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Does your laundry schedule can affect your septic system?
A well-maintained septic system is essential for keeping groundwater clean and can last 25 to 30 years or more with proper care. However, many homeowners don’t realize that something as simple as their laundry routine can impact their septic system’s health.
How Laundry Affects Your Septic System
The average American household washes about 300 loads of laundry per year. While modern, high-efficiency washers use as little as 5 gallons of water per load, older machines can use between 29 to 45 gallons per load!
This high water usage can overwhelm your septic system, leading to:
- Plumbing backups
- Flooding or sewage leaks
- Drain field failure due to excessive solids reaching the system
When wastewater enters your septic tank, it needs time to settle and properly treat solids before flowing into the drain field. Too much water too quickly disrupts this process, causing solids to overflow and clog the system.
Tips to Prevent Septic System Overload
✅ Space Out Your Laundry Loads
Instead of doing all your laundry in one day, spread loads throughout the week. Running multiple loads back-to-back overwhelms your septic system, increasing the risk of solids entering the drain field. Aim for one to two loads per day with time in between.
✅ Use the Right Load Size Setting
Washing small loads on a large setting wastes both water and energy. Always select the correct load size to minimize unnecessary water use.
✅ Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Washer
If it’s time for a new washing machine, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model. These machines use up to 50% less water than older models, reducing strain on your septic system.
By adjusting your laundry habits, you can protect your septic system and extend its lifespan. If you have questions or need professional septic system services, call Atlantic Septic at 386-738-1005 today!