Many people look forward to spending extra time at home and celebrating with others during the holidays. There can be a lot of activity in a home during this season, whether it has to do with house guests or special gatherings. This can lead to an increased risk of problems related to septic systems. Fortunately, you can prevent many kinds of issues if you take certain measures and are gentle with your septic system.

Hidden Problems

You probably don’t think about your septic system very often, but if a problem pops up, you might not be able to focus on anything else until it’s resolved. This is especially true if you have a house full of people that can’t use the bathroom. Since it’s difficult to see what’s going on in your septic system, it’s a good idea to have it periodically inspected by an expert in the field. A septic service company can take a peek inside your tank and make sure everything is in good condition. In some cases, your tank may need to be pumped so that it can continue to work effectively. If you’d like to have your septic system checked out, it’s recommended that you do this before the holidays. This way, you’ll be ready for the upcoming festivities.

Put Food and Trash in the Trash Can

The kitchen sink has big responsibilities during the holidays, especially if you prepare a feast for others. It can be tempting to put food waste down the drain, but please try to avoid doing this. Food has the potential to clog the drain, and if it manages to get through your pipes, it can cause blockages farther down in your septic system. Anything greasy, fatty, or oily can pose a major risk since these types of materials can solidify. Starchy and fibrous foods also can be challenging to deal with, even if you have a garbage disposal. Remember to scrape your plates before washing them, and use a strainer to prevent food particles from going down your drain.

In regards to the bathroom, make sure only toilet paper gets flushed. Plastic, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products can make it more difficult for the septic system to do its job. These items don’t break down very easily, and they can clog the system.

Limit Water Consumption

Even if the water going down your kitchen and bathroom drains is clean, an excessive amount of water can be detrimental. Your system needs time to treat and dispose of wastewater. Too much water can overwhelm it as well as dilute the bacteria in the tank that breaks down organic matter.

Be Careful

This holiday season, we want you to be able to relax and enjoy the festivities without worrying about your septic system. Follow the advice given above to diminish the likelihood that a situation might arise. If you’d like to schedule a septic tank inspection at your place in Atlanta, turn to us at The Original Plumber for assistance, and call today.