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4 Ways To Reduce Septic Tank Pumping Costs When Using A Washing Machine

11 July 2022 by Bill Turner

Your washer often uses your septic tank system to manage its wastewater. While the water from your machine is generally not harmful when received in a septic tank, you might want to understand certain factors that could affect the septic system. Poor maintenance and inappropriate use of your washing machine can increase your tank pumping costs. Read on to learn tips to reduce pumping costs when using a washer.

1. Avoid Overloading the Tank

Your septic tank is designed to handle a certain amount of water daily. Running numerous loads of laundry through your machine can overwhelm your septic system. Your tank will not have enough time to clear out the surplus wastewater before overloading it with more volumes of water.

Consider spreading out your laundry days to give the septic tank enough time to clear the excess water and make room for more. Failure to do this can lead to frequent pumping services and increased costs.

2. Use Appropriate Amounts of Detergent

Excess amounts of soap don't mean better washing for your laundry. You may assume that using excessive amounts of detergent in your washing machine is harmless. However, not only can it clog your washer's pipes, but it can also cause severe damage to the system.

Septic tanks depend on bacterial activity to break down waste and reduce build-up. Some detergents have harsh chemicals like surfactants that kill bacteria and make the system inefficient. Slow breakdown of the waste increases build-up, resulting in frequent septic tank pumping services. Therefore, consider reducing the amount of soap you use in a washer and lower your tank pumping costs.

3. Upgrade to an Advanced Washer  

Older washers typically don't conserve water, while newer models are more efficient and tend to use less water when cleaning clothes. Old machines could be the reason you have to keep calling the septic specialists to empty your tank since excessive water usage burdens the septic facility. You might want to sell your machine and get one that uses less water and save money and reduce the need for septic pumping.

4. Use Lint Filters

Filters prevent excess lint in the water from getting into your septic facility. Over time, the filter gets clogged and may allow some fibers to reach the septic tank and lines. Non-biodegradable materials like threads and hair cannot be broken down by the bacteria, leading to build-up and frequent septic tank pumping needs.

During septic tank pumping, your technician might help you understand what practices to employ to protect your tank and reduce pumping costs. Consider using these tips to make the most out of your washer and protect your septic tank.

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