The holidays often bring more guests, more cooking, more showers, and more water usage—all of which can impact how your septic system functions. To avoid costly repairs or disruptions, it’s essential to keep up with maintenance and follow these best practices.
1. Manage Water Usage
Spread water usage throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your system. For example:
- Space out laundry, dishwashing, and other water-intensive tasks.
- Stagger showers when hosting multiple guests.
Your septic system can only drain so much at a time, so spreading out usage helps keep it running smoothly.
2. Be Careful About What You Flush or Drain
- Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes, paper towels, or sanitary products, as these do not break down like toilet paper.
- Never pour grease or oil down the drain; they can solidify and clog pipes.
- Limit the use of your garbage disposal, especially for starchy foods, fibrous vegetables, and holiday leftovers, as these can strain the system.
3. Educate Your Guests
Politely inform guests about septic-safe practices:
- Place a small sign in the bathroom reminding them what should not be flushed.
- Explain how staggering water usage helps keep the system working efficiently.
4. Schedule Preventative Maintenance
If it’s been a while since your last pump-out, consider scheduling one before the holidays. General guidelines for septic maintenance include:
- Pump-outs: Every 3–5 years.
- Filter cleans: Annually.
Scheduling maintenance now can help you avoid unexpected issues during the busy season.
5. Watch for Warning Signs
Be on the lookout for early signs of septic trouble, such as:
- Gurgling sounds in drains.
- Slower-than-normal drainage.
These are usually indicators that your system needs attention.
Stress-Free Holidays Start with a Healthy Septic System
A well-maintained septic system ensures your holidays are worry-free. If you need any services, feel free to submit a request, give us a call, or send us an email. Our team at Space Coast Septic is here to help!