Washing Machine Drain Fields

Some people say you should use a separate system for your washing machine, called laundry interceptors or washing machine drain fields. However, this is not necessary and in fact undesirable. Washing machines should discharge into the regular system because it actually works better than discharging into its own system. In order to work, septic systems require bacteria colonies which break down biodegradable matter. These bacteria require "food" which is found in our wastewater, but not in detergent. Without "food" these bacteria colonies die out and the system fails. Many people who have installed these systems have found this out the hard way. A research project conducted in several east coast states utilized some rather high tech systems for washing machine discharge and many began failing in as little as eight months. Secondly, it is less expensive to use the currently existing septic system rather than building a washing machine drain field. The only cost is the purchase of a washing machine lint filter, which is under $200 including shipping.