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Washing Machine Effects On Septic Tanks

Washing Machine Effects On Septic Tanks

Appliances around your home are a convenient part of your everyday life. Over the last few decades, home appliances have become more efficient. However, they aren’t harmless. While most people associate their septic tanks with their toilets, any drop of water from your home goes through the septic. So, your dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances that use water will drain wastewater in the septic. Here are the effects of a washing machine on the septic system.

  1. Septic System Overload

A septic tank limits how much water it can handle per day. Therefore, on the days when you have extra loads of laundry, you might not give the septic system enough time to drain out excess water before washing the next load. The effect will be an overloaded septic system.

You should limit laundry, preferably to only one or two loads every day, to prevent this. If you must clean multiple loads, spread them. For example, do some in the morning and the others at night.

  1. Foul Smell from The Septic Tank

Do you use the recommended amount of detergent according to the manufacturers? Overusing detergent during laundry could alter the pH balance in the septic tank. In order for the system to break down waste, they rely on bacteria.

When extra detergent from the washing machine gets into the tank, it kills the bacteria. Thus, the waste isn’t properly broken down, causing a foul smell. Always use the recommended amount of detergent to avoid interfering with the septic tank pH.

  1. Frequent Clogs

Most powdered laundry detergents have filler elements that clog septic tanks and escalate problems. Fillers are added to detergents to maintain the texture and size of the powdered detergent. However, some aren’t biodegradable and could build up inside the septic tank.

The more you use additional detergent, the more filler layers build up in the tank. The result will be clogs and an ineffective septic tank. You might notice lawn flooding due to improper septic tank draining. Although clogs are common with powdered detergents, liquid detergents also have the same effect. Therefore, always choose 100% biodegradable ingredients since they break down in the septic tank.

Get Expert Help for Your Septic Tank Problems

Do you suspect there is a problem with your septic tank? Contact Affordable Pumping today. Our professionals will evaluate the situation, identify the root of the problem, and help unclog your septic tank.

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