How to Wash Laundry When You Have a Septic System

A mom and daughter doing a load of laundry.

Doing laundry can feel like an endless chore. There are always clothes piling up, towels from the kids, workout gear, and who knows how many socks! While it’s tempting to throw in load after load just to get ahead, having a septic system means you need to be more mindful about how much water you’re using and when. Too much laundry can be hard on your septic tank, but with a few simple adjustments, you can avoid any messy surprises.

In this blog, we’ll review how to wash laundry when you have a septic system and offer tips to keep your septic tank in great shape while maintaining your laundry routine.

Why Laundry Can Impact Your Septic System

Your septic system is designed to handle water and waste from your home, including laundry water. However, too much water in a short time can overwhelm it, leading to potential issues like clogs, backups, or even damage to the septic drain field. Most septic systems work with a simple process: wastewater flows from your home into the septic tank, where solids settle at the bottom and water passes into the drain field for further treatment.

Laundry loads can add quite a bit of water into the mix, and with older septic systems or tanks that aren’t properly maintained, this can spell trouble. Whether you’re washing a couple of full loads of laundry or running multiple loads in a row, it’s important to be mindful of how much water you’re sending into your septic system. Now, let’s discuss how to wash laundry when you have a septic system.

How Many Loads of Laundry a Day Are Safe to Do with a Septic Tank?

So, how many loads of laundry a day are safe to do with a septic tank? This is a big question for homeowners with septic tanks. Ideally, it’s best to space out your laundry loads throughout the week instead of doing several loads back-to-back. But how many loads of laundry a day are safe to do with a septic tank?

A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to two or three loads per day. You don’t want to overwhelm the system with too much water at once, especially if you’re also using other water-heavy appliances like your dishwasher or shower. This excess water can push solids into your septic drain field, causing long-term damage and reducing the lifespan of your system.

Can You Shower and Do Laundry at the Same Time With a Septic Tank?

It’s tempting to multitask and get everything done at once, but it’s best to avoid showering and doing laundry at the same time when you have a septic system. The reason is simple: both activities use a significant amount of water. Showering, depending on how long you take, can use up to 20 or 50 gallons of water, and each laundry load can use about 30 to 40 gallons with older washing machines, or less water with newer models.

When both are happening simultaneously, you’re sending too much water into your septic tank at once. It’s better to stagger water usage to let your system process each water flow efficiently.

How to Wash Laundry When You Have a Septic System

So, how can you adjust your laundry habits to accommodate your septic system? Here are some helpful tips for washing clothes efficiently without putting too much strain on your septic tank.

Spread Out Your Laundry Routine

Instead of saving all your laundry for one day, try spreading it out over the week. This will give your septic tank time to process each laundry load and prevent overloading the system with too much water in a short time.

If you have a large family and the laundry really piles up, consider doing one load in the morning and another in the evening. It might take a little more planning, but it’s better for the health of your septic system.

Use Septic-Safe Laundry Detergent

Not all laundry detergents are safe for septic tanks. Some contain harsh chemicals that can harm the beneficial bacteria in your tank. These bacteria are essential because they break down human waste and other organic materials, keeping your septic system functioning properly.

Look for laundry detergents labeled “septic-safe.” These are typically free of phosphates and other chemicals that can cause buildup in your system. Liquid detergents are often a better choice than powders since they dissolve more easily and are less likely to clog your system.

Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine

Overloading your washer can cause two problems: first, it requires more water than necessary for each load of laundry, and second, your clothes may not get as clean. It’s better to run full but not overloaded loads of laundry to conserve water and reduce the strain on your septic system.

Older washing machines can use more water per load compared to newer, high-efficiency models. If you’re in the market for a new washer, consider investing in one that uses less water. This can make a big difference in the long-term health of your septic tank.

Limit the Use of Household Cleaners and Bleach

Some household cleaners, especially those containing bleach or other harsh chemicals, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your septic tank. While it’s okay to use these products occasionally, try not to use them in every laundry load. Opt for natural or septic-safe cleaning products whenever possible to protect your system.

Monitor Water Usage in the Home

As we already mentioned, being mindful of your total water usage can help you avoid overloading your septic system. Besides laundry, activities like washing dishes, taking long showers, and running the dishwasher can contribute to excess water usage. Stagger these activities so that you’re not sending too much water into your system all at once. A little planning can prevent serious damage and keep your system running smoothly.

Septic Tank Maintenance and Laundry

Now that you know how to wash laundry when you have a septic system, don’t forget about maintenance. It’s important to maintain your septic tank regularly, especially if you’re running several loads of laundry a week. Over time, solids will build up in the tank, and if they’re not removed, they can clog the drain field or cause backups in your home. Regular pumping is necessary to avoid these problems.

A product like the Lenzyme septic treatment can also help maintain the health of your septic tank by breaking down organic matter. This enzyme treatment works with the bacteria in your tank to keep things flowing smoothly, which is particularly useful for households that do frequent laundry.

Don’t forget that regular inspections and pumpings are a part of septic tank maintenance. Staying on top of these tasks will help make sure your system functions properly for years to come.

Take Care of Your Septic System

While laundry might feel like a never-ending task, taking a few simple steps to adjust your routine can make a huge difference in the health of your septic system. Hopefully, with this blog, you now have a better idea of how many loads of laundry a day are safe to do with a septic tank.

Managing laundry with a septic system doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little extra care and attention. If you’ve noticed any issues with your system or you’re unsure about how often you should be pumping your septic tank, it’s a good idea to call experts for assistance.

Tidy Tank Septic Service is here to help with all your septic tank maintenance needs in McHenry and Lake County, IL. Let us help you enjoy a healthy septic system. Call us today to schedule a septic tank maintenance service and give your system the care it needs!

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