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As the holiday season approaches, so does the joy—and the stress—of hosting friends and family. Between Thanksgiving feasts, holiday parties, and New Year's celebrations, your home’s plumbing and septic systems are put under more pressure than usual. Extra guests mean increased use of bathrooms, showers, and sinks, making these systems vulnerable to messy, unpleasant issues if not prepared ahead of time. Don’t let the festivities be overshadowed by embarrassing plumbing disasters. By following these seven preventive steps, you can make sure everything flows smoothly through the holidays. Remember the golden rule of holiday hosting: Pump Before You Party!
1. Schedule a Pre-Holiday Septic Pump
If you have a septic system, getting it pumped before hosting guests is crucial to avoid backups. We recommend that septic tanks should be pumped every 2-3 years, depending on household size and usage. However, the increased holiday load is a great reason to go ahead and empty the tank to prevent any overflows. A quick call to a professional for a pre-holiday pump could be the key to enjoying a holiday season free from septic mishaps. Don’t forget: Pump Before You Party!
2. Keep Grease Out of the Drain
Cooking big meals, especially with rich holiday foods, tends to produce a lot of grease, but dumping it down the sink is a surefire way to clog your pipes. Grease solidifies as it cools, creating stubborn blockages that can back up sinks and even impact septic systems. Instead, pour grease into a container, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash. Using a small strainer for the sink is also a helpful way to keep food debris from going down the drain and causing clogs.
3. Don’t Overuse the Garbage Disposal
While garbage disposals are convenient, they are not designed to handle all types of food waste. Avoid putting hard or fibrous items like potato peels, eggshells, bones, or coffee grounds down the disposal. These can damage blades, cause clogs, and put unnecessary strain on your septic system. Encourage your guests to scrape plates directly into the trash before washing to reduce the risk of a holiday disaster.
4. Spread Out Shower Usage
Hot showers may be a treat during the cold months, but when multiple guests shower back-to-back, your water heater and plumbing system may struggle to keep up. To reduce strain, consider spacing out showers to give your system a chance to recover. Let guests know that brief breaks between showers can help keep hot water flowing and reduce the risk of slow drains or septic issues.
5. Check Toilets and Educate Guests on “Septic-Safe” Rules
Before guests arrive, inspect all toilets to ensure there are no weak flushes or leaks. Provide a reminder that only toilet paper should be flushed. This is particularly important for guests who may not be accustomed to septic systems. Make it easier for everyone by keeping a small wastebasket by each toilet for disposal of wipes, feminine products, or other items that could clog pipes.
6. Run the Dishwasher at Night
If you’re doing more dishes than usual, your dishwasher might be working overtime, putting additional strain on your plumbing. Running the dishwasher at night or during off-peak times can reduce the load on your system. This simple step can help maintain a steady flow of water through your pipes and prevent buildup. Plus, it frees up the sink during busy mealtimes.
7. Inspect Outdoor Septic Drain Field Areas
With increased water usage indoors, your outdoor septic drain field needs to be ready to handle the extra output. Keep an eye on your drain field and avoid parking vehicles or placing heavy items on it, as compacting the soil could interfere with its function. Also, make sure that any holiday decorations or outdoor furniture are placed away from the drain field to maintain proper flow.
Final Thought: Be Prepared to Act Quickly
Despite all the precautions, things can still go wrong. It’s wise to keep our contact information on hand just in case you have any plumbing issues arise. Quick action can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major issue, and that is just what you can expect with our same-day service. But with these preventative measures in place, you’ll have greater peace of mind.
Hosting Without Hassle
By planning ahead and following these tips, you can avoid plumbing and septic problems during the holiday season. Keep your household stress-free and your guests comfortable by taking action early. After all, no one wants to spend holiday time dealing with clogs or unpleasant odors. Contact Us and remember: Pump Before You Party, and you'll enjoy a holiday season that’s memorable for all the right reasons!
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