For most families in the 951 area, laundry is a daily chore. However, if your home relies on a septic system, doing four or five loads back-to-back can actually drown your drain field. This “hydraulic overload” is a leading cause of messy backups and expensive repairs.

At Davis Plumbing, we want to help you keep your home running smoothly. Here is how to manage your laundry without overwhelming your septic well.

1. Space Out Your Loads

The biggest mistake homeowners make is “Laundry Sunday.” Sending 150+ gallons of water into your tank in a single afternoon doesn’t give the solids time to settle. This forces lint and grease out into the drain field. The Fix: Spread your laundry throughout the week—ideally just one or two loads per day.

2. Use Liquid Detergents

Powdered detergents often contain “fillers” like clay that don’t fully dissolve. Over time, these fillers can clog your septic system design. Switch to a high-quality liquid detergent, and always look for the “Septic Safe” label.

3. Watch Out for Bleach

While a little bleach for a load of whites is okay, excessive use can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank. If the bacteria die, the waste doesn’t break down, and you’ll need a septic pump much sooner than expected.

4. Clean Your Lint Filters

Lint is inorganic and will never break down in your tank. In addition to your dryer filter, consider adding a specialized lint filter to your washing machine’s discharge hose. This prevents thousands of tiny fibers from ever entering your septic system.

Professional Maintenance for Busy Households

If you have a large family and heavy laundry needs, your system works harder than most. Regular septic system maintenance is the only way to ensure your drain field isn’t being pushed to the limit.

Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 to schedule a check-up. We’ll make sure your system is sized correctly for your household’s water usage.