Wells, Sump Pumps and Septic Sewage Systems - Washing Machine Discharge Hose and Lint

My discharge hose for my washer leads right to my spetic. I have heard from different people that the lint that comes out with the water is not good for the spetic. I bought some of the metal lint trap socks to put over the hose.

The instructions on the box states that the lint traps should only be used on discharge hoses that empty into a sink or tub. It spicifically say's not to use on hoses that empty into a stand pipe. I beleive that is what my hose emptys into a (stand pipe). I am assuming the reason for this is because the link can some what clog the trap then water would squirt back out the pipe??

Does anyone know of a way i can trap the link from going into the septic tank and is it true that link from washing clothes is not good for septic tanks?

Thanks

Ray

If the screen was on the dis. hose, the lint would never make it to the trap. I see no reason not to use it like that, except that if the screen comes loose from the hose, it WILL clog the trap.

one option would be to put in a utility sink, I think they're about $50 maybe, you don't need anything fancy, cut off the standpipe and drain into that from the sink. Also I've found panty hose work well for this. Pull it over the dizcharge hose(loosely), clamp it if you prefer, and just let it lay in the sink, gives you a couple feet of filter thus it won't need cleaned as often.

That's a good idea but my washer and dryer are on my 1st floor in a closet area. I don't have room to install a sink. I will have to try the pantyhose deal.

Thanks,

Ray

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...not in a standpipe....if it comes off it'll clog the line...

maybe..MAYBE.....if u pull it up fairly tight, hose clamp it, then it may be ok, but ehhhhhh...i dunno....

Going along with jproffers post, if you put it in the discharge pipe, it's likely the old addage will come true. Out of sight....out of mind...at least til it fills up with lint, plugs off the discharge line and spills a whole wash load of water all over the floor. Washing machines expell the water at a high rate, so by the time you see it, YIPES, too late. Good luck.

Well then I guess my only option is to leave it the way it is or move the washer to a location where I could install a sink. Would it create a MAJOR problem leaving it the way it currently is now? I have a lint catcher in my washing machine but I'm sure there is a large amount of lint that does not get caught by the cathcer and end's up in the septic.

Thanks again for all you help.

Ray

My house in Florida was the same situation as you have. 9 years and no problem. 4 people in house and laundry done every other day. I really don't believe you will have a problem. Especially as much of a problem as you would have if the sock fell into the discharge pipe or clogged it up. Good luck.

I don't think im really going to worry about it then.

Thanks again for all the help!

Have a nice Holiday.

Ray