Suzanne in ABQ Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Is it a bad idea to do laundry (or take a shower, or other things that dump a lot of water) in sub-zero temperatures? I need to do laundry, but I don't want the septic to back up. Do septic systems freeze? FWIW, the system is fairly new, only 5 years old, but we've not had this cold temperature before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 We do it without any problems. I'm assuming your pipes are sufficiently buried (4 ft or so)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 I've never even thought about it before, but I've lived pretty much my whole life with septics and have never noticed a temperature problem. Honestly, I think all that fermenting probably keeps it purdy warm. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Our pipes are buried below the frost zone or about four feet deep. The ground in Michigan does not freeze that deep even in the worst of prolonged cold snaps. Not to be gross, but not only will your tank be buried quite deep, but manure (even human) gives off heat as it decomposes so your septic is, relative to the outdoor temperature, toasty warm. Sorry to be so graphic. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted February 2, 2011 Author Share Posted February 2, 2011 Thanks all! I hadn't thought about the warmth of the fermenting waste. I know our pipes are buried deep; I saw them. Off to wash some whites! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Is it a bad idea to do laundry (or take a shower, or other things that dump a lot of water) in sub-zero temperatures? I need to do laundry, but I don't want the septic to back up. Do septic systems freeze? FWIW, the system is fairly new, only 5 years old, but we've not had this cold temperature before. Many of us who live in snow-country have septic systems and use them no differently in the winter. Wash away! :D :cheers2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.