Septic Tank Safety: Why Securing Manhole Covers Matters

At Baco-Compak, we take septic tank safety seriously. One area that homeowners and businesses often overlook is the manhole cover. While it may look simple, a secure cover plays a vital role in preventing accidents, protecting your family, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Common Risks of Unsecured Septic Tank Covers

Leaving a cover unsecured or relying on a lightweight lid presents several dangers:

1. Child Safety – Curious children may attempt to lift or move a light cover, not realizing the danger beneath. Tragically, there have been accidents where children have fallen into septic tanks because of unsecured lids.

2. Public Hazards – In schools, parks, playgrounds, or other community spaces, an unsecured cover could pose a risk to pedestrians, cyclists, or animals.

3. Vehicle Damage – Cars, vans, or even lawn equipment passing over a weak cover could cause it to crack or collapse, resulting in damage to property and potential injury.

4. Structural Damage – A poor-quality cover may allow water, debris, or roots to enter the tank, leading to costly system failures over time.

5. Legal & Liability Issues – Homeowners and property managers may be held liable for accidents caused by unsafe covers on their property.

How to Keep Your Septic Tank Safe

The good news is that with regular checks and proper maintenance, your cover can remain safe and compliant. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Locking Down Septic Tank Covers

If your tank is located in a public or high-traffic space—such as a school, park, playground, or driveway—it’s essential that the cover is locked or securely fastened. This prevents accidental removal, protects against tampering, and reduces the risk of accidents.

2. Cover Weight and Safety

A proper septic tank cover should be heavy and durable enough that it can’t be lifted unintentionally. Lightweight or ill-fitting covers are a serious hazard for:

• Children who may be playing nearby

• Pedestrians walking across the area

• Vehicles passing over driveways or parking spaces

A strong, secure cover is your first line of defence in preventing accidents.

3. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Just like the rest of your system, septic tank maintenance should include checking the manhole cover. Inspect the cover and frame regularly for:

• Cracks or damage

• Signs of wear and tear

• Loose or poorly fitted frames

Keeping the frame clean and intact ensures the cover sits securely in place.

4. Compliance with Manhole Cover Standards

All septic tank covers should comply with BS EN 124:2015 manhole cover standards. This certification ensures the cover meets the correct load-bearing and safety requirements, so you can trust it to perform reliably under pressure.

If you’re unsure whether your cover complies, it may be time to upgrade to one that does.

5. What We Do if a Cover is Unsafe

If we discover an unsecured septic tank cover when emptying your tank, we act immediately to reduce risks. Our team will:

• Place a notice through your door

• Apply hazard tape around the tank area to clearly mark the danger

Protecting Your Home and Community

By keeping your septic tank manhole cover secure and compliant, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re also keeping your family, neighbours, and wider community safe.