Holiday Guests? How to Prevent Septic System Overload

 

The holiday season is fast approaching, and this busy time of year is full of family gatherings, feasts, and other celebrations. Though this can be a joyous time of year, it can also put a strain on your home's septic system. From running extra loads of laundry to cooking larger meals, the increased water and waste can overwhelm your septic system if you aren't careful. Here are some easy ways you can prepare your septic system to prevent inconveniences or costly repairs this holiday season.

 

How long has it been since your last septic tank inspection or pumping? Regularly scheduling a professional checkup every 3 to 5 years is key to ensure it's ready for the influx of activity during the holidays. A full septic tank can only handle a limited capacity of extra waste, a common issue with extra water usage when you have seasonal guests, so scheduling the checkup before the holidays is a good idea.

 

Between Halloween and New Year's Eve, there are a ton of food-centric holidays, which means there is an increase in kitchen waste. Make sure you aren't pouring any fats, oils, or grease down your drain since these can solidify in your pipes and cause blockages. Dispose of these in separate containers and drop them in the trash instead to prevent septic system backups. You may also want to remind guests to only flush toilet paper and no other items, like paper towels or hygiene products.

 

Did you know that harsh chemicals, like bleach and drain cleaners, are worse for your septic system? Thankfully, there are plenty of gentler, eco-friendly products you can use instead this winter. Biodegradable cleaning products, detergents, and soaps don’t harm the bacteria that help break down waste in septic systems, so be sure to do your research before you begin cleaning your home to prepare for holiday guests.

 

You'll likely do even more laundry during this time of year to accommodate your guests, but staggering your water usage is better for your septic system. Try to avoid running multiple loads of laundry or dishes at once to give your septic system more time to process this excess water. You can also spread out showers during the day to help reduce overload.

 

While garbage disposals are convenient, they can also add significant amounts of solid (blockable) waste to your septic tank. Try limiting the use of your garbage disposal this holiday season to avoid overloading your septic system. Consider composting scraps, throwing away non-compostable food waste in the trash, or freezing your leftovers.

 

With so many other holiday tasks on your hands, you may be unaware that your septic system is struggling. Pay close attention to any slow drains, gurgling pipes, or water pooling in your yard, as these are signs of something wrong. Contact a septic professional right away if you notice any of these issues in order to avoid larger problems.

Taking a few precautionary steps can help ensure that your septic system runs smoothly during the busy holiday season. Being mindful of your water usage, scheduling regular inspections, and keeping your guests updated on septic care can make all the difference in avoiding septic system overload.

If you'd like to schedule a pre-holiday season pumping, then let Honey-Wagon KC help. We offer preventative maintenance, cleaning, and pumping so that your septic system is the least of your worries this winter. Schedule a free estimate today to get started!