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Regardless of how many people are in your household, washing clothes is a task that needs to be taken care of regularly. On average, American families do approximately 300 loads of laundry annually. While this may seem like a harmless chore, it can seriously damage a septic system over time. As such, it’s important you know some of the ways doing laundry can compromise your system’s performance and the precautions you can take to maintain its functionality. Here’s an overview of what you should know to avoid costly and inconvenient plumbing problems.

3 Common Laundry Issues That Impact Your Septic System

1. Lint Buildup

Similar to a dryer, lint collects in washing machines with every cycle. If allowed to enter the septic system, the excess fluff will eventually cause clogs and backups since it doesn’t break down easily. To prevent this, you can install a lint filter on your washer’s discharging line, which will catch lint buildup before it moves into your septic tank. Be sure to clean out the filter often, so it continues to work properly.

2. Using the Wrong Detergent

septic systemSeptic tanks are full of bacteria that are necessary to break down the waste that enters the system. Using laundry detergents that contain toxic chemicals kills off the good bacteria, causing solids to accumulate in the tank. In turn, it’s essential to choose detergents with all-natural ingredients. It’s also better to use liquid detergents since the powdered varieties frequently contain filler materials that clog septic pipes.  

3. Excess Water Usage

It’s common for families to have a particular day of the week they devote to doing laundry. Unfortunately, flushing that much water into your pipes over a short period places a significant burden on your septic system. It won’t give the tank enough time to treat waste sufficiently. This can result in a flooded drainfield and sewer backups. Limit water usage by spreading your loads out over several days, and make sure the washing machine is set for the appropriate load size.

 

For help keeping your septic system in good operating condition, turn to S & S Pumping in Taney County, MO. They provide high-quality and affordable septic solutions for all types of systems. Backed by more than 15 years of experience, this reliable team of professionals is qualified to handle all your septic needs, from new tank installations to complex repairs and routine pumping. Call (417) 546-2390 to set up a maintenance schedule, or visit them online for more information about the services they offer.

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