Jump to:
Get ready Bakersfield, “Brown Friday,” or the day after Thanksgiving, is right around the corner. That’s the day that plumbers, specifically those that do septic tank cleaning and related work, see as much as a 50% spike in incoming emergency calls, according to research from Roto-Rooter and feedback from local plumbers like A+ Septic Service of Bakersfield President Joe Spano. “For us, the day after Thanksgiving is like Christmas,” he says. “We have to add on a lot of people to handle the volume.”
What behind the Brown Friday onslaught? Homeowners in Bakersfield, and across the country, unknowingly push their septic systems to the brink as they host large family gatherings and cook massive meals. All that extra food, water, and, well, poop ends up in septic systems ill-prepared for the holiday onslaught.
If you’re a Bakersfield homeowner with a septic system, Brown Friday should be a wake-up call. Here’s what you need to know to keep your septic system in top shape—before it turns into a holiday disaster.
Why Brown Friday is a Big Deal
This is because Thanksgiving dinner typically means a higher-than-normal influx of waste. Think about it: the kitchen is running overtime, with dishwashers and sinks getting heavy use. Guests are showering, and all the food—especially fats, oils, and grease—ends up down the drain or in the toilet. Septic systems are designed to handle a steady flow, but all this sudden, intense use can lead to clogs, backups, and other costly issues.
The extra stress on a system can reveal hidden problems, from slow drainage to full-on septic failure. But don’t worry—there are ways to avoid becoming a statistic.
1. Be Proactive: Pump Your Septic Tank Regularly
If your septic system hasn’t been serviced in a few years, the day after Thanksgiving is the wrong time to discover you’re overdue for a pump says Spano of A+ Septic Services. Septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on your household size and water usage. Pumping your tank removes solid waste buildup, which can eventually clog the drain field if left unchecked.
If you’re planning to host a big holiday event, it’s wise to schedule a tank pumping before the festivities begin. This reduces the risk of an overflow, giving your system the best chance to handle the extra load.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute! Schedule a pump a few weeks before the holidays, as many septic service companies are booked solid around Thanksgiving.
2. Watch What Goes Down the Drain (and the Toilet)
The biggest culprits of septic system issues on Brown Friday are not just the amount of waste but what is going down the drain, says Spano of Bakersfield’A+ Septic Services. Fats, oils, and grease (known as FOG in the industry) are notorious for clogging pipes and creating septic nightmares. While it’s tempting to rinse off pans and dump kitchen scraps down the drain, those substances don’t break down easily in a septic system. They harden in the pipes and tank, eventually leading to blockages.
Similarly, non-flushable items—like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and even certain types of toilet paper—can wreak havoc on your septic system. Despite labels that claim these items are “flushable,” many do not break down quickly enough and can clog the pipes or tank, leading to backups.
What You Can Do:
- Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing them in the sink.
- Dispose of cooking fats in a sealed container, then throw them away.
- Avoid using your garbage disposal excessively during big gatherings.
- Remind guests (especially kids) not to flush anything other than toilet paper.
3. Spread Out Water Usage
Your septic system can only handle so much water at once. During large gatherings, the sudden increase in water usage—showers, laundry, dishwashing, and flushing—can overwhelm the system. When too much water enters the tank too quickly, it doesn’t have enough time to separate and treat waste effectively, leading to untreated wastewater seeping into the drain field.
A simple way to avoid this is to stagger water usage. For example, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, wait until the next day to run the dishwasher or do laundry. Encourage guests to space out showers, and try to minimize water use throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Installing water-saving devices, like low-flow showerheads and faucets, can help reduce the amount of water entering your septic system year-round.
4. Know the Signs of Trouble
Septic system issues often come with warning signs before they turn into a full-blown disaster. Knowing what to look for can save you from a holiday septic emergency.
Here are a few common signs that your system might be struggling:
- Slow drains: If sinks, tubs, or toilets are draining slower than usual, it could indicate a blockage or an overly full tank.
- Gurgling sounds: If you hear gurgling noises coming from your drains or toilets, it could be a sign that your tank is reaching capacity.
- Foul odors: A strong, unpleasant smell around your yard or inside your home is a red flag that your septic system is backing up.
- Puddles or lush grass: Unexplained puddles or unusually green grass around your drain field may indicate a leak or overflow.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a septic professional immediately.
5. Plan for Emergencies, but Prevent Them First
The last thing you want is a septic emergency in the middle of a family gathering. While no one can predict every plumbing mishap, proper preparation goes a long way toward preventing them.
Have a septic service company’s contact information handy just in case, but take steps to avoid needing to call them. Ensuring your tank is pumped regularly, educating your guests about what not to flush, and spreading out water usage are key preventative measures.
Pro Tip: Invest in a septic tank alarm system. These devices alert you when your tank is nearing capacity or if there’s a problem with your pump, giving you time to address the issue before it becomes an emergency.
One last thought
Brown Friday may be the busiest day of the year for septic plumbers, but it doesn’t have to be for you. By taking proactive steps like regular tank pumping, mindful water usage, and paying attention to early warning signs, you can avoid a Thanksgiving plumbing disaster. With a little preparation, your septic system will keep running smoothly—leaving you more time to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends.
