When the summer sun arrives and temperatures start to climb, it’s not unusual for property owners with sceptic tanks to notice unwelcome smells lingering around their system. While sceptic tanks are designed to operate efficiently all year round, warmer weather can introduce a number of complications if the system hasn’t been maintained properly.
In this article, Andersons Waste Management explores why sceptic tanks are more prone to issues in summer, what causes those unpleasant odours, and the best solutions and preventative steps for homeowners and businesses alike.
Whether you're in Bristol, Swindon, Cardiff, Bath or the surrounding areas, this guide will help ensure your sceptic tank remains trouble-free in the warmer months. Simply give us a call or complete the form and we will be happy to help you beat the summer problems.
Why Does My Sceptic Tank Smell More in Summer?
Warmer weather increases biological activity, which can accelerate the natural breakdown of waste within a sceptic tank. While this is part of the system's normal operation, rising temperatures can also lead to excessive gas production. These gases, including hydrogen sulphide, methane and ammonia, are by-products of anaerobic digestion and are often responsible for the distinctive sulphuric or ‘rotten egg’ smell associated with an overworked or imbalanced tank.
In summer, the heat can cause these gases to be released more rapidly and intensely, especially if the tank hasn't been recently serviced or pumped.
Common Causes of Sceptic Tank Smells in Summer
There are several reasons why a sceptic tank might start to emit smells during hot weather. Overfilling is a common issue, particularly in households where water usage increases during the summer months due to activities like gardening, car washing or additional laundry.
If a tank is nearing capacity, the waste isn't given enough time to settle and break down properly, resulting in disrupted bacterial processes and stronger odours. Blocked or damaged ventilation pipes can also prevent gases from escaping in the intended manner, forcing them to linger around the tank or even enter the property.
Furthermore, if non-biodegradable items or harsh chemicals are flushed into the system, they can kill off the essential bacteria that keep everything functioning smoothly.
Tree root intrusion, cracked tank walls, and drain field issues can also lead to waste surfacing or poor percolation, intensifying smells and signalling underlying problems that should not be ignored.
Read: Nuisance smells: how councils deal with complaints
Solutions to Summer Sceptic Tank Smells
Thankfully, there are effective solutions available for sceptic tank smell in summer. Professional sceptic tank servicing is the most reliable way to diagnose and resolve any issues, ensuring the system is functioning as intended. Regular sceptic tank maintenance, including tank emptying and cleaning, allows for the removal of solids that may be contributing to odour and system stress. If ventilation is inadequate or damaged, our engineers can inspect and repair vent stacks and filters to restore proper airflow.
In some cases, adding biological additives can help rebalance the microbial environment inside the tank, although this should only be done under professional guidance to avoid damaging the system further. Drain field repairs or root removal may also be necessary where there is evidence of physical damage, soil saturation, or poor drainage.
How to Prevent Sceptic Tank Issues in Hot Weather
Preventing sceptic tank issues during summer is largely a matter of good routine maintenance and responsible usage. Homeowners should ensure their tank is inspected and pumped at appropriate intervals, typically every 1 to 3 years depending on the size of the household and tank capacity. Keeping accurate records and following a professional servicing schedule can reduce the likelihood of emergencies during the hotter months.
It’s also important to only flush septic-safe products, avoid disposing of fats and oils down the sink, and reduce the use of chemical cleaners that might disrupt natural bacterial activity.
Ensuring that landscaping around the tank and drain field is kept in check will also help avoid root-related damage and soil compaction, both of which can affect system performance over time. Prevention is always more cost-effective and far less stressful than dealing with a full-blown issue during a summer heatwave.
Book Your Sceptic Tank Service with Andersons Waste Management
If you’re experiencing a sceptic tank smell in summer or want peace of mind that your system is ready for the warmer months ahead, Andersons Waste Management is here to help.
Serving customers across Bristol, Swindon, Cardiff, Bath and all surrounding areas, we offer expert sceptic tank maintenance and sceptic tank servicing in Bristol and beyond to keep your system running smoothly.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to arrange a professional inspection or to discuss your ongoing sceptic tank care needs. Let us help you enjoy a cleaner, fresher and stress-free summer.
Call us on 01454 222 888 or email us on info@andersonswaste.co.uk.
