The holidays are just around the corner. Although we may not be having as many large gatherings as normal this year, many of us will have extra house guests and that means added stress on you and your septic system. This year has been chaotic enough.  The last thing you need is a septic system backup during the holidays.  Here are a few tips to make sure you avoid any unwanted incidents!

DON’T WAIT FOR A BACKUP--PUMP NOW

Your septic system should be pumped every three to five years (every 2-3 years if you have a garbage disposal) for optimal performance and to avoid backups that can lead to costly septic tank repairs. Even if you’ve had your septic system tank pumped within three years, it’s a good idea to go ahead and have your system pumped if you are expecting a house full of guests. You want to have confidence that your tank can handle the additional water usage.

GET AHEAD OF THE GAME

If possible, prepare food before your guests arrive. This will help spread out some of the water usage over time.  Many foods can be prepped ahead of time and frozen.  Plus, this means you have less time in the kitchen when your family arrives.

REMIND GUESTS OF THE HOUSE RULES

Remember, not everyone has a septic system so they may not be familiar with those things that should NEVER be flushed or washed down the drain. Here are a few helpful reminders to avoid septic system damage, or even worse, an embarrassing situation for your guest.

Don’t flush:

• Paper towels
• Diapers and wipes (even ‘flushable’ personal cleansing wipes)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Anything other than toilet paper

Don’t put these things down the sink drains:

• Coffee grounds—or even excessive amounts of coffee; it’s very acidic
• Oils, fats, or grease
• Solid food waste
• Bleach or heavy chemicals
• Clog removers that aren’t approved for septic systems

SPREAD OUT WATER USAGE

Think about all the times you use water—laundry, cleaning, washing dishes, running the dishwasher, showers & baths, handwashing (which we all do a lot more of these days). Using an excessive amount of water at the same time can overload your septic system and slow the draining process. Try to stagger things so that you aren’t doing laundry, washing dishes, and showering at the same time. This will go a long way in helping you avoid a septic tank backup this holiday season.

It’s been said that “prevention is not waiting for bad things to happen, it’s preventing things from happening in the first place”. Being prepared can make a big difference.  Call Queen’s Septic Tank Service to schedule your septic tank pumping before the holiday rush. Of course, we know life happens.  That’s why we offer emergency pumping and septic system repair services 24 hours a day/7 days a week. With over 34 years of experience, you can count on us when you need us the most.