Winterizing Your Home and Septic: A Washington Realtor's Guide

Washington Winter Home

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches in Washington, preparing your home for the cold months is not just about comfort; it's about protecting your investment! Whether you're a homeowner or managing properties, here are essential steps to ensure your home is ready for winter:

1. Inspect and Seal Your Home

• Check for drafts: Walk around your home with a candle or incense stick to detect drafts. Common culprits include windows, doors, electrical outlets, and vents. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these leaks.

• Seal the attic: Insulate your attic door or hatch. An insulated attic helps in keeping your living spaces warm and reduces heating costs.

2. Roof and Gutter Maintenance

• Inspect your roof: Look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Small issues can turn into major leaks when snow and ice accumulate. Consider hiring a professional if you're not comfortable climbing on the roof.

• Clean gutters: Ensure your gutters are free of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, where water freezes at the edge of the roof, potentially causing damage to the roof and inside walls.

3. Heating System Check-Up

• Furnace maintenance: Have your furnace inspected and cleaned by a professional. Replace filters, check if the thermostat works correctly, and ensure there are no strange noises or odors when the system runs.

• Chimney sweeping: If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney cleaning to prevent chimney fires and ensure good draft.

4. Protect Pipes from Freezing

• Insulate pipes: Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, or garages. Foam pipe insulation is affordable and easy to install.

• Disconnect hoses: Disconnect all outdoor hoses, drain them, and store them inside. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.

5. Prepare Your Landscaping

• Trim trees and shrubs: Overhanging branches can break under the weight of snow or ice. Trim them back to prevent damage to your house or power lines.

• Cover plants: Use burlap or other protective covers for sensitive plants. Consider mulching around the base of plants to keep roots warm.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure all detectors are working. Winter is a prime time for fires due to heating equipment usage.

• Stock up on essentials: Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food in case of power outages.

7. Windows and Doors

• Install storm windows and doors: If your home doesn't have double-paned windows, consider storm windows to add an extra layer of insulation.

• Use draft stoppers: For doors, draft stoppers can prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.

Winterizing Your Septic System: Essential Tips for Washington Homeowners:

As winter sets in across Washington, it's crucial to ensure your septic system remains operational through the cold months. Here are comprehensive tips for maintaining your septic system during winter:

Before Winter Arrives:

• Inspect and Service Your System:

  • Schedule a professional inspection. Depending on your system type, Washington State law requires inspections every one to three years. Use this opportunity to check for any issues that could worsen in winter.

  • If it's time, have your septic tank pumped. Winter is not the ideal time for this due to frozen ground, so doing it before the cold sets in is advisable. For more information on when to pump, refer to local health department guidelines or use resources like those provided by the Washington State Department of Health.

• Know Your System:

  • Understand where your septic tank, drainfield, and any other components are located. Snow can cover these areas making them hard to identify when issues arise.

• Protect Exposed Pipes:

  • Insulate any exposed pipes leading to or from your septic system. This can include using insulated pipe wraps or foam insulation to prevent freezing.

During Winter:

• Limit Water Use:

  • Reduce water usage to decrease the load on your septic system. Excess water can lead to early freezing or overflow issues.

  • Spread out water-intensive tasks like laundry and dishwashing. Avoid running multiple water-consuming appliances simultaneously.

• Keep Snow and Ice Away:

  • Avoid piling snow over your septic tank or drainfield. While snow can act as insulation, too much can lead to freezing or damage if it becomes compacted by heavy equipment or foot traffic.

  
  

• Maintain Insulation:

  • If your septic system is new or lacks vegetative cover, consider adding a layer of mulch or straw over the tank and drainfield to provide extra insulation against the cold.

General Maintenance:

• Avoid Harmful Substances:

  • Do not pour grease, oils, or any chemicals like paint, solvents, or antifreeze into your septic system. These can kill beneficial bacteria or harm the system's functionality.

• Conserve Water:

  • Use water-saving devices and fix leaks promptly. Less water going into the system means less risk of overloading it during colder temperatures.

• Monitor Usage:

  • If you have a seasonal or vacation home, consider having the septic system winterized if not in use. This includes pumping and potentially draining the system to prevent freezing.

In Case of Issues:

• Signs of a Frozen System:

  • Watch for slow drains, back-ups, or gurgling noises in your plumbing, which might indicate freezing.

  
  

• Thawing the System:

  • If you suspect your system is frozen, do not attempt to thaw it with fire or chemicals. Instead, hire a professional with the right equipment like steamers or high-pressure jetters.

• Professional Help:

  • Always consult with or hire a certified septic professional for maintenance or issues. Websites like the Washington State Department of Health or your local county's health department can provide lists of certified providers.

Final Thoughts:

Winter maintenance of your septic system in Washington involves proactive steps taken both before and during the cold season. By following these tips, you can avoid common winter septic issues, ensuring your system operates efficiently until spring. Regular maintenance, understanding your system's layout, and mindful water use are key to preventing problems during the colder months.

Remember, while these tips are general, always consider consulting local regulations or experts for advice specific to your system type or local conditions.