During the holidays, you probably spend time with your friends and family. The extra guests will use your septic system more than the rest of the year. Septic system technicians can maintain your system before the holidays. There are other ways to manage your septic system during the holiday strain as well.
Watch What Goes Down the Drain
Your drains can become slow as buildup gathers in the pipes. Garbage disposals and kitchen sink clogs tend to happen after dinner. Garbage disposals aren’t for leftover foods, which can back up your sink. Sink clogs can happen while washing dishes as well. Food in the drain is bad for your pipes and septic system. Never allow grease or fibrous and starchy foods down the drain.
Showers and bathroom sinks can often become slow from hair. Toilets are where many septic issues occur. Don’t flush anything that isn’t toilet paper. Even flushable items from the store should go in the garbage instead. Wipes should always go in the garbage because they aren’t water-soluble and will damage your septic tank.
Get Preventive Pumping
Pump your septic system every three to five years, depending on your household size. If your septic system is nearing the pumping date, have our technicians pump your system before the holidays. A septic system nearing capacity may overflow into the drainfield from the extra holiday usage. Hydraulic overload may still happen, but sludge won’t enter the drainfield, which allows your system to recover. Maintenance on your septic system before heavy use can reduce stress.
Inform Your Guests
Holiday guests are usually family and friends, but that doesn’t mean they all understand your septic system. Talk to your guests about preventing stress and damage to the septic system. Your guests should know what can and can’t go down the drain. Make sure people are staggering their bathroom needs throughout the day to help your system recover.
Stagger Water Usage
Have your guests stagger their showers and toilet uses. Stagger showers at different times of the day to protect your hot water heater. The drain could back up if toilet flushes don’t have at least 10 minutes between them. Don’t shower during high usage, such as when running the dishwasher or laundry machine. Septic systems can’t handle that much stress, and high water usage can hydraulically overload your system.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Harsh cleaning products can kill the good bacteria your septic system needs to break down waste. You should use environmentally friendly alternatives instead of chemical cleaners. Never pour toxic chemicals such as oil, paint thinners, or pesticides down the drain because they kill good bacteria.
There are many ways to keep your septic system running smoothly during the holidays. Getting your guests on a schedule to stagger their water use will help your system recover. To get your Houston, TX septic system ready for the holidays, call us at Brown Aerobic to schedule maintenance.