Managing The Holiday Strain On Your Septic System

Holiday guests can bring joy (and stress) this time of the year. With all the planning, preparation, and celebration, who has time to think about a septic system? Unless cousin Eddie plans to room at a local hotel, take note of these vital tips to see your septic system makes it through the holidays in one piece.

Stagger Water Usage

Encourage guests to shower at different times of the day, avoiding high water usage times when the laundry machine or dishwasher are already running. Too much water usage can hydraulically overload your system. Septic systems just aren’t built to handle that type of strain.

Preventive Pumping

Many septic holiday problems can be avoided by pumping your system preemptively. If you haven’t pumped your septic tank in the last 3-5 years, the extra holiday strain can push sludge into the drainfield.

Although preventative pumping cannot prevent issues from hydraulic overloading 100% of the time, it can help prevent further damage to your system. Sludge won’t be pushed to the drainfield, giving your system a better chance to recover after periods of high usage.

Watch What Goes Down The Drain

Avoid garbage disposal use. Stuffing leftover food down the drain is not only bad for your septic system, but it can also cause a plumbing blockage and back up your sink.
Don’t flush feminine products. Even items labeled as flushable can still cause plumbing and septic issues. “Flushable” just means the item will go down the toilet. It can still clog your plumbing and harm your septic system.
Toss wipes in the garbage can. Wipes are also a big no-no for your septic system.

If you are expecting guests and haven’t cleaned your tank in a while, call us today and beat the holiday rush!

For 86+ years, Van Delden Wastewater Systems has withstood the test of time as the leading Wastewater System company, providing San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country with services you can count on now and in the future.

Call us for any of your wastewater systems needs and let our professionals help you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements: (210) 698-2000 (San Antonio) or (830) 249-4000 (Boerne).