Brought to You by Wholesale Septic Supply – Keeping Your Septic System Cool, Clean, and Crisis-Free All Summer Long
Summer is a favorite season of many. Whether it’s the cookouts, vacations, or long, lazy weekends lounging around in the sun, it’s one of our favorite seasons here at Wholesale Septic Supply too! Many homeowners will expect the winters to be rough for their septic tanks, and yes, that’s true, but summer also comes with its own set of septic surprises.
At Wholesale Septic Supply, we’ve seen instances and heard stories where a septic system will go from fine to failure in just a few hot summer weeks. Whether it’s hidden overflows or unusual odors, here’s what you need to know to keep your septic system safe and sound throughout the summer months and avoid having to make emergency calls when you should be relaxing and enjoying all summer has to offer.
Summer brings more than just sunshine, it brings lots of people to your home in most cases. If your home becomes the go-to place for family reunions, pool pirates, or general family gatherings, you can expect your water usage to double or even triple from time to time over the summer season.
Excessive wastewater fills your tank faster
Incomplete separation of solids and liquids
Increased risk of backups or unprocessed waste entering your drainfield
Prevention Tip:
Try to stagger showers and laundry loads to allow your septic system to take a break throughout the day. Consider adding a riser kit or effluent filter from Wholesale Septic Supply to allow easier inspections and reduce drainfield logging potential from solids overflow.
Automatic sprinklers and larger amounts of watering can be great for your lawn in the hotter, drier summer months, but it’s not so great for your septic drainfield. Too much surface water may saturate the surrounding soil and prevent proper wastewater absorption.
Soggy, slow-draining yards
Standing water over drainfield lines
Sewage odors after heavy watering
Fix It Fast:
By redirecting sprinkler heads, setting timers to water at dawn, and replacing distribution boxes or adding risers for better drainage may all improve the overall drainage management.
Ironically, dry weather may hurt your septic system as well. When the soil around your septic tank dries out and hardens, it may:
Crack concrete tank lids or risers
Compact the drainfield and reduce percolation
Pull away from inlet/outlet pipes, causing misalignment
Prevention Tip:
Keeping your lawn slightly hydrated without excess watering leading to flooding will help. Always check for shifting lids or exposed risers. Be sure to replace any cracked components with heavy-duty, UV-resistant lids and risers from Wholesale Septic Supply.
During hot weather, tree roots will aggressively seek out water, and your septic system pipes are prime targets. Even smaller roots may grow into the pipes and joints and begin cracking the lines. This may end up causing leaks or even full-on system failure if not promptly addressed.
Slow drains
Gurgling toilets
Wet patches near trees or bushes
What to Do:
Avoid planting any trees near your septic system. If tree roots are already causing issues, repair or replace damaged components with junction boxes or baffles.
High summer temperatures may encourage the growth of anaerobic (oxygen-starved) bacteria in your septic tank, especially if it’s already overloaded. This may lead to:
Foul odors (especially during heat waves)
Excess sludge buildup
Reduced system efficiency
The Fix:
Utilize aerators to keep good bacteria thriving in your septic tank and keep your septic tank’s bacteria properly balanced.
Warmth and moisture can be a perfect recipe for pests. If your septic tank is not properly sealed or your riser is not gasketed, you can likely expect flies, gnats, and mosquitos to find their way in and begin to breed within your system.
Insects can spread bacteria
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing wastewater
Gnats can infiltrate your home through vents or toilets
Solution:
Install sealed lids, screened vents, and gaskets to keep the bugs out of your system, and your home, for that matter.
If your septic system alarm or control panel is located outdoors or exposed to sun, it may experience the following issues:
Heat may damage internal wiring
Float switches may dry out or get stuck
Alarms may fail to go off in emergencies
Proactive Fix:
Aim to test your septic alarm monthly and replace damaged components with UL-listed control panels, floats, and alarms.
If your summer home or cabin has been vacant since winter, sudden heavy usage may end up shocking the septic system:
Dried-out drainfields
Cracked lids or frozen pipes now leaking
Anaerobic sludge from inactivity
Prior to hosting any guests, inspect your system and replace any damaged risers, aerators, or panels to ensure it runs smoothly. Wholesale Septic Supply ships fast to rural and vacation homes all across the country.
Are you planning to drain or backwash your pool? Ensure chlorinated water does not flood your drainfield, as it may destroy bacteria within the soil and reduce treatment effectiveness.
Best Practices:
Drain pool water far from the septic zone
Never dump chemically treated water into sinks or septic-connected drains
Avoid harsh pool chemicals near lawn areas connected to the system
Heavy rains and flash floods may overwhelm your system, especially if gutters or landscaping elements funnel water toward your tank or field.
Watch For:
Alarms sounding after a storm
Overflowing cleanouts
Standing water near tank lids
Storm-Proof Your System:
Install riser seals, watertight lids, and vented extensions
Check your drainfield for pooling
Ensure pumps and alarms are in working order with parts from Wholesale Septic Supply
Septic surprises can ruin summer gatherings, yet with a little preparation, most problems are 100% preventable. Whether it’s adding a new riser, replacing a worn-out alarm, or upgrading your filters prior to guests arriving, Wholesale Septic Supply has the parts and support you need to make septic care simple.
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