If your home is connected to a septic system, the end of summer should signal the start of your winter septic care. You might not realize this, but your septic system requires additional attention during the winter. Most importantly, your septic system needs to be protected against damage caused by freezing temperatures. Here are three steps you can take to protect your septic system this winter. 

Start With a Clean Tank

If it's been a few years since you had your septic system serviced, don't wait until spring. You might think that your tank still has plenty of space left for winter waste, but that might not be the case. The last thing you want is to face digging up your septic tank when the soil is frozen. To avoid winter septic worries, the best thing you can do is schedule a service call before the cold weather arrives. To alleviate future problems, talk to your septic service provider about installing a riser as part of the service call. That way your septic tank can be pumped without the need for digging. 

Insulate the Septic Field

If you live in a mild region of the United States, freezing temperatures might not be a big concern. However, if you're expecting at least one episode of freezing temperatures this winter, now's a good time to insulate your septic field. Freezing temperatures can radiate all the way down to your septic tank, causing serious damage to the entire system. Luckily, there are some things you can do to insulate your septic system. 

If you have grass growing over your septic system, hold off on the last mowing of the season. Leaving your lawn a little longer will provide insulative protection for your septic field. If you don't have grass growing over your septic field, place a plastic tarp over the area, and then cover it with hay. Hay helps to keep the soil warm, which protects your septic system from freezing temperatures. 

Elevate the Temperature

If you're worried about the dangers that winter weather can bring to your septic system, it's time to get ready with the hot water. You might not realize this, but flushing your pipes with hot water at least once a day can help protect your septic system against freezing temperatures during the winter. You don't need to take any extra steps either. All you need to do is let your hot water run for a minute longer when doing your dishes, or do a load of laundry in hot water at least once a week, especially during episodes of freezing temperatures. 

Contact a company that offers septic tank maintenance services to learn more.