When septic tanks are pumped regularly, they operate seamlessly -- you can live your life without really thinking about them. However, when your tank is getting full and is need of pumping out (and maybe showing signs of this, such as flooding in the backyard, or occasional sewage backups), you must be very careful how you use your plumbing until the septic tank specialist is able to come out and pump the system. Here are four tips that will help you avoid overflows, backups, and other catastrophes when your tank really needs to be pumped.
Space out your showers.
If everyone in the house showers in close succession to one another, you're sending a lot of water into the tank at once. This is likely to cause overflows in a tank that's filled to the brim. Try to space out your showers -- have some people shower in the morning and other at night -- or perhaps put off showering for a day or two if you're not that dirty. Dry shampoo is your new best friend.
If it's yellow, let it mellow...
You know how the saying goes! Try not to flush the toilet after every use. This may sound gross, but keep in mind that this is just a temporary situation until you can get your tank pumped. Only flushing the toilet a couple of times per day is a lot less gross than having your pipes backup and spill sewage on the floor.
Do your laundry at the laundromat.
Washing clothes requires a lot of water, even if you have a new, water-conserving washer. If you absolutely have to do laundry between now and when your septic specialist comes, go to a laundromat to do it.
Don't put anything down the garbage disposal.
If you have a garbage disposal, avoid using it until the tank has been pumped. The solid waste that goes down your disposal will just add to the tank volume, making the problem worse and making overflows more likely. Remember that if you do use your garbage disposal normally, you should be having your tank pumped out more frequently to make up for this added waste.
Keep in mind that while these tips will help prevent backups and other issues in the short-term, they are not solutions to the problem. Your tank needs to be pumped. Call the plumber or go to websites of local septic companies and make an appointment to have this done. Use these tips in the meantime to keep your system operating while you're awaiting your appointment.
Share
