3 Tips for Holiday Septic System Prep
For people whose properties use septic systems, preparing for the holidays includes a few additional tasks – namely, ensuring that your septic tank is ready and able to serve you and your guests.
Lakeland Septic Company of Lakeland, FL, would like to offer three tips to help keep your septic system functioning properly during the holidays, rather than being a central player.
Holiday Septic Tip #1: Don’t Put Off Septic Tank Pumping
If it’s getting close to the time you need to have your tank pumped out, do it before holiday activity starts. You don’t want to neglect this work and then have your system start backing up right when you’re trying to serve Grandma’s special pumpkin strudel.
Holiday Septic Tip #2: Be Extra Aware Of Issues
An overflowing septic tank isn’t the only potential problem with septic systems that could affect your Thanksgiving or Christmas and every other day of the year:
- The drain field could become damaged and cause system-wide slowdowns
- The lift station could begin to fail and not be able to send sewage through the system
- Pipes could clog, baffles could stop working, filters could get blocked
You’ll typically see some warning signs with these and other septic system issues, including:
- The smell of raw sewage inside or outside your home
- Toilets that flush sluggishly or overflow
- Multiple sink and tub drains running slowly
- Soggy patches of ground near or above any part of the septic system
If you see any of these signs, call your septic company immediately.
Holiday Septic Tip #3: Educate Your Guests On The Proper Use Of Your Septic System
“Educate” may seem like a strong word here, but it’s not as strong as what can happen if guests who aren’t used to living with a septic system start abusing yours.
The main way holiday guests can inadvertently harm your septic system is by putting things in drains and toilets that shouldn’t be in them. These things include:
- Paper towels
- Drain cleaners
- Cigarette butts
- Grease and oil
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
- Antibacterial agents
- Any medication
- Food
- Cleaning solutions
- Toys
- Coffee grounds
- Dental floss
- Earplugs
Many of these items not only can block the drain leading to the septic tank, but they can also remain inside the tank (assuming they even arrive there) and add to the bulk. Paper, plastic, metal and other inappropriate materials break down slowly or not at all in septic tanks.
As to the liquids in the above list, many of them can upset the natural bacterial balance that your septic tank needs to efficiently break down and process the “usual” materials that enter it.
Depending on the temperament of your holiday guests, we suggest placing a polite sign near the most frequently used sinks and toilets. Or tell your guests. One way or another, they need to know!
Holiday Emergency Septic Service
If, despite your best intentions, you encounter septic issues during the busy holiday season, Lakeland Septic is ready to respond quickly with septic tank cleaning, inspections, and repairs. We know how to solve problems and get them out of your way.
You can reach a Florida septic expert by phone or through our handy contact form.
