In Pursuit of Curb Appeal

Living somewhere with a septic system requires making some adjustments in how much water you use and what you put down the drain. This includes changing the way you do your laundry. Here are some tips for doing laundry with a septic system.

Spread Out the Laundry Sessions

First of all, septic systems can't handle a lot of water at one time, so you don't want to do all of your laundry on the same day or over a weekend. Try to spread out your laundry sessions so that you are doing it throughout a week instead of all on the same day. This gives the septic system enough time to handle the wastewater and get it into the drainfield without becoming overloaded. When you have a lot of laundry that needs to be done right away, you are much better off going to the nearby laundromat instead of putting stress on your own septic system. Also make sure you are washing full loads instead of wasting water with less clothing in the machine.

Use Front-Loading Washing Machines

Since you want to use as little water as possible while doing laundry with a septic system, consider switching to a washing machine that uses less water. This might mean spending a little more on a front-loading washing machine, since they tend to use less water than a top-loading washing machine. With front-loaders, there isn't as much water needed to cycle the laundry due to the design of the washing tub. However, you might also be able to find a more economical washing machine that is eco-friendly and therefore uses less water.

Avoid Powder Laundry Detergent

When you select your laundry detergent, make sure you only use liquid detergent. This is very important because powder laundry detergent can clump and become like a clay in the septic tank. This may cause clogs in the pipes leading to the tank or build up in the tank itself. It makes it difficult for the detergent to be dispersed and pumped out of the tank, and might create a plug in the septic tank. Something as simple as your choice of laundry detergent could require a professional plumber's help in removing the clay substance. Also make sure you only use the recommended amount of laundry detergent. Do not use extra detergent for a load or you could stress the system. Bleach is fine as well, but also be careful about the amount you use for each load of laundry.

For more tips on how to prevent plumbing repairs and keep your septic system in good shape, contact a local plumbing contractor.