This time of year is wonderful for family reunions and big parties. However, all those extra guests using the bathroom, washing dishes, and taking showers can put a huge strain on one of your home’s most important systems: the septic system. Because the system is designed for the normal amount of water your family uses, adding several extra people for a week to 10 days or so can overwhelm it. If your septic system gets too full or clogged, the result can be messy, smelly, or even catastrophic, and this is definitely not the kind of memory you want to create. Therefore, taking some critical measures can help you avoid expensive plumbing emergencies while you host your family and friends.

Easing the Daily Flow

The biggest threat to your septic system when you have a full house is the sheer volume of water flowing into the tank and drain field. For instance, if four guests all decide to take a long shower right before the big dinner and someone else is running the washing machine, the tank might fill up too quickly. The drain field may not have enough time to soak up all that extra water. Since the water has nowhere else to go, it could back up into your toilets and sinks, which is definitely an excellent way to ruin all of your fun and put a damper on the mood. You can help by spreading out the water usage, such as asking guests to take shorter showers or encouraging them to wash laundry on different days.

What Not to Flush

A septic tank relies on helpful bacteria to break down solids, so you must be extra careful about what goes down the drains, especially with more people using the facilities. It’s critical to remind everyone who visits that your toilet isn’t a trash can. You should never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Other items, even those labeled “flushable,” can clog the pipes and harm the good bacteria inside the tank. Common culprits, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, and cotton swabs, will sit in the tank and build up into a solid layer. This can eventually block the outlet pipe and cause a backup. If you put a small wastebasket in every bathroom and politely ask your guests to toss those non-flushable items in the trash, you can protect your system from becoming overloaded.

Kitchen Care: Grease Is the Enemy

The kitchen sink is another major source of trouble for a septic system during festivities, especially when you consider all the cooking involved. Grease and cooking oils are harmful because they cool down and solidify in your pipes and tank, creating nasty clogs that are difficult to remove. After cooking that big turkey or ham or frying food, you should pour all leftover grease into an empty can and throw it away in the trash once it cools. You should also scrape food scraps into the garbage can before washing dishes.

Turn to the Pros

It’s also a smart idea to have your system inspected by a professional. They can find and fix hidden problems that can ruin your fun. If you haven’t yet scheduled your inspection, call Straight Flush Septic, a leading provider of septic pump replacement, repair, and inspections in Winston-Salem, NC.