How to Keep Your Septic System Running Right During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and plenty of home-cooked meals. But while you’re busy hosting guests and making memories, your septic system is working overtime. Increased water usage, food waste, and bathroom traffic can put serious stress on your system—leading to backups, clogs, and costly repairs if you’re not careful.

Avoid a messy holiday disaster by taking proactive steps to keep your septic system in good shape. With a little preparation and help from a trusted septic company like Septic Connection, you can enjoy a stress-free season and keep your septic system running smoothly.

1. Schedule Septic Tank Pumping Before the Holidays

If you haven’t had your tank pumped in the last 3 to 5 years, the holiday season is the perfect time to do it. Hosting more people means more flushing, more showers, and more waste—all of which can quickly overwhelm a full or neglected tank.

Septic tank pumping removes built-up sludge and scum, making room for increased usage and helping your system function properly. A professional septic company can inspect your tank, recommend a service schedule, and ensure everything is operating efficiently before the holiday rush begins.

2. Be Careful What You Flush

When guests visit, it’s a good idea to remind them—politely—of what shouldn’t go down the toilet. Septic systems are sensitive, and flushing the wrong items can cause blockages or damage the system.

Avoid flushing:

• Paper towels
• Baby wipes (even “flushable” ones)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Grease, oil, or food scraps (via the toilet or sink)

Place a small sign in the guest bathroom or keep a trash bin visible to encourage proper disposal. It may feel awkward, but it could save you from an emergency call to a septic company in Anderson, sC.

3. Space Out Water Usage

With extra showers, laundry, and dishwashing, it’s easy to overload your septic system during the holidays. Too much water entering the system too quickly can prevent solids from settling properly in the tank, leading to backups or leach field damage.

To avoid this:

• Stagger showers throughout the day
• Run dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak times
• Encourage guests to conserve water where possible

If you’re hosting a large group for several days, you might even consider portable restrooms to reduce strain on your home’s system.

4. Limit Garbage Disposal Use

Using the garbage disposal too much during holiday meal prep can be harmful to your septic system. Grease, oils, food scraps, and fibrous vegetables like potato peels or celery can clog pipes and upset the balance of bacteria in your tank.

Instead of relying on the disposal, scrape plates into the trash or compost pile. If you do use the disposal, run plenty of cold water and avoid overloading it. Regular septic tank pumping will help keep your system in balance, but minimizing food waste is still key.

5. Watch for Warning Signs

If you notice any of the following signs, call a septic company right away.

• Slow drains
• Gurgling sounds in plumbing
• Sewage odors inside or outside the home
• Water backing up in sinks or tubs
• Wet or soggy spots in the yard

These issues could indicate a full tank, blocked line, or leach field problem. Addressing them early can prevent more expensive damage during your busiest time of year.

Work With Us

The holidays are no time to deal with septic issues. A little planning and maintenance can go a long way in protecting your system when it’s working hardest. Schedule a septic tank pumping ahead of your gatherings, educate your guests, and be mindful of water and waste usage.

By working with Septic Connection and following these simple tips, you’ll enjoy peace of mind—and a properly functioning septic system—throughout the holiday season and beyond.