If your home’s wastewater is managed by a septic system, a few guidelines are necessary to keep it operating efficiently. For example, taking special care when doing laundry makes a difference in how your system performs. Here’s a closer look at how being careful with your washing machine can help you maintain and perhaps extend the life of your septic tank and drain field.   

What Detergent to Choose

Knowing which type of septic system supports your home enables you to choose the right type of laundry detergent. If gravity powers your system, which is the conventional style, it’s best to use liquid laundry detergent, as powdered varieties may cause clogging. For an aerated septic system, avoid excessive foam in the aeration chamber by choosing a powdered laundry detergent or a liquid high-efficiency product.

Look for biodegradable detergents with natural or oleochemical surfactants, such as those made from coconut or palm oil. These laundry products generate fewer suds and foam less than petrochemical surfactants, which are made from crude oil.

Single-use detergent pods reduce the number of product fillers that can clog the soil and reduce system efficiency. Homemade laundry detergents don’t contain fillers, which makes them safe choices for your septic system.

How to Wash Clothes

When doing laundry at home, limit your washing to no more than two loads daily instead of multiple rounds. If your washing machine is a standard older model, one load may use between 30 to 40 gallons of water.

Doing five loads could overwhelm the system’s drain field, where the surrounding soil treats the wastewater biologically. Spacing out washing during the week gives the soil enough time to absorb the water and accommodate daily household functions, such as showering and toilet flushing.

For more tips on maintaining and servicing your septic system, call Tri County Systems in Rochester, NY. These environmental professionals provide septic inspections and pumping, perform drain field repairs, and install replacement systems. Explore the company’s full scope of work on the website or call (585) 467-2550 to speak with a knowledgeable representative.