New Hampshire is slowly reopening just as the weather is really warming up, and people are itching to jump back into their social lives. As Felix trucks make their way through the neighborhoods, our team has seen their fair share of cookouts and graduation celebrations.
While many homeowners are following safety guidelines to protect themselves while congregating in the yard with family and friends, they might not think to also protect their septic. We’re here to give you a few tips on how to get your septic ready for the summer season so that it can stay healthy, too.
Do NOT Flush.
Yes, we want you to flush the toilet, just not when it’s filled with products that can harm your septic. Make sure your guests are aware of your “do not flush” list, which should include wipes (even the “flushable” ones), paper towels, and feminine products.
Pro tip: By strategically placing a small trash bin close to the toilet in view, you give your guests a subtle hint on the proper way to dispose of their products while saving your septic from a massive clog.
Do NOT Do Chores.
Do yourself and your septic a favor and focus on enjoying the party! The more guests you have means likely more water usage from toilet flushing and hand washing (and maybe even a sprinkler or hose outside for the kids), so we don’t suggest also having your washing machine or dishwasher running at the same time. Too much water entering the septic at once can cause a backup or clog—and no one wants to deal with that during a BBQ.
DO Pump Before the Party.
With more family members home all day during this extended stay-at-home period, your septic has likely been put to some serious work over the last few months. If you’re due or getting close to needing a septic pumping, we’d recommend scheduling it before the party. One of the most popular septic pumping seasons is spring so it won’t get in the way of all your fun summer plans. Trust us, it’s better to be over-prepared than deal with an unpleasant septic surprise.
Do NOT Dance on the Drain field.
We always tell our customers not to park heavy objects, like their car, on the drain (leach) field. A large amount of weight could cause it to collapse, which is a pretty bad situation. Now we aren’t comparing you to the weight of your car, but if your entire group is gathered directly on the drain field, it could be enough pressure to at least cause it to sink. And that’s a slip-n-slide no one wants to be a part of!
We hope you have a happy and safe summer! Have questions about your septic or want to play it safe and get it pumped? Contact us today and we can help.