As the holidays approach, most homeowners are busy decorating, making food, and preparing their homes for entertaining guests. One factor that often goes overlooked before having visitors is how to prepare a septic system for increased usage. As you get ready for the holiday season, here’s what you can do to prevent septic system hiccups. 

How to Prepare Your Septic System for the Holidays 

1. Implement Flushing Rules

Wipes, hygiene products, and other bathroom items like dental floss and cotton swabs are unsafe for septic systems. Not only could they lead to plumbing clogs, but they can also disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria that your system relies upon to process waste effectively. 

Septic-safe toilet tissue and human waste are the only substances that should be flushed. Guests who don’t have septic tanks may not know this, but leaving a small sign in your bathroom can make them aware. You can also put a trash receptacle in the bathroom to conveniently dispose of other items. 

2. Avoid Overwhelming Your System 

Whether you’re welcoming guests or have children coming home from college, chances are your septic system will see increased use through the holidays. A sudden strain on the system can leave it struggling to process the influx of wastewater. Excessive use could also cause a septic backup. Thankfully, this issue is typically avoidable by using water in moderation and spacing out usage. For example, try not to wash clothes while someone is showering. You can also stagger running the dishwasher and washing machine.  

3. Have Your Septic Tank Pumped in Advance

Most septic systems require pumping every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people it accommodates. If your septic tank is nearing capacity, increased use can fill it quickly over the holidays. However, scheduling a pump beforehand will prevent a devastating backup and give you peace of mind about your plumbing so you can enjoy the festivities. 

Keep your septic system functional over the holidays with services from Around The Clock Pumping in Alaska. Serving Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula, and Mat-Su Borough, this team offers 24/7 service for residents and businesses. Visit the website for a complete list of services, or call (907) 345-9126 to request a quote.