BBQs, guests and holidays: managing summer overuse of your septic systems
- Philippe Labrie
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Summer is the season for socializing: BBQs with friends, family visits, extended stays at home... But more guests also means more water usage and, consequently, more pressure on your septic tank. Heavy use over a few days can cause temporary overload and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
1. Why gatherings increase the risk of overload
Every shower, flush, dishwash, or laundry adds a volume of water that must be processed by your system. Normally, the septic tank and drain field handle these inputs at the household's usual rate. But during a long weekend or a series of visits, the volume of wastewater can easily double or triple.
Possible consequences:
Temporary saturation of the tank
Poor wastewater treatment due to lack of settling time
Appearance of odors and risks of reflux
2. Practical advice before and during gatherings
a) Stagger the laundry
If possible, do heavy laundry before or after guests visit to avoid adding a large load of water in a short period of time.
b) Limit successive showers
Spacing out showers allows the pit to better absorb the influx of water. Discreetly inform your guests—a friendly note in the bathroom may be enough.
c) Monitor cooking grease
BBQs and large meals often generate more grease. Avoid disposing of them down the sink or in the dishwasher, as they can accumulate in the pit and reduce the system's efficiency.
3. Tips to lighten the water load
Use reusable glasses and plates to reduce dishwasher cycles.
Provide an outdoor water area to rinse off after swimming, rather than using the shower.
Install a low-flow aerator or shower head to reduce consumption.
4. Preventive maintenance: your best ally
If your septic tank hasn't been emptied for a long time and you plan to have a lot of people over, schedule a preventive pumping. This reduces the risk of overloading and ensures peace of mind during the summer months ( environnement.gouv.qc.ca ).
5. Summary of good practices
Conclusion
Hosting family and friends is a summertime pleasure, but your septic tank should also be able to "enjoy" the season without stress. With a little organization and a few simple steps, you can avoid inconveniences and extend the life of your system.
At Pompage de fosses septiques Larabie, we know the realities on the ground in Outaouais and we can help you prevent problems caused by overflow.
Contact our team today to schedule our services. Act now, don't fix it later!
