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Four Ways to Protect Your Septic System When Doing Laundry

There’s no shortage of horror stories involving septic systems and overflowing wastewater from washing machines. The good news is that a modern and well-maintained septic system can capably handle the wastewater that’s produced when doing laundry. However, if your Puyallup, Washington home has a septic system, there are still a few precautions that you should take to prevent flooding, foul odors, and other issues. Here are four of them.

1. Regularly Clean Your Washer’s Lint Filter

Although most consumers are good about cleaning out the lint filters in their clothes dryers, some don’t even know where their washers’ lint filters are located. The lint and non-organic clothes fibers that these filters collect can find their way into your septic tank. Moreover, they won’t be broken down by the tank’s bacteria. Use your owner’s manual to find your washer’s lint trap and then be sure to clean it regularly.

2. Don’t Overuse or Misuse Detergents or Fabric Softeners

Beneficial bacteria are what keep septic tanks working like they should. Overloading this environment with surfactants, phosphates, and other cleaning chemicals can destroy these essential colonies. Excess detergent use can be especially problematic in septic tanks when powdered detergents are used. You can avoid most problems by choosing liquid detergents and fabric softeners and by only using the recommended amounts of these products for each wash.

3. Invest in a Quality Washing Machine

New washing machines adhere to strict energy-efficiency guidelines. As such, they use less water, and they produce less wastewater. If you have an old, outdated washing machine, paying to upgrade it could save you money in the long run.

4. Stagger Your Washes to Limit the Flow of Wastewater

Don’t wash all of your clothes in one massive run. Rather than running multiple washing machine cycles back-to-back, stagger your loads. Washing numerous loads in a single day overwhelms septic tanks with wastewater and can cause problems like drain field contamination and clogging.

At [company_name], we provide septic tank cleaning, inspections, and installations to residents of Puyallup, Washington and the surrounding area. We also offer sewer services, leak detection, and water heaters. If you need help with your septic tank, give us a call today.

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Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

Service Advisor

Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

Stephen Redford

Service Advisor

Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

Janie “J” Kirkland

Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.