How To Prevent Septic Troubles While You Have House Guests
One of the great things about the holidays is that you get to see friends and family members that you haven't seen in a while. If your out-of-town guests are going to be staying with you while they're in town, you'll need to get your home ready for the extra people, especially your bathrooms. This is particularly important if you have a septic system.
Your septic system may be more than adequate for your immediate family. However, that doesn't mean it will be adequate for the added guests you'll be entertaining in your home. In fact, the added use could absolutely overpower your septic system, sending it into overload, and creating the perfect scenario for a serious mess. To make sure you're not faced with a disaster during the holidays, here are some instructions for septic care.
Start With a Pre-Season Inspection
Even it's not time to have your septic tank pumped, you should still have it inspected before your guests arrive. A pre-season inspection will allow your septic company the opportunity to get a good look at your septic tanks and the seepage pit. If it looks like your tanks are starting to fill up, it's a good idea to err on the safe side and have your system pumped. That way, you know your tanks are going to be able to hold the additional volume.
Educate Your Guests on Proper Septic Etiquette
Once your guests arrive, it's a good idea to give them a crash-course in septic tank etiquette. Since most homes are on municipal sewer systems, many people don't know how to care for a septic system. To protect your system, it's best to assume that your guests will be unfamiliar with proper septic system usage. Once everyone has arrived, gather them together for a quick lesson in the do's and don'ts of septic use. Be sure to include a list of items that should never be flushed down the toilet, or sent down the drains of a home that's attached to a septic system.
Be on the Lookout for Warning Signs
During the holidays, it's important that you be on the lookout for septic system warning signs. Even with the best care, problems can still arise, and it's best to be prepared. Some of the warning signs you should be aware of include gurgling in the toilets when they're flushed, foul odors coming up through the drains, and brown water coming up in the bathtubs. If you, or your guests, notice any of those signs, you should contact a septic company like Economy Septic Service.
