Septic Tank Winter Care Maintenance Tips!
How to look after a septic tank through winter, from the warning signs to protecting the covers.
Key takeaways
- To look after a septic tank in winter, watch for signs of trouble, protect it during emptying, check the covers and book an inspection.
- Boggy patches or lush grass and weeds near the tank or soakaway suggest waste is reaching ground level.
- Winter rain raises groundwater, which can push a tank out of the ground, with the highest risk while it is being emptied.
- Frost can damage tank and manhole covers, so check them before the cold sets in and now and then over winter.
- Emptying doesn't include a check for early trouble, but an inspection looks at the condition of the tank itself.
- Keep a log book of inspections, which helps show you've looked after the tank if you sell the property.
As the nights draw in and there is a distinct chill in the air, thoughts start to turn to getting the heating on. Something that might not be at the front of your mind is how best to look after your septic tank over the winter. Looking after it doesn’t involve bringing it indoors and popping it in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Here’s the UKDP guide to the best way to look after your septic tank this winter!
Septic tank problems can be particularly unpleasant at any time of year. No-one really wants to think about what happens after you flush your loo, but if you want to keep things working as they should be, it pays to be proactive. Septic tank problems can be easier to spot during the summer months, as we spend more time outside and we can see the first signs of trouble.
Cold, wet weather is hard on a septic tank: heavy rain lifts the groundwater around it, and frost can crack the covers. A few simple winter checks keep small problems from turning into a flooded garden.
So how can you look after your septic tank during the winter?
Keep aware of signs of trouble
Even if you’re not spending regular time in the garden, make a trip out to take a look at your septic tank and/or any soakaway system or drainage field you might have too. How do you know if there’s a problem? There are some obvious signs of trouble above ground, which can include boggy patches of ground near the system, or unusually lush areas of grass or weeds. This means that your septic tank soakaway system may not be working as it should be, and waste is making its way to ground level.
Make sure your tanker company takes care when emptying your tank
In winter months, as we know, there is unfortunately a lot more rain! This can significantly increase the level of water in the ground around your tank. In extreme cases, this can put such huge pressure on the tank that it can be pushed up and out of the ground! The risk is greatest when the tank is being emptied, removing the weight of the contents of the tank which can hold it in place. It’s vital for tank emptying companies to take extra care in winter.
Check the cover to your tank and any manhole covers
These are exposed to conditions above ground as well as gasses from within the system, and frost damage in particular can be a problem. Before the cold snap hits, take a look and make sure they are in good nick. Then take an occasional look over winter. If you think something might have changed, call us for advice or email a picture to info@ukdpsolutions.co.uk and we’ll take a look for you.
Get a septic tank inspection
Septic tanks need regular emptying, and whilst this is essential maintenance, it doesn’t include a proactive look for any early signs of trouble. Cars have a regular MOT, so why shouldn’t your septic tank get the same TLC? Especially as the cost to replace your septic tank might be the same as to replace your car!
The team at UKDP can carry out an inspection of your septic tank which looks at the condition of the tank itself, and if there are any issues it means that they can be dealt with quickly. It’s a great way to get peace of mind that all is as it should be. If you’d like to get a regular septic tank health, we can also provide you with a log book which can be really useful way to show that you’ve looked after your septic tank in future if you should come to sell your property.
So, there’s no need to wrap a scarf around your septic tank, but a little TLC over the winter really will go a long way. Check out our blogs and guides for further information. Why not sign up for our periodic newsletter as well?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a septic tank freeze in winter?
The tank itself rarely freezes with regular use, because the waste generates some heat and it's underground. Exposed pipework and the vent are more at risk, so keep covers in place and insulate any above-ground parts.
Should I empty my septic tank before winter?
It's sensible if it's due, so you're not arranging it in bad weather. Avoid emptying it when the ground is waterlogged, though, as an empty tank in saturated ground is most at risk of floating. Time it for a drier spell.
Why does my septic tank smell worse in winter?
Cold, damp, still air traps odours near the ground, so a slight smell can be more noticeable. A strong or persistent smell is different and points to a fault worth checking.
Can heavy winter rain cause septic tank problems?
Yes. Winter rain raises the groundwater and saturates the soakaway, so a system near its limit backs up or surfaces. If problems only show in wet months, the drainage field is likely struggling.
About the author
Sam Warren
UKDP co-founder
Sam Warren co-founded UKDP with James Warren in 2009 as an off-mains drainage specialist.
Need help with your septic tank or drainage?
Reach out to us on 0800 028 9903. Our team are here to talk Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
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