The Do's & Don'ts of Doing Laundry With a Septic System

For people who own property with a septic system, the washing machine is one of the largest contributors of gray water to the tank. To avoid the need for more frequent septic pumping, you should take some precautions when doing laundry. Below are the do’s and don'ts for laundry day when you have a septic system.

Do:

Select the proper load size.

If you keep the load size set to "large" even when you're only washing a few items, you're wasting water and contributing to potential septic overflow. With more water in the tank, it is harder for the resident bacteria to find food, and it causes less efficient wastewater treatment. Always set the load size dial to the appropriate setting to conserve water.

Space out loads.

Instead of saving up laundry and doing numerous loads on the same day, spread your laundry duties out over the week. This is particularly important after a hard rain. If your drain field is saturated, the treated wastewater won’t have anywhere to go, which could cause backflow. Limit laundry to one or two loads per day.

Don't:

Use antibacterial soap.

Your tank is filled with beneficial bacteria that break down solid wastes and treat liquids, so they can be released into the ground. Antibacterial soaps and cleansers upset your tank's ecological balance, destroy the useful bacteria, and reduce the septic system's ability to treat the contents. Don't put antibacterial soap, bleach, or other harsh cleaners into your tank. Additionally, avoid powdered detergents as their fillers can clog the tank. Check the label to see if it says “septic-safe” before buying.

Wash extremely muddy clothing.

Excessive amounts of mud and dirt can clog the system and lead to overflow problems. For best results, let muddy clothing dry and then brush the dirt off outside before placing the item in the wash.

For septic pumping, repair, or service on your septic system, contact All Clear Pumping & Sewer in Jefferson City, MO. They offer 24/7 residential and commercial service to customers throughout mid-Missouri. They also specialize in water and sewer line repair, hydro-excavating, and grease trap cleaning. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (573) 443-2660 to schedule an appointment.