When the frosty winds of winter start blowing through the Fraser Valley, your to-do list might include cozying up your home and sipping hot chocolate by the fire. But don’t forget one essential part of winter prep: your septic system. At McRae’s Septic, we know winter can be tough on your plumbing, so here are five steps to prepare your system before Jack Frost decides to play his icy tricks.

1. Schedule a Fall Check-Up: The Preemptive Pump

The first rule of winter septic survival? A system that’s empty won’t freeze up! Before the weather hits full strength, call McRae’s Septic to schedule a pumping service. An emptied tank reduces the risk of clogs, backups, and frozen waste. Whether you’re a long-time resident of Abbotsford or recently moved to Langley, it’s the peace of mind you’ll appreciate when the temperature dips below zero. Think of it as taking out the trash—unpleasant now, but worth it later!

2. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate: The Cozy Blanket Your Tank Deserves

Just like you bundle up in warm coats and scarves, your septic system benefits from a little insulation. Adding a thick layer of mulch or straw over your tank and drain field can help keep the ground temperature stable. We’re talking a cozy, natural blanket that keeps everything in tip-top condition. Who knew that covering your yard in straw could make you look both prepared and oddly rustic?

3. Fix Leaks and Drips: Because Drip-Free is Stress-Free

Water trickling into your septic tank from leaky faucets and running toilets can spell trouble when winter arrives. Even small drips can add up to a significant volume, increasing the risk of freezing and causing a real headache. Before winter hits the Lower Mainland, give those pesky leaks the boot. If it drips, it slips into your tank—and we don’t want that tank to be a frozen, sludgy popsicle by January.

4. Lighten the Load: Smart Water Usage

We know, it’s tempting to run every appliance on laundry day like a marathon. But spreading out high water-usage activities helps prevent overloading the system, especially in winter when everything moves a little slower (including waste). This step is simple: do fewer mega-loads of laundry and space out your showers. Trust us, your septic system—and your water heater—will thank you.

5. Keep It Protected: Be Wary of Heavy Winter Traffic

If you’ve got the habit of parking your truck over the yard or hosting a motorhome in your backyard (we’re looking at you, camping enthusiasts), it’s time to rethink. Compacting the ground over your septic tank and drain field can damage pipes and increase the risk of freezing. Give those spots a “no parking” sign this winter and keep heavy machinery and vehicles safely off septic territory.

Call McRae’s Septic!

Don’t let winter be the season when your septic system decides to play ice sculpture. Get ahead of the cold and prepare now. For the best septic tank services in Lower Mainland, BC, including Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford, call McRae’s Septic at 1-888-894-4411 today. Keep warm and worry-free all winter long!