Tips for Maintaining Your Septic Tank in the Summer

Summer brings sunshine, outdoor fun, and a change in daily routines, especially for families. With kids home from school, house guests coming and going, and everyone spending more time outdoors, your home’s septic system sees a noticeable uptick in usage. That extra activity can put a strain on your system if you're not careful. To help keep your septic tank running smoothly all summer long, here are some summer septic tank maintenance tips to keep in mind.

Expect Higher Water Usage and Plan Accordingly

During the school year, your home might go hours with minimal water use. But in the summer, dishwashers run more often, laundry piles up, and showers never seem to end — especially after camp, beach days, or time in the yard.

All that extra water entering your septic tank too quickly can overwhelm it. Help your system keep up by spacing out high-use activities. For example:

• Avoid running the washing machine and dishwasher at the same time
• Encourage shorter showers
• Use water-efficient appliances and fixtures

Septic tank care for families means recognizing how your daily routines shift during school breaks and planning your water use accordingly.

Be Mindful of Mud, Sand, and Grass

Summer adventures mean muddy clothes, grassy socks, and sandy towels. But rinsing that debris indoors can clog your system. Sand and dirt don’t break down like organic waste and can accumulate in your tank or drainfield.

To protect your system:

• Rinse off muddy or sandy clothes outside with a hose before tossing them in the washer
• Set up an outdoor shower or foot-rinse station if your family frequents the beach or lake
• Shake off grass and debris before entering the house or using indoor plumbing

This kind of seasonal septic system care helps prevent buildup and reduces the strain on your tank throughout the warmer months.

Watch What Goes Down the Drain

With more people home — especially kids — it’s important to remind everyone about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. Items like wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, food grease, feminine hygiene products, and excessive soap or chemicals can all cause clogs or disrupt the bacterial balance in your tank.

A few quick tips:

• Post a “what not to flush” reminder in bathrooms
• Keep a trash bin near every toilet
• Encourage responsible use of kitchen sinks and garbage disposals

How to maintain your septic tank in summer starts with building good habits in the kitchen and bathroom.

Keep an Eye on Your Drainfield

Your drainfield plays a crucial role in your septic system’s overall health. In the summer, with more activity around the yard, it’s easy to accidentally park cars, set up kiddie pools, or drive over the drainfield without realizing the potential damage.

To keep your drainfield healthy:

• Clearly mark the area and keep heavy objects off of it
• Redirect downspouts and sprinklers away to avoid excess saturation
• Don’t plant trees or shrubs with deep roots nearby — they can interfere with the pipes

Simple precautions like these help prevent septic problems in summer before they start.

Watch for Signs of Improper Draining

Most septic issues start small — but grow fast. Learning what to look for can help you recognize a concern before it becomes more serious.

Red flags include:

• Standing water or soggy patches near the drainfield
• Spongy, consistently wet areas even during dry spells
• Unusual patches of bright green or fast-growing vegetation
• Persistent odors outdoors, near the tank or drainfield

If you notice any of these, contact a professional right away. Quick action can prevent major damage and costly repairs.

Schedule a Professional Inspection or Pumping

If it's been a few years since your tank was pumped, summer is a great time to schedule service. Warm weather increases system usage, and any hidden issues are more likely to show up.

Most septic tanks should be pumped every 3–5 years — more often if your household is large or you frequently have guests. Regular inspections can help identify problems before they escalate and keep your system working like it should.

Final Thought

Summer should be a time for relaxation and fun, not emergency septic repairs. By following these summer septic tank maintenance tips, you can avoid costly issues and keep your system working efficiently all season long.

So go ahead and enjoy those backyard barbecues, beach trips, and muddy soccer games. Just make sure your septic system is ready to handle the summer surge!