For many homeowners, the holiday season is a busy time, full of traditions and family gatherings. For homes that have an onsite waste processing system, this can create problems by putting higher than usual demands on the septic tank and drainfield.
Your Septic System and the Holidays
Your septic system is designed to process a certain amount of waste from the home based on a number of factors including the home’s size and the anticipated number of residents. Generally, the system operates perfectly, so homeowners often forget they even have a septic system.
However, it can be easy to overuse your septic system, especially during the holidays when there is a lot of extra activity in the home. Large gatherings with additional guests, increased laundry loads and more showers being taken can put extra strain on your septic system. If care is not taken to reduce usage or pump the tank frequently, it can quickly lead to backups and other issues.
The last thing anyone wants is a septic system backup or a clogged septic drain field in the middle of all the pleasures of the holiday season.
Ensuring That Your Septic System Continues to Operate Properly During the Holidays
In order to help keep your septic system in good working condition (and avoid disruptive and costly septic tank services) during the holidays, follow these simple tips:
- Consider having your septic company pump the septic tank before the holidays begin. While there, they can also do an overall septic inspection to ensure that everything is in good working order. This can be an especially good idea if you will be hosting a lot of guests.
- If possible, fix leaky faucets and replace high-flow toilets and shower heads with ones that use less water in advance of the holidays. These water-saving fixtures can make a big difference in how much water the system has to process.
- Cooking is a favorite holiday pastime for many, but it is important to avoid putting too much cooking oil or grease down the kitchen sink. Grease tends to solidify and clog pipes or the drain field – leading to a possible backflow into the tank.
- If you have one, limit the use of the garbage disposal – or even better, avoid using it altogether. At a time when there is already a risk of overloading the septic system, it is best to not take chances by risking a clogged pipe.
- If you do a large amount of laundry during the holidays, spread out the loads over several days instead of doing them all at once. This will help reduce the strain on your septic system and keep it running smoothly.
- Try to limit water usage by taking shorter showers and turning off faucets when brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
- Be careful when using chemicals in the toilet or sink drain – they can kill off helpful septic tank bacteria found in the septic tank which are necessary for it to function effectively.
- Be sure that any guests understand the guidelines for septic systems. It can even be helpful to post a discrete note that says “please only flush toilet paper” in the bathroom so they know not to flush diapers, feminine hygiene products, or facial tissues.
- Install septic tank alarms to alert you of any problems that may arise during this time period, like backups or overflows.
- Do not allow anyone (including holiday guests) to park on or near the septic tank or drain field.
- If you are having a very large gathering, you might even consider using rented port-a-potties. Even if this feels inelegant, it is definitely better than having septic backing up into your home during the party!
- Check regularly for signs of septic tank backups, such as wet spots in your yard or slow-draining fixtures inside your home. This is key to catching any potential issues early on and avoiding more serious damage down the line.
By following these tips you can help ensure that your septic system will remain in good shape throughout the holiday season and beyond. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday celebration with your family.
What To Do If You Have a Septic Emergency During the Holidays
Despite your best efforts, a septic emergency can still occur during the holidays. This can include backups, overflows, blocked or clogged drains, or even raw sewage backing up into the home.
If this happens, do not wait! Contact your local septic service provider right away to come out and assess the situation. The longer you wait, the more damage could potentially occur – leading to expensive repairs or even costly replacements of both the septic tank and the drain field.
In most cases, your septic service company will be able to help you resolve the issue so that you can get back to enjoying your holiday festivities. All it takes is a phone call and some proactive steps on your part – such as following their instructions for proper usage of the system. This way, you can help make sure that any septic emergency is quickly taken care of and your holidays remain merry and bright!
Caring for Your Septic System After the Holidays
Here is an extra tip: Once the holiday season is over, take some time to schedule an inspection and regular maintenance for your septic system. This will help you make sure that it continues to operate correctly all year long. With a little bit of preventative care, you can have peace of mind knowing that your septic system can last for many years to come.
Septic Service In & Near Lakeland
Septic & Drainfield Depot is the best septic company in and near Lakeland, FL. Our team is available 24/7 to help you resolve any issues with your septic system right away.
We are a licensed septic contractor in the state of Florida, qualified and fully insured to protect our customers. In addition to emergency service, we provide a full range of other septic services including installation, pumping, cleaning, drainfields, and lift stations.
Contact us today for a free septic estimate!
