Please take some time to examine your septic systems for any damage sustained by these extremely cold winter temperatures we’ve been experiencing. Any sewage smell coming up through the drains is an indicator of a frozen system. There are four main areas typically where freezing can occur. They are as follows:
1) The pipe from the house to the tank.
2) The septic tank itself, and/or the pump.
3) The pipe from the tank to the septic field.
4) The soil treatment system (the septic field).
To prevent freezing simple tactics may be employed. For example, running water (warm/hot) can melt lines that are beginning to freeze. Simply taking a hot bath or spacing your laundry out can do the trick. Leaky plumbing fixtures should be fixed to prevent additional freezing outside the pipe. Also, ALL types of vehicles should remain off your system year round to maintain the integrity of the field.
DO NOT, however, add antifreeze or salt to your lines. DO NOT pump out your sewage over the frozen ground. DO NOT start a fire over the system in hopes of thawing it out. DO NOT run water continuously (see tips above with regards to water usage).
Stay warm! As always, if you have any questions or need advice, please don’t hesitate to contact Jeff.
references: http://fcph.areavoices.com/2012/01/16/colder-weather-and-freezing-septic-systems/
Septic Systems For Dummies - Complements of Albertic Septic Inc. 