Preventing Septic System Overload While Guests Are in Your Home

Preventing Septic System Overload While Guests Are in Your Home

The holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends, share delicious meals, and create cherished memories. However, with all the extra activity in your home, your septic system may be working overtime. Increased water usage and added stress on your plumbing can lead to unexpected—and unpleasant—issues. To help you keep things running smoothly, we’ve put together some tips on preventing septic system overload while guests are in your home during the holiday season.

Understanding the Holiday Strain on Septic Systems

Your septic system is designed to manage wastewater from daily household activities. During the holidays, the number of guests in your home often increases, leading to more water usage and higher demand on your system. This can result in slower drainage, foul odors, or even backups if the system overloads.

Proactive planning and straightforward precautions stress-free holiday celebrations stress-free.

Tips for Preventing Holiday Septic System Stress

Spread Out Water Usage

Avoid running appliances like the dishwasher, washing machine, or showering simultaneously. Spread these activities throughout the day to reduce the immediate burden on your septic tank and drain field.

Watch What You Flush

Remind guests to be mindful of what goes down the toilet. Items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels can clog your septic system, leading to costly repairs.

Dispose of Grease Properly

Grease and oils from holiday cooking should never go down the drain. These substances can solidify in your pipes and septic system, causing blockages. Instead, dispose of grease in a sealed container and throw it in the trash.

Use a Garbage Disposal Sparingly

While garbage disposals are convenient, excessive food waste can overwhelm your septic system. Avoid putting items like coffee grounds, bones, and fibrous vegetables down the disposal.

Provide Waste Disposal Alternatives

Make it easy for guests to dispose of items properly by providing visible and accessible trash bins in bathrooms and kitchens. This reduces the temptation to flush inappropriate items.

Schedule a Pre-Holiday Pumping

If your septic tank hasn’t been pumped in a while, consider scheduling a septic pump before the holidays. An emptied tank provides additional capacity for the increased wastewater volume that comes with hosting.
A septic system emergency can quickly dampen holiday cheer, resulting in costly repairs and disruptions to your festivities. These tips will minimize the risk of issues and keep your home’s plumbing functioning smoothly.

At Lion Home Service, we understand how vital a well-maintained septic system is, especially during the holidays. Contact us today at (970) 510-0522 to ensure your septic system is holiday-ready so you can focus on enjoying the season with loved ones.

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