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At EcoSeptic, we are dedicated to the conservation and protection of our local environment and its water sources. The Long Island Sound is an estuary that borders New York and Connecticut and is an incredibly important water source to our area. We donate 5% of our profits to Save the Sound, an organization working to stop pollution of local groundwater and preservation and restoration of natural fish and wildlife habitats in the Long Island Sound area.

What’s Happening With The Long Island Sound?

The Long Island Sound has a history of environmental damage due to heavy pollution since the Industrial Revolution in the early 1900’s. Since that time, the Sound has suffered from a phenomenon known as hypoxia. Also known as “dead zones”, hypoxia is a condition where oxygen levels in the water are not adequate enough to support the ecosystem within. This occurs when excessive nitrogen in water pollutants cause the overgrowth of plant life which eventually die off and are consumed by oxygen-reliant microorganisms.

In the Long Island Sound, this occurs more often in hot weather conditions, but has improved in recent years. Connecticut and New York State have taken action to properly manage these “dead zones” and improve aquatic life and water quality in the area. It is Save the Sound’s mission to protect this critical water resource by:

• Using “citizen scientists” to manage high levels of harmful bacteria in the Sound waterways
• Measuring Water Quality
• Restoring Fisheries & Wildlife Habitats of the Sound
• Protecting Neighborhoods & Shores through neighborhood and shore cleanup
• Defending Drinking Water by reducing harmful storm water runoff

Want To Lend A Hand? Here’s How…

We love this area and truly believe in maintaining and caring for its beautiful resources. There are many ways that you can get involved in supporting your local environment as well. Here are some resources for anyone looking to lend a helping hand:

• https://www.ctenvironment.org/
• http://www.treetopcommons.com/noblehour-blog-base/2016/4/7/10-simple-ways-to-protect-the-environment-on-earth-day
• http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/washington/volunteer/index.htm

With current climate change and temperatures reaching extremes across the country, it comes as no surprise that residents of states with harsh winters are experiencing freezing septic systems. Frozen septic tanks can be a costly repair, and more often than not, they can affect your everyday life until maintenance is performed. Unfortunately, harsh temperatures and external circumstances can prevent maintenance from occurring immediately. Let’s talk about everything you need to know about freezing septic systems and how to prevent it from happening to you.

What causes septic tanks to freeze?

These unusual freezes are caused by a combination of extremely cold temperatures and a lack of snowfall. Snow acts as insulation against freezing temperatures for septic systems in the winter. Without that snow, septic systems are left to face harsh conditions with little protection.

Why is it an issue?

As the planet experiences climate change, temperatures and weather patterns shift. The lack of snow and increasing harsh winters means that the frost line – or the maximum depth where soil freezes – is much deeper in the ground, often below septic pipes and systems.

Another common issue many face is the lack of access to maintenance trucks. For example, Minnesota experienced a harsh winter in 2018 and saw quite a few frozen septic tanks. When people began to call septic companies to help get their systems running again, the companies were unable to send their maintenance trucks due to a weight restriction placed on the roads in the winter months. This lack of access meant that those affected had to find repair solutions to their frozen tanks themselves.

What can I do to prevent my septic tank from freezing?

To protect your septic tank from freezing, you’ll need to provide the insulation missing from the lack of snow. You can protect your system by covering it with 8-12 inches of mulch, leaves, hay, or other loose, non-compactable material. This will simulate the same protection that snow would provide.

After covering your system with that insulation, be sure to avoid compacting it; that is, avoid having people or animals step on it. If the materials become compacted, they no longer insulate your system.

Another way to prevent freezing is by running warm or hot water through your system once a day, whether that’s doing laundry, running a dishwasher, or putting other sizable amount of warm water through the pipes. This will keep the pipes warm and prevent freezing. However, note that running water constantly may not be an effective solution as it can overwhelm your system.

If you are want some more help to prevent your septic tank from freezing, call in the experts at EcoSeptic! Give us a call and schedule a free phone consultation at (203) 293-0832 or schedule online today!