MADISON—Owners of private wastewater treatments systems will want to
follow seasonal maintenance procedures with winter approaching,
Department of Commerce (Commerce)Secretary Dick Leinenkugel announced
today.

“Many Wisconsin residents rely on private wastewater treatment systems
for waste treatment and disposal,” said Leinenkugel. “These
maintenance tips can help ensure that these systems function well
throughout the winter season.”

Recommended maintenance tips are as follows:

If you live in an area without a natural windbreak, you may want to
consider installing a
snow fence. If you added a layer of mulch over the area, the snow
fence will help keep the mulch in place and will trap snow.

Spread out your laundry schedule to one warm/hot load per day, year
around. Use normal amounts of water—the warmer the better.

Don’t leave water running all the time to prevent freezing. A slow
trickle could freeze, while a steady stream could overload the system
with water.

Don’t add antifreeze to the system.

If you will be gone for more than a day or two, have someone visit and
use water regularly. If you will be gone for an extended period (weeks
or months), pumping the tank before leaving may be a good option, but
always consult with a professional before deciding to have a tank
pumped.

Fix any leaky plumbing.

Keep all vehicles (including ATV’s and snowmobiles) and high-traffic
people or animal
activities off the system, all year.

Make sure all risers, inspection pipes and manholes have tight covers.
Adding insulation
is a good idea. Unsecured covers represent a grave danger to
children.

If any seeping or ponding occurs, contact an onsite professional.

Additional information on septic system maintenance can be found at

http://commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-PowtsOverview.html