Hosting Guests on a Septic System

With a house full of guests, a septic system’s soil treatment area may not be able to handle the extra usage/water load.

Easing the increased usage to a septic system is simple it just takes some planning ahead and educating the guests. 

Stagger showers and baths

Reducing the amount of water entering your septic system by suggesting all guests stagger showers or baths to morning & night, and minimizing shower duration.  

Avoid consecutive laundry loads

Run only FULL loads of laundry over several days, instead of doing your laundry all at once.

Remind guests to be careful about what they flush

Not everyone who comes to visit will understand what is okay to put into your septic system. Although it may be a sensitive subject, ask guests to avoid flushing any solid wastes into the septic system. These include diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, tampons, condoms, those “supposedly” flushable wipes and grease. This can prevent a plumbing blockage and possible backup.

Prepare food early to cut down on concentrated kitchen usage

Prepping food ahead of time will reduce the amount of water that enters your system while it is under heavy usage by extra guests. Pretend you do not have a garbage disposal, and make sure you inform your guests about not using it unless necessary. Use disposable plates and silverware to cut down on dishwasher loads, and only runt the dishwasher when it is full.

Schedule a pre-hosting septic tank pumping

Pumping the septic tank just prior to a large gathering will allow a short resting period for the drain field while the tank refills.

Although scheduling a tank pump in advance does not guarantee a septic problem will not occur, it assists in reducing  the chances of issues. 

If a septic backup occurs in the house, it is likely caused by a blockage in the plumbing. A short video explaining “how to how to clear a blockage” is available on our homepage.