When you live on a rural property or in an area without public sewer access, a septic system is the alternative. Most homeowners who rely upon a septic system understand the basics of septic care, like paying attention to what is flushed down the toilet or sent down the drains. What many don’t realize, however, is just how much of an impact their laundry habits can have on a septic system.
Laundry and Water Disposal
When you use your washing machine, water from the wash and rinse cycles flow into your septic system. When you wash several consecutive loads of laundry over the course of a single day, you’re effectively sending large volumes of waste water through your septic system. When excessive levels of water are introduced to a septic system, there may not be enough space in the tank for all the waste to settle and break down at the bottom of the tank. This can force solid materials into the drain field, which eventually causes failure and expensive septic system problems.
Practicing Good Laundry and Water Use Habits
Instead of designating one day for all the laundry which has accumulated over the course of a week, try to break your washing habits up over a few days during the week. This will reduce the volume of waste water which ends up in your septic system in one day. During your laundry sessions, try to limit the amount of water flowing into the tank from sources like dishwashers and showers.
If you suspect your drain field (leach field) or septic tank may be under stress as a result of normal water usage, contact a septic professional in your area for a full appraisal and inspection of your system to avoid potentially expensive repairs or replacement.
Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro
