When you’re getting ready for Christmas parties, family dinners, and New Year’s celebrations, the last thing you want is a septic emergency stealing the spotlight. Every December, search trends spike for “holiday plumbing issues,” “septic backups,” “frozen pipes,” and “too many guests toilet problems.” It’s no coincidence — the holidays put major stress on septic systems. If you’re planning to host this season, here’s your ultimate holiday septic checklist to keep your home running smoothly, avoid costly repairs, and make sure your Christmas magic doesn’t end in a backup.
1. Get Your Septic Tank Pumped Before the Holiday Rush
Extra people = extra water usage.
Between showers, toilet flushes, laundry, and cooking, a house full of guests can overwhelm a septic tank that’s already close to capacity.
Every year around the holidays, people find themselves on the internet searching for: “Signs my septic tank is full” “Septic tank pumping before holidays” or “How often should a septic tank be pumped”
The bottom line is, if you haven’t pumped your tank in 3–5 years, December is the perfect time.
2. Keep Holiday Cooking Grease OUT of the Drain
Christmas and New Year’s cooking often means lots of grease, oils, gravies, and butter — all of which can solidify in your pipes and cause a clog. Grease is one of the biggest causes of holiday septic problems.
Never put down the drain:
- Turkey grease
- Gravy
- Butter
- Bacon grease
- Leftover oils
Dispose of cooled grease in the trash instead.
3. Space Out Showers for Overnight Guests
Search trends spike every December for: “too many guests toilet not flushing” and “shower draining slowly holiday guests.” This happens because septic systems need time to process wastewater.
Simple solution: Ask guests to space showers by 10–15 minutes to prevent overload.
4. Protect Your System from Cold Weather Problems
Winter can create extra challenges like frozen pipes and slower drain field performance.
To avoid winter issues:
- Keep vehicles off the drain field
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Fix leaky faucets (they can freeze!)
- Keep an eye on soggy or spongy ground
5. Remind Guests What Not to Flush
Holiday guests mean unfamiliar bathroom habits. To protect your system, make it guest-friendly with a simple sign: “Please flush only toilet paper.”
Make sure these items go in the trash, never the toilet:
- Wipes (even “flushable”)
- Paper towels
- Cotton swabs
- Feminine products
- Makeup wipes
- Tissues
- Small toys from Christmas morning 😉
6. Know the Signs of a Holiday Septic Emergency
December and January are peak months for emergency calls. Contact a septic professional immediately if you notice:
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Gurgling toilets
- Sewage smells indoors or outdoors
- Water pooling in the yard
- Backups in tubs or showers
The sooner you call, the less damage you’ll face.
7. When in Doubt, Schedule a Holiday Inspection
If you’re hosting a big crowd or staying at your Lake Wateree home for the season, a quick septic inspection provides peace of mind and can prevent a costly holiday disaster.
A septic backup is the fastest way to ruin Christmas morning or shut down your New Year’s Eve party. By taking a few simple precautions now, you can protect your home, avoid emergencies, and keep the holidays merry and bright.
FJ Rabon is here for you all season long — from septic pumping and inspections to emergency repairs and fast service across Kershaw, Richland, Fairfield, and surrounding counties.
Enjoy the holidays. We’ll handle the underground stuff.