What To Do If You Have A Frozen Septic System In Florida
Florida, despite being known for its evergreen trees, sunny beaches, and mild winters, still suffers from the occasional cold front. Come early January, much of north central Florida has already experienced below-freezing temperatures that can severely damage septic systems if homeowners aren't sufficiently prepared.
When temperatures drop below freezing, insufficient insulation, shallow pipes, and unnoticed water leaks can cause water to freeze inside your septic system's pipes, tank, and drain field, resulting in severe blockages, odors, and damages that are not easily resolved without professional help.
If you believe that your septic system is frozen, don't panic! Most plumbing systems in Florida don't have the infrastructure to withstand severe, prolonged cold fronts, making frozen septic systems significantly more common than most homeowners are made to believe. Continue reading to learn what Jones Plumbing & Septic Services, a Gainesville, Florida, based plumbing company, has to say about frozen septic systems and wintertime septic system care.
How To Know If Your Septic System Is Frozen
In Florida, septic systems will only freeze when placed under very specific conditions. For starters, your septic system will not freeze if temperatures never drop below 32°F for a prolonged length of time. If you are regularly using your septic system (doing dishes, flushing toilets, and taking showers), then it is even more unlikely that your septic system will freeze.
Frozen septic systems can present in a number of different ways. Oftentimes, frozen septic systems fail to supply water to and from your household altogether, resulting in low or nonexistent water pressure, toilets that won't flush, and stuck, slow, or gurgling drains. If these issues are widespread across your home rather than isolated to one fixture, appliance, or drain, that is a good indicator that your septic system may be frozen. Other signs of a frozen septic system include foul odors and unusually damp soil near your septic tank and drain field.
If your home was vacant during the most recent cold front and is experiencing widespread plumbing issues that were not present before temperatures dropped, it is very likely that your septic system is at least partially frozen.
What To Do If Your Septic System Freezes
If you suspect that your septic system is frozen, stop running water throughout your home. Don't flush any toilets, run any sinks, or take any showers, as attempting to force water through frozen pipes can cause leaks to form throughout your plumbing system. If you hear running water somewhere on your property, locate your water valve and shut it off.
Avoid at-home plumbing solutions, as these will only further damage your septic system. Most salts and antifreeze solutions contain harmful chemicals that will disrupt the biological processes of your septic tank and drain field if introduced into the system. Flooding your drain field with hot or boiling water will only overload your system, reducing efficiency and resulting in hidden damages that accumulate over time.
If your septic system is frozen, call an emergency septic service company immediately. Only a professional plumber has the tools and experience required to safely thaw out your septic system and repair any damage that may have formed in the process.
How Our Professional Plumbers Fix A Frozen Septic System
In order to get your frozen septic system back into working order, a professional septic contractor must first identify which parts of your septic system are frozen. In Florida, septic systems tend to freeze in concentrated patches near the surface, such as where your septic system connects to your home and drain field.
Once these sections are identified, our septic tank contractors will use a warm water jet to slowly thaw your septic system back into working order. During this process, a reliable contractor will be constantly on the lookout for new cracks, leaks, or structural insecurities that may have formed during the freeze.
Suffering from severe plumbing issues immediately following a severe cold front? Contact Jones Plumbing & Septic Services to rule out a frozen septic system today. Whatever is wrong with your septic system, our team of reliable plumbers will work overtime to get your plumbing and septic system running smoothly once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prevent My Septic System From Freezing?
To prevent your septic system from freezing, stay up-to-date on your preventative septic system maintenance and be sure to run water throughout your household regularly, even during cold fronts or when you plan to be away from home for extended periods.
Can Septic Systems Freeze in Florida?
In north and north central Florida, temperatures regularly drop below 32°F in the wintertime, making it possible for septic systems to freeze under certain conditions.
Can I Thaw Out My Septic System Myself?
Most professional septic tank companies do not recommend that homeowners attempt to thaw out their septic systems themselves. This is a slow and tedious process that can cause significant damage if done incorrectly.
Will A Frozen Septic System Resolve On Its Own?
While pipes will eventually thaw out as temperatures begin to rise, ice inside your septic system can cause significant damage that should be immediately assessed and remediated by a plumbing professional.
