Are you wondering if installing a septic system in cold, freezing winters is possible? Expert septic system services in Newberg, Molalla, Wilsonville, and Sherwood suggest installing a septic system in the colder months is indeed possible with the right preparation and knowledge.
Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, this guide will provide all the information you need to ensure a successful installation, even in freezing temperatures.
What are the challenges in septic system installation during the winter season?
Ground conditions:
Frozen ground is the worst situation to brace yourselves for during a septic system installation in Newberg, Molalla, and Wilsonville. It makes digging trenches and scooping for the septic tank and leach field harder.
Top septic system installation experts in Sherwood reveal that wet ground conditions or saturated soil can interrupt septic tank installation. So unless you’re partnering up with a certified company like American On-Site Septic, it’d be best to wait until the ground dries up.
Access to the site:
Expert septic system installation companies in Newberg reveal cold temperatures, ice, and snow can make it more challenging for heavy equipment to access the site and for the staffers to perform their tasks.
Slow curing of concrete:
Winter septic system installation in Wilsonville presents several challenges, including issues. with the material used. Asphalt and concrete, the two most commonly used materials in installation, may not cure properly in cold temperatures, impacting their longevity.
Low temperatures can delay the curing process, leading to weaker and less stable structures. Top septic system installation contractors in Molalla recommend using specialized additives and mixtures to ensure the materials are cured properly in freezing temperatures.
Possible health hazards:
During a septic tank installation in winter, cold weather can increase the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and cold-related emergencies that may become life or limb-threatening for the workers. Professional contractors working on the septic system installation in Newberg and Sherwood suggest wearing protective gear, dressing warmly, and taking frequent breaks.
Frost Heave:
Lastly, there’s also a risk of frost heave during a winter septic system installation in Molalla, Wilsonville, and Newberg. Leading professionals in Sherwood indicate that in winter, the ground freezes, and the soil expands, which can cause issues with a septic system. The expansion can lead to chips and cracks in the concrete, compromising the system’s integrity.
Tips for Successful Winter Septic System Installation
Best septic system installation, pumping, and cleaning services in Sherwood suggest obtaining the necessary permits and licenses from the local authorities before installing, repairing, and replacing a septic system in the winter. It’s crucial to ensure that the septic system installation is done in compliance with the local regulations and building/area codes.
Once that’s sorted, you can focus on the different tips listed below for a successful winter septic system installation in Molalla,
Site Preparation:
Preparing the site is a crucial step in installing, cleaning, and pumping a septic system tank in Wilsonville and Newberg, but it can be tricky in winter. As mentioned earlier, one of the most prominent blocks in winter is dealing with frozen ground. Think about it: if the ground is frozen, you can’t dig the hole for your septic tank.
Expert septic system installation and tank pumping professionals in Molalla recommend: thawing the frozen ground through hydrovacing to fix this problem.
Hydrovacing is basically a safe and efficient way to thaw permafrost without damaging any underground utilities or structures. The process involves using a hydrovac truck, a high-pressure water jet to smash the frozen soil, and a vacuum system to empty the debris.
Equipment and Material Considerations:
Installing a septic system requires specialized equipment and materials, such as excavators, thermal blankets, backhoes, safety gear, antifreeze additives, and insulated plastic septic tanks. Top septic system installation companies in Sherwood suggest seeking professional help is a must during winter, as the equipment may need to be fitted with special tires or tracks to navigate through the snow.
A DIY alternative during the cold weather can lead to expensive, irreversible mistakes.
Quick Installation:
Leading septic system services in Molalla, like American On-Site Septic, suggest quickly installing the septic tank once the hole is dug. It’s vital to ensure the installation is done quickly to prevent the exposed ground from freezing for the following reasons,
- The ground can freeze quickly in winter, making it challenging to work with frozen soil. Installing the septic system quickly reduces the risk of the ground freezing, making it easier to complete the installation.
- Expert septic system installation contractors in Wilsonville also reveal that prolonged installation in winter can result in increased labor and equipment costs and potential damage to the work site.
- Best septic system pumping, cleaning, and installation services in Molalla and Newberg also advise quick installation as some regions have strict timelines for septic system installations, and delays can result in regulatory issues or permit expirations.
Activating Septic Bacteria:
Most septic system installation and tank cleaning experts in Wilsonville and Newberg reveal that in winter, the bacteria in the septic system can slow down or even stop working altogether, leading to a buildup of waste and other issues. Once your septic tank is installed in the winter, it’s essential to activate the septic bacteria. You can add organic waste and use the following steps,
- Add a cup of lime for a few days to your septic tank. Lime is an alkaline substance that boosts the pH in your septic tank, which encourages anaerobic bacterial growth.
- Adding Rotten tomatoes to the septic system.
- Expert cleaning, pumping, and septic system installation contractors in Newberg also recommend putting septic activators in your tank. Septic activators are natural substances with a large anaerobic bacterial population to help kick-start your septic tank.
Overcoming Challenges
To properly install a septic system in winter, discussing a plan to address these challenges with your septic system contractors in Newberg, Molalla, Wilsonville, and Sherwood is important.
It can include using insulated forms, heated enclosures, and heated curing blankets to keep the materials at the correct temperature. It may also require specialized equipment, such as ground thawing machines, to soften the soil.
Hire a septic service Installer near your area
Are you looking for expert septic system installation, pumping, and cleaning services in Newberg, Molalla, Wilsonville, and Sherwood? Your search ends here. American On-Site Septic ensures that when a customer calls, we offer them the experience and skilled team to handle ALL of their septic needs.
We understand that your septic system is crucial to the health and comfort of your property, and it’s a point of pride for us to be there for you when you need us!
From inspections to septic pumping or installation in winter, one call is all you need for all your septic solutions! Schedule an appointment with our team today.
