Why do I need a washing machine discharge filter? The evidence now indicates that in the average household, washing machines are one of the most harmful water-using devices in the average household for three reasons. The Amount of Water used. Washing machines use 30 to 60+ gallons of water per wash load. It is not uncommon to infuse ½ to ¾ the capacity of the septic tank in a few hours time on a typical wash day. NOTE: Although toilets may be the largest user of water on a daily basis, toilets discharge in small amounts. (5 to 6 gallons per flush) which gives the solids ample opportunity to settle and is not enough to overload the absorption field. The Tremendous Amount of Solids being discharged. Modern machines are infusing a tremendous amount of material fibers. This lint particulate has shown to cause damage throughout the system, most notably in the drainfield where it plugs up the pores of the soil bed and causes system failure. The Amount of Untreatable Synthetics being introduced into the septic system. Much of today's clothing and carpet/rugs are manufactured with synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and rayon. Once these non-organic fibers enter the drain field there is no practical way to remove them. Pumpers and installers (people who work hands on with septic systems on a daily basis) were aware of the problem, yet had never been able to find a manufactured solution. It has also been learned that mechanical sewage treatment systems such as those in trailer parks, have been experiencing problems with lint causing malfunctions. Many Laundromats on septic systems have been forced to upgrade their system with expensive systems that do not work either. Cost of Septic System Replacement can exceed $10,000. A need to protect your investment. Helps to Prevent Plumbing System Blockages. Reduces the possibility of flooding and expensive remediation costs due to disasters caused by sewage backups. Helps to Protect the Environment By keeping harmful lint out of your septic system you reduce the risk of system failure. Septic system failure is harmful to the environment and could lead to contaminated drinking water.