The holidays are all about gathering, cooking, and celebrating—but your septic system doesn’t take time off. With a full house and a packed kitchen, it’s easy to forget that extra guests mean extra water, more laundry, and lots more flushing. This holiday hosting guide will help you keep things merry, bright, and clog-free all season long.

Keep It to the 3 P’s

Guests mean more bathroom traffic, so this one’s worth repeating. Only flush the 3 P’s: pee, poop, and (septic-safe) paper. Everything else—like wipes, cotton balls, feminine products, and paper towels—belongs in the trash. Even “flushable” wipes aren’t septic-safe, and they’re the fastest way to start a holiday backup.

Be Smart in the Kitchen

Cooking for a crowd is fun until the grease hits the drain. Remind your kitchen crew that fats, oils, and food scraps don’t belong in the sink or garbage disposal. Scrape plates into the trash and pour grease into a disposable container instead. Garbage disposals might seem convenient, but they overload your tank with solids that take forever to break down.

Space Out the Laundry

All that festive bedding, towels, and tablecloths can add up fast. Try spreading laundry loads over a few days instead of running them all at once. This gives your septic system time to process water efficiently and prevents stress on the drainfield.

Enjoy the Holidays Without the Hassle

A few simple habits from this holiday hosting guide can make all the difference. Remind guests what not to flush, take it easy on the garbage disposal, and pace out water-heavy chores.

At HomeField East Valley, we’re here to help your home handle the holiday hustle. From pumping to inspections, our team keeps your system ready for the season—so you can focus on what really matters: family, food, and fun.