5 Ways to Avoid a Septic Backup

When your house is full of friends and family, the last thing you want is a messy septic back-up. And although we're happy to help you out of a crappy situation, we hate charging after-hour service rates during the holiday season (and missing time with our own families!).

Here are five ways to keep things flushing smoothly this Christmas so you can avoid a costly holiday backup and spend more time with your loved ones. Keep reading to learn more or contact us today to schedule a routine pumping before the holidays arrive!

1. Be Careful About What You Flush.
There is no such thing as a flushable wipe - they are not flushable, so do not flush them! This goes for feminine products, paper towels and make-up wipes too. Let guests know that you have a septic system and keep a trashcan in plain sight for them to use.

2. Pay Attention to What Goes Down the Kitchen Drain.
Did you know the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for plumbers? That's because Turkey grease and giblets aren't meant to go down the drain. If you plan on cooking, pay extra attention to food scraps, grease and avoid using the garbage disposal. Make sure anything caught in your strainer goes directly in the garbage - not your septic tank.

3. Take it Easy on the Laundry.
If you know you're having a bunch of people over, especially overnight guests which means more showers than usual, try doing your laundry a few days ahead of time. Your septic system can only handle so much water at one time and when more people are flushing the toilet, using the shower, washing their hands etc. it adds up. Avoid any extra water usage like washing the car, watering the grass and doing your laundry until after your guests have gone home.

4. Pump Your Septic Tank Before the Holidays.
If your septic tank is less than 1,000 gallons, you are at higher risk of having a backup, especially when your system feels the strain of excess water usage. Call ahead and have your septic tank pumped at least one week prior to having guests to ensure a back-up free holiday.

5. Use a Septic System Additive.
You can keep your septic system healthy throughout the year with an additive like Bio-Active. Additives contain natural bacteria that help break down solids in your septic tank. We recommend Bio-Active because it's effective and easy to use - simply flush one packet per month to keep your septic system healthy.

Follow these simple tips and a backup will be the last thing you have to worry about this holiday season. For additional tips and answers to all of your septic questions, be sure to checkout our FAQ page. And for all your septic needs be sure to give us a call, 717-892-2788. Happy holidays from our family to yours!