If the pipes have leaks and clogs, the water could freeze, accumulate waste in the pipes, and could 
cause damage to your system. This damage could cause contamination of drinking water. To avoid 
such issues, make sure there are no leaks and clogs in your pipes. Have them fixed before winter 
comes. 

3. Unfiltered and Accumulated Waste Water

In driving over snow also, ice could pile up over your septic tanks and drain fields and solidify. The soil 
and compacted snow could limit insulation and create pressure on the system. At the same time, 
compacted soil in your drain field will prevent wastewater to be properly filtered and drained.

To avert this problem, aerate the soil around your system before the cold weather comes. You may 
also remove snow build up on your system but avoid driving over certain areas of your lawn where 
your system is located.

4. Pumping Difficulty

Accumulated snow becomes an obstruction in reaching your tank. Pumping your septic tank becomes 
more difficult. Digging in the snowy or hard ground will be very challenging too. Tank maintenance 
should be scheduled on warmer months to avoid having such a problem during winter. Septic tank 
riser is also a great buy. It provides access to your system above the ground and could withstand the 
cold weather.

5. Overloaded Tanks

The holiday season means more parties and equates to more food preparation and guests. Your 
system could be overworked by the additional showers, toilet use, laundry, and meal preparations. 
Some guests, especially children, may flush unwanted objects down the toilet that could damage your 
system. 

So as not to hinder your festivities, you may consider scheduling showers and laundry. You may 
prepare your meal over a few days and not all at once. You may remind your guest of proper toilet use 
while staying with you. 

You may always prepare your system for the winter months. For expert Septic Sewer & Drain Services, 
your best solution is in West Michigan Septic Sewer and Drain Service. 

West Michigan Septic Sewer and Drain Service is equipped with the latest technology in detecting 
problems of septic systems. We clear out waste and dispose of them properly or utilize them as 
fertilizers. We maintain the records of your system size, location, and cleaning program. We even 
notify you of your schedule for maintenance. We will ensure that your septic system is in proper 
condition and you can have peace of mind.

For inquiries on Septic Sewer & Drain Muskegon, Septic Sewer & Drain Grand Haven, Septic 
Sewer & Drain Whitehall, Septic Sewer & Drain Holland, Septic Sewer & Drain Coopersville, 
Septic Sewer & Drain Allendale, Septic Sewer & Drain Twin Lake, call us in these numbers: 
Muskegon: 231-739-7423,Grand Haven: 616-847-1072,Whitehall: 231-893-4252,Holland: 616-392-8988,
Coopersville: 616-837-1800,Allendale: 616-895-9080,and Twin Lake: 231-828-5595.

To know more, please visit our website at https://www.wmssd.com/, or you may visit personally our 
Service Areas: Muskegon, Grand Haven, Whitehall, Holland, Coopersville, Allendale, and Twin Lake.

Avoid holiday septic problems by having an early preventive maintenance checkup of your septic 
systems and preparing ahead for this coming winter season. Better yet, call today West Michigan 
Septic Sewer and Drain Service!