How Much Water Is Too Much? Daily Habits That Stress Your Septic System

Everyday Activities That Can Add Up

While septic systems are designed to handle wastewater from homes and businesses without a public sewer line, they have limits. Let’s explore common everyday activities that can stress your wastewater unit to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Laundry Day Overload

A habit that can overload septic systems in most homes is running multiple laundry loads within a short time. Although a high-efficiency washer can minimize water usage, back-to-back laundry loads can send a large quantity of water down into the tank. The most effective way to prevent overloading the system is to space out your laundry loads, especially during the rainy season or snowmelt.

Long or Frequent Showers

Heavy households, especially those with multiple bathrooms, usually run multiple faucets simultaneously, including showers. If you have multiple bathrooms running simultaneously every day, the high volume of water going down the drains can push your septic unit to its limit. The reality is that sometimes you can’t get around it, pushing a lot of wastewater into the system. By taking shorter and less frequent showers or running plumbing fixtures independently, you can avoid devastating scenarios and recurring septic pumping emergencies.

Frequent Visits by Family and Friends

A crucial factor that affects septic performance is the number of users. Most systems have a limited capacity, and many users can increase the amount of wastewater in the tank. Whether it’s more dishes, showers, or flushing, your septic system can be significantly affected. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t host friends and family, but just be aware of distress signs and have a reliable septic company on hand for emergencies.

Dishwashers and Kitchen Cleanup

Modern dishwashers are designed with efficiency in mind. Most systems use less water than washing your hands, which makes them ideal for properties with on-site wastewater treatment systems. However, running your dishwasher at the same time as other appliances, such as showers or laundry, can cause overloads and other hazardous situations down the line. Additionally, spacing out dishwashing throughout the day can ensure safe amounts of wastewater in the tank and prevent system failure when you need it the most.