Freeze Prep: Safeguarding Your Well and Septic System

While the Southeast often gets a pass on winter weather, sub-freezing temperatures can cause serious headaches for homes that rely on well water and septic systems. Taking a few simple steps now can save you thousands in repairs and prevent a major emergency.

Protecting Your Water Well System

Your well pump and pipes are especially vulnerable to freezing. Water expands when it freezes, which can burst pipes and crack pump casings.

  • Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap any visible pipes, especially those entering the house or near the wellhead, with foam pipe insulation (the kind that looks like a pool noodle) or thick blankets.
  • Protect the Pressure Tank: If your pressure tank is in an unheated area (like a crawl space or pump house), place a heat lamp (with proper fire safety precautions) or a small, low-wattage space heater nearby. Alternatively, cover the tank with blankets.
  • Keep the Wellhouse Warm: If you have an outdoor well house, ensure the door is securely closed and any vents are covered to trap warmth.
  • Drip, Drip, Drip: On the coldest nights, allow a couple of faucets inside your home (especially those on exterior walls) to run a slow, steady drip. Moving water is much harder to freeze.

Septic System Safety

The main concern for septic systems is the pipe leading from your house to the septic tank, as it is relatively shallow and carries waste (which contains water).

  • Check Vents and Covers: Ensure your septic tank covers and any risers are properly sealed and covered with a layer of insulation, such as straw, hay, or thick mulch. This helps trap the natural warmth generated within the tank.

  • Keep the Ground Covered: If you have any recent excavation over your septic lines, cover the exposed soil. Otherwise, leave the yard undisturbed—snow actually acts as a good insulator for the ground below.

  • Avoid Excessive Water Use: If the drain field or lines are freezing, minimize the amount of water going into the system (e.g., limit laundry or long showers).

Tankless Water Heaters

Many modern homes in the Southeast have tankless units mounted on an exterior wall, making them highly susceptible to wind chill and freezing.

  • Cover the Unit: Purchase a manufacturer-approved or heavy-duty insulating cover designed specifically for your tankless unit. If you can’t find one in time, wrap the unit with a thick towel.

  • Keep Vents Clear: Do not cover the air intake or exhaust vents! These must remain clear for the unit to operate safely and properly.

  • Check the Freeze Protection: Most modern tankless heaters have a built-in freeze protection system that turns on a small internal heater when temperatures drop. Ensure the unit is plugged in and powered on so this feature can function.

General Home Prep 

These standard steps protect your main plumbing and structure:

  • Open Cabinet Doors: For cabinets under sinks on exterior walls, keep the doors open. This allows warm air from the room to circulate around the pipes.

  • Locate Your Main Shut-Off: Know exactly where your main well shut-off valve is! If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water immediately will minimize damage.

  • Drain Hoses: Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor spigots and, if possible, drain the water from the hose bibs themselves.

A quick hour of preparation today could save you from days of freezing frustration tomorrow.