Maintaining your septic system in Wisconsin’s dynamic weather conditions is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. Here are tailored tips from Arnold’s Team of service companies to help you navigate the challenges each season brings:
As the snow melts, ensure drainage paths around your septic system are clear to accommodate increased water flow. This tip prevents overloading during this transition period.
With Wisconsin’s potential for heavy rainfall, be vigilant about storms that may flood the drain field. Arnold’s Team recommends proper grading around your septic system to redirect surface water and reduce the risk of oversaturation.
As fall shifts to winter, consider adding extra insulation to exposed components to protect against freezing temperatures. Arnold’s Team suggests this precaution to safeguard your system against frost and maintain functionality. You will want to clear snow from access points. Use caution with salt usage, as excess salt can harm the septic tank’s bacterial balance.
By incorporating these Arnolds tips into your septic system care routine, you’ll be better equipped to maintain a healthy septic system year-round.
Understanding Your Septic System
Before delving into the impact of usage levels and home additions, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of how a septic system works. A typical septic system consists of a tank and a drain field. The tank collects and digests organic matter, while the drain field allows the treated wastewater to be absorbed into the soil.
Impact of High Usage
Overloading the System:
Excessive water usage can overwhelm your septic system. When too much water enters the tank too quickly, it may not have enough time to separate solids from liquids, leading to the passage of untreated wastewater into the drain field.
Increased Solid Accumulation:
High usage levels mean more solid waste entering the tank. This can lead to a quicker buildup of sludge and scum, reducing the system’s efficiency and potentially causing blockages.
Shortened Pumping Intervals:
Septic tanks are required to be pumped at least every three years to remove accumulated solids. High usage can necessitate more frequent pumping, increasing maintenance costs.
Impact of Home Additions
Increased Water Usage:
The addition of bathrooms could potentially mean increased water usage. This spike in water flow can strain your septic system, especially if it was designed for a smaller household.
Higher Organic Waste Production:
More rooms often equate to more residents, leading to an increase in organic waste. If your septic tank is not appropriately sized for the expanded household, it may struggle to handle the additional load.
Altered Household Dynamics:
Changes in the number of occupants can disrupt the bacterial balance in your septic tank. More people mean more waste, potentially affecting the efficiency of the system’s natural decomposition processes.
Need Professional Septic Maintenance Services?
With over 60 years of experience, Arnold’s is your go-to professional septic tank maintenance service provider.