Here in Twin Falls, the holidays often mean cold weather, full houses, and plenty of cooking! That also means your septic system is working harder than usual to handle all the extra water and waste. Whether you are hosting your family from out of town or throwing a neighborhood dinner, a little prevention can help you avoid costly repairs or emergency calls during the busiest time of year.
Between showers, laundry, cooking, and cleaning, your septic tank is working overtime! The last thing you need during a family gathering is a septic backup or slow drain. Bill’s Sewer & Drain is here to help you know how to keep your system running smoothly all season long.
When your septic system becomes overloaded, it can cause slow drains, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant smells. You don’t want any of those to happen during the holiday parties. Also, a lack of working bathrooms puts a damper on holiday parties quite quickly. Understanding how to manage extra usage can keep your home running smoothly and your guests comfortable.
When everyone is home for Christmas, it is full of chaos, joy, food, parties, gifts, and laughter. That is what everyone looks forward to! All of the behind-the-scenes activity at your house, on the other hand, can really feel the pressure from all of those things, too. That can mean over-full dumpsters, overspent grocery budgets, minimal sleep, or increased electric and water use.
Did you know your water usage can double or even triple, depending on how many guests you plan to have? To prevent overwhelming your septic tank, the best tip we have is to spread out the usage when you can. This can look like:
Be sure to avoid putting fats, oils, butter, gravy, coffee grounds, or starchy foods (e.g. potatoes and stuffing), down the drain. These can clog your pipes or upset the balance of bacteria in your septic tank, leading to slow drains or even a holiday backup. Nobody has that on their Christmas list!
An easy way to be sure to catch food scraps is to use a sink strainer. This will allow you to catch things that are more likely to clog the drain, so you can dispose of them in the trash.
Even if you have a garbage disposal, it’s best to use it sparingly. Ground-up food waste can still overwhelm your septic tank and lead to faster buildup. Instead, scrape plates into the trash or compost bin. A little prevention now can save you from an after-dinner plumbing emergency.
“Please don’t flush wipes, paper towels, feminine products, or anything besides toilet paper. Our home runs on a septic system. Thanks!”
Also ensure that you have a discreet trash can for those items guests need to dispose of that should not be going down the toilet.
This simple reminder can save you from a major clog or backup later on down the road. Helping guests be aware of plumbing and their own water usage can go a long way.
Your drain field is the final step in your septic system’s treatment process, allowing wastewater to filter safely into the ground. If you have a septic system, this is especially important.
During the holidays, extra guests may not realize where the drain field is located, so it is important to remind them to avoid walking or parking on it. Compacted soil can block proper drainage and cause backups later.
You may have heard these drain field tips before. That’s because they are great year-round, not just at the holidays! Be sure you and your guests help to protect your septic tank's drain field.
We have helped many Twin Falls and surrounding Magic Valley families keep their septic systems running smoothly through every season. Our team is just a call away if you need an inspection, emergency service, or simply peace of mind before the holidays. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and clog-free holiday season!
Keep your holidays merry, bright, and free from septic surprises!
Between showers, laundry, cooking, and cleaning, your septic tank is working overtime! The last thing you need during a family gathering is a septic backup or slow drain. Bill’s Sewer & Drain is here to help you know how to keep your system running smoothly all season long.
When your septic system becomes overloaded, it can cause slow drains, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant smells. You don’t want any of those to happen during the holiday parties. Also, a lack of working bathrooms puts a damper on holiday parties quite quickly. Understanding how to manage extra usage can keep your home running smoothly and your guests comfortable.
Tip #1: Spread Out Water/Septic Usage
When everyone is home for Christmas, it is full of chaos, joy, food, parties, gifts, and laughter. That is what everyone looks forward to! All of the behind-the-scenes activity at your house, on the other hand, can really feel the pressure from all of those things, too. That can mean over-full dumpsters, overspent grocery budgets, minimal sleep, or increased electric and water use.Did you know your water usage can double or even triple, depending on how many guests you plan to have? To prevent overwhelming your septic tank, the best tip we have is to spread out the usage when you can. This can look like:
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Staggering showers and laundry loads throughout the day instead of back-to-back or all at once.
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Run the dishwasher after guests go to bed or early in the morning.
- Check for leaks before guests arrive. Even a small drip can add gallons of unnecessary water to your system.
Tip #2: Watch What Goes Down the Drain
As mentioned before, food is a huge part of the holiday season! Eggnog, cookies, gingerbread, ham, pies, and ciders all make the season special. The leftovers, grease, and scraps are what can spell trouble for your septic system.Be sure to avoid putting fats, oils, butter, gravy, coffee grounds, or starchy foods (e.g. potatoes and stuffing), down the drain. These can clog your pipes or upset the balance of bacteria in your septic tank, leading to slow drains or even a holiday backup. Nobody has that on their Christmas list!
An easy way to be sure to catch food scraps is to use a sink strainer. This will allow you to catch things that are more likely to clog the drain, so you can dispose of them in the trash.
Even if you have a garbage disposal, it’s best to use it sparingly. Ground-up food waste can still overwhelm your septic tank and lead to faster buildup. Instead, scrape plates into the trash or compost bin. A little prevention now can save you from an after-dinner plumbing emergency.
Tip #3: Politely Educate Your Guests
Just like there is a list of things that shouldn’t go in the sink, there are things that shouldn’t be flushed, too! Guests who aren’t used to septic systems may not realize that the rules are different. Consider putting a small, friendly sign in the bathroom to remind them:“Please don’t flush wipes, paper towels, feminine products, or anything besides toilet paper. Our home runs on a septic system. Thanks!”
Also ensure that you have a discreet trash can for those items guests need to dispose of that should not be going down the toilet.
This simple reminder can save you from a major clog or backup later on down the road. Helping guests be aware of plumbing and their own water usage can go a long way.
Tip #4: Protect Your Drain Field
Your drain field is the final step in your septic system’s treatment process, allowing wastewater to filter safely into the ground. If you have a septic system, this is especially important.During the holidays, extra guests may not realize where the drain field is located, so it is important to remind them to avoid walking or parking on it. Compacted soil can block proper drainage and cause backups later.
You may have heard these drain field tips before. That’s because they are great year-round, not just at the holidays! Be sure you and your guests help to protect your septic tank's drain field.
-
Keep vehicles and heavy decorations off the drain field area.
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Redirect holiday lighting cords so they don’t interfere with drainage.
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Ensure gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the area to prevent oversaturation.
Tip #5: Schedule a Pre-Holiday Septic Inspection or Pumping
If it’s been more than three years since your last septic tank pumping, it’s smart to schedule one before the holidays. A quick inspection from Bill’s Sewer and Drain can identify potential issues before guests arrive. This will give you peace of mind, prevent emergencies, and allow you to enjoy your holidays and guests completely.Host the Holiday Without Septic System Stress in Twin Falls
A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping your holiday gatherings stress-free and your septic system happy. If you’re hosting this season, contact Bill’s Sewer and Drain for a pre-holiday septic system inspection, pumping, or quick maintenance service right here in Twin Falls, ID.We have helped many Twin Falls and surrounding Magic Valley families keep their septic systems running smoothly through every season. Our team is just a call away if you need an inspection, emergency service, or simply peace of mind before the holidays. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and clog-free holiday season!
Keep your holidays merry, bright, and free from septic surprises!
