Commonwealth Waste Solutions Discusses Important Septic Tank Fall Maintenance Steps

Chesterfield VA-based Commonwealth Waste Solutions takes much pride in offering its customers great advice on how to keep their septic systems operating at peak efficiency. That’s why this company felt it was so important for them to point out some essential fall septic tank maintenance steps. Taking these proactive steps can help home and business owners avoid costly septic system repairs and can also greatly extend the useful life of their septic system components. More helpful septic system advice from this company can also be found on their Facebook Page which is located at https://www.facebook.com/CommonwealthWasteSolutions.

The company owner, Jason Muzzy, stated, “Septic tank problems are difficult to recover from in the winter. For example, if you'll need pumping services in the winter, the pumping business must first navigate through the snow to get to your house, then shovel around to figure out where the tank is before proceeding to pump it. Then there's the risk of discovering a frozen septic tank, which adds to the difficulty of the situation. This is why preparing your plumbing and septic tank beforehand is so important.”

Muzzy went on to say that this whole process should start with a routine septic tank pumping if that has not been done in the last few months. He then advised customers to try and insulate their septic tanks to keep them from freezing during the winter months. Something that he highly recommends during new or replacement septic tank installation. This is because it's conceivable that septic tanks or mainlines will freeze if the weather drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to placing insulation around a septic tank, the company owner also advised that people allow an additional 6 inches of grass to grow over the whole septic tank system including the tank, all connected pipes, and the drain field or mounds. For those with recent septic tank installations or insufficient grass covering, mulching over the septic tank area and pipes with a 12-inch layer of straw, leaves, hay, or other mulch material is highly recommended. He mentioned that there are other reasons for providing an extra layer of warmth to a septic tank and its associated piping too. This includes the fact that keeping septic systems from freezing will also promote all-important bacterial action in a septic system. A septic system trait that’s very important because solid waste materials in a septic tank are broken down by anaerobic bacteria which also treat the raw wastewater. In the winter, this beneficial bacteria’s metabolism slows down, which means septic system waste will take longer to break down and treat. Adding an extra layer of insulation to a septic tank keeps these bacteria warm, which supports their metabolism and, in turn, keeps them functioning smoothly.

The company advised home and business owners with septic systems to look for any leaks or drips on their system and to also check their house for dripping toilets, leaky faucets, and other leaks before the cooler fall weather sets in. This is recommended because small leaks and drops soon turn into small water trickles that flow into pipes and subsequently freeze very easily. Something as simple as a faucet with a small leak can lead to a completely frozen pipe if left unused for too long. This can lead to a septic system pipe bursting or developing a crack which can lead to a severe leak. It was also pointed out by him that keeping cars, heavy equipment, and large numbers of people away from septic system areas is also important all year round but takes on even more significance in the winter months. Advice that’s even more critical for those with firmly compacted soil because this tends to increase soil freezing depth.

Muzzy also mentioned that the company’s staff is available during working hours to answer any questions that their customers have in regards to fall septic system maintenance. The company’s service area can be seen on their Google Maps Business listing here at https://goo.gl/maps/TFHEwnQVDbo. Many 5-star reviews on Commonwealth Waste Solutions septic and other waste services can also be viewed on this same GMB listing.