While hosting a large gathering of a party can be loads of fun, it can also place additional strain and stress on your home’s septic system. Unlike homes which are connected municipal sewer systems, homes with septic systems need to weigh the impact increased wastewater from a large gathering or party will have on their home’s septic system and how it could affect the functionality of said system. When you properly prepare your septic system for large gatherings, you can help to prevent unpleasant issues from occurring such as backups and system overloads. In this post, we’ll go over the best ways to ensure your septic system is ready for the extra guest at your large gathering or party.
If it’s been quite some time since you’ve last pumped your septic tank, now is the time to be proactive. If your septic tank is on the verge of being too full, and you choose to have a party with a large number of guests, you could risk experiencing issues during your party. That would not be fun. Ideally, you’ll want to have your septic tank pumped at least a week prior to gathering to ensure everything settles properly.
In the days leading up to your gathering, it’s probably a good idea to not do a bunch of activities which could lead to an excess production of wastewater. This means avoiding doing a large amount of laundry right before the gathering, proactively fixing any leaky faucets or toilets, and avoiding excessively long showers. Reducing water usage will help to ensure your septic system is not already strained prior to the increased demand of your gathering.
Be sure to inform your guests of what you should and should not do with septic systems. Politely remind your guests to not flush anything down the toilets except septic-safe toilet paper. Have an easily accessible backup septic-safe toilet paper roll for guests to prevent the usage of alternative wiping solutions (e.g.: paper towel). Items such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels will clog your system eventually. Having another friendly reminder in the form of a sign directly above the toilet will help guests remember to not flush anything except the septic-safe toilet paper provided.
If you do have a garbage disposal, limit its use during the large gathering. Food scraps and grease will be able to quickly fill up a septic tank. This additional waste may end up disrupting the natural breakdown of the waste within your septic tank. Politely encourage guests to dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost bin as an alternative solution.
Try to space out water usage from dishwashers and washing machines over several days instead of doing multiple loads all in one day. By doing this, it will help prevent a sudden influx of water which can flood the drainfield and/or overload the settling rate of your tank.
If you expect a larger number of guests, you may want to consider renting portable toilets. Renting portable toilets is especially important for very large events, as it can significantly reduce the volume of wastewater your septic system has to handle all in one day.
Ensure the area over your drainfield is clear of any vehicles, equipment, or large structures during your gathering. Pressure on the ground above the drainfield will likely compact the soil and damage the underground septic system components. Ensuring the area is clear will help ensure the soil remains aerated and efficient at processing the additional wastewater.
When preparing your home for guests, try to use natural cleaning products when possible. Harsh cleaning chemicals may kill the built up bacteria in the septic tank which is essential for breaking down waste efficiently and effectively.
By preparing your septic system for a large gathering or party, you’re able to avoid problems developing immediately or over time. Managing water use, politely informing guests of what to do and not to do, and ensuring your septic system is properly maintained; you can enjoy your event without having to worry about septic system issues. Proactive preparation will often go a long way when it comes to preventing both costly and unpleasant septic system emergencies. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Shop our wide array of septic supply products by clicking the button below. We look forward to working with you soon!
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