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Can a Septic Tank Freeze?

A frozen septic tank can cause wastewater and sewage to back up into sinks, toilets and showers. If you’re experiencing these issues in the middle of winter, your septic tank could be frozen.

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Yes, sadly enough, your septic tank can freeze unless you’re proactive about preparing the pipes, tank and soil for freezing winter temperatures.

Can a Septic System Freeze?

Unless the system is buried deep enough in the ground, you can have a frozen septic system. Also, if you’re not home, it’s possible for the standing water in the drains, outlets and lines to freeze. Once that happens, your system may become blocked and frozen solid.

Can a Drain Field Freeze?

Once the bacteria in the septic tank have done their work, the wastewater runs into a drain field. This field plays a key role in further treating the effluent before it sinks into the soil and ultimately enters groundwater. For several reasons, the drain field may be close to the surface of the ground, and unless adequately insulated, it may freeze.

Conditions That May Cause Your Septic Tank or Drain Field to Freeze

Suppose you don’t take specific precautions during the installation of the septic tank, such as ensuring the tank is properly buried and exposed lines are insulated. In that case, it’s possible to get a frozen septic tank. Conditions that can lead to a septic tank freezing include:

  • Shallow and uninsulated drain pipes.If the pipes from the house to the septic tank are uninsulated, exposed or just below the ground, they may freeze, preventing waste from entering the tank.
  • Snow compaction over the tank and drain field.Soft, fluffy snow insulates, while compacted snow becomes ice. This allows the ground around the tank and drain field to freeze, ultimately causing a frozen septic tank and drain field.
  • Limited use.Running water doesn’t freeze as easily as standing water. If you’re frequently away, the water in the pipes leading to the septic tank can freeze.
  • A deep freeze.Unexpectedly cold weather, such as a polar vortex, can reduce temperatures to below the design parameters of the septic system, leading to freezing.

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Practical Tips to Prevent Septic Tank Freezing

With changing weather patterns, it’s vital to be proactive in maintaining the septic system correctly to prevent freezing. You can do most of this yourself, but you’ll need specialist help for some tasks. Here are six steps to keep your septic system healthy during winter.

  • Pump out solids in spring.According to the EPA, you should get a septic service provider to remove solids from the septic tank every three to five years. Always do this in spring so the bacteria in the septic tank can reestablish before colder weather comes.
  • Maintain healthy bacteria.Don’t dispose of chemicals, solids or cooking oil into the septic tank. These harm bacteria and clog up the tank. Never use antifreeze, as this is also harmful.
  • Insulate exposed and shallow pipes and vents.Insulate all exposed septic lines, drains and vents. If the drain lines or tank are shallow or above ground, use heat tape and tank heaters to keep the temperature above freezing.
  • Cover the tank and drain field with a layer of mulch.In autumn, cover the tank and drain field with leaves, hay or other loose organic material. This helps insulate and protect the tank and drain field from freezing.
  • Maintain a regular flow of water into the septic tank.Help the bacteria thrive and prevent freezing with a regular flow of warm water into the septic tank. If possible, use hot water in your washing machine and dishwasher, but even a regular flow of cold water is beneficial.
  • Don’t compact or clear snow above the septic tank and drain field.Remember, fluffy snow has great insulation qualities and prevents the ground from freezing, so avoid clearing snow or compacting it above the drain field and septic tank.

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