Lakes Area Residents Reminded to Protect Septic Systems from Freezing

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Lakes Area residents and property owners are being reminded to protect their septic systems from freezing.

“It’s important to think about your septic system and maintain certain practices all year round, but maintenance becomes especially important this time of year,” says Dan Olson, communications specialist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Property owners are encouraged to place a layer of mulch 8 to 12 inches thick over the pipes, tank, and soil treatment system to provide extra insulation; spread out your laundry schedule so you run one warm/hot load a day; keep all vehicle, animal, and people traffic off the system.; and add more insulation to your system.

If your system does freeze, you’re encouraged to call a septic system professional, reduce water use by limiting the number of toilet flushes, taking short showers, and using the dishwasher at full capacity.