Preparing for the holidays and hosting gatherings can put a lot of strain on your septic system. Experiencing a septic emergency during a celebration can be stressful and interrupt your fun. There are some ways to prevent septic disasters this holiday season.

Pump Your Septic System

A septic system requires professional pumping every three to five years. If this is something that is on your to-do list, take care of it before celebrations begin. If your tank is full, backups can occur. This is especially true when guests are in your home increasing the demand on your plumbing.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

A yearly inspection is important to spot issues early. We recommend this appointment in early fall before the holiday season begins. In the meantime, look for subtle signs of septic issues. These include slow drains or foul odors coming up from your drains or near your septic tank.

Use Water Smartly

Avoid placing too much strain on your septic system at one time. Space out taking showers, using your dishwasher and running your washing machine. The goal is to give your drain field time to absorb water without overloading your septic system. If leaks fixtures or faucets are leaking, schedule a professional repair. Even a small amount of leakage can promote unnecessary flow and use of your septic system.

Be Careful What Goes Down

Avoid putting the wrong items down your drains. Wipes, paper towels and feminine hygiene products belong in the trash, not your drain or toilet. In your kitchen, properly dispose of grease, fats, oils, coffee grounds, food scraps, and eggshells in your garbage can. Avoid overusing your garbage disposal, as doing this can clog pipes and overwhelm your septic tank.

Use Septic-Safe Products

You’ll be doing a lot of cleaning in preparation for gatherings as well as after guests leave. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. Instead, use septic-safe products.

Protect Your Drain Field

Avoid compacting soil on your property, which can reduce absorption inside your septic drain field as well as damage pipes. Don’t park vehicles over the area of your septic system. Avoid heavy foot traffic as well. You should also ensure that rainwater redirects away from this area, as heavy saturation can cause backups.

Understand the Warning Signs

It’s important to be on the lookout for slow drains, bad odors, or gurgling toilets. These issues can indicate a septic problem that requires prompt professional attention. Don’t ignore your septic system this holiday season. Reach out to our team at Billingsley & Brooks in Greensboro, NC for a professional septic inspection.