Winter Septic Tank and Drainage Care in Alton
2 min readAltonBy AA Drainage
Winter brings rising groundwater and the odd hard frost to East Hampshire. A few precautions keep your off-mains drainage working.
High groundwater
Saturated ground can slow drainage fields. Reduce water use where possible during long wet spells and avoid running lots of laundry in one day.
Frost and access
To prepare:
- Keep lids and covers clear and visible
- Make sure tanker access is not blocked
- Check treatment plant blowers are working
- Insulate any exposed pipework
Book emptying before winter
Getting the tank emptied in autumn gives plenty of capacity going into the wettest months and avoids emergency call-outs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a septic tank freeze?
Buried tanks rarely freeze, but exposed pipes can.
Is wet ground over my drainage field normal in winter?
Some dampness can be, but pooling or smells suggest a problem.