Septic Laundry Rules

If you move to a house that has a septic tank and leachfield, doing your laundry is a different kind of task. There are some extra things you should consider so you don't overwhelm your septic system with problems. Follow these tips.

Don't run laundry wastes directly to the leachfield (drainfield) they should go to the septic tank. The soap you use could clog up the soil and prevent it from absorbing liquid waste.

Don't use too much soap, use the recommended amount or slightly less. Too much causes problems, but the right amount will still allow the bacteria in the tank to work. You don't want to kill that bacteria because it's eating your waste so there's room for more.

Use a liquid laundry soap so there are no chucks that could cause problems.

My inlaws live in the country and have their own septic system. Someday I'll move there. Doing the laundry never seems to be an issue for them, although they did upgrade to a higher efficiency washer. I'm more concerned about the potential damage that a garbage disposal could cause, because I really like the one I have at our house in town. Read more at our septic safe garbage disposal page.