Many homeowners will utilize their garbage disposal at least once a day if they cook at home for the majority of their meals. A garbage disposal is certainly a nice convenience to have when preparing meals, yet if your home uses a septic system, you may begin to wonder if it’s safe to or practical to have a garbage disposal installed in your kitchen. Not to worry too much, you can have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink if you have a septic tank, yet you’ll want to consider the important precautions throughout this post to ensure your septic system functions as it should for many years to come. Read on to learn more and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
Septic systems are designed to be able to handle human waste effectively and properly decompose said human waste through a natural bacterial process prior to releasing the treated wastewater back into the soil. When you choose to add a garbage disposal to your kitchen, you’ll be introducing many more solids into the septic system in the form of food waste. This food waste can disrupt the delicate balance within your system and cause issues in the future.
Increased Solids: Food waste is certainly more difficult for the septic system to break down when compared to human waste. Solid waste from a garbage disposal may end up accumulating within the septic tank, possibly leading to an increased number of clogs or the need for much more frequent pumping.
Fat, Oil, & Grease: These substances may enter the septic system from a garbage disposal, as they’re often used in the cooking process. Fat, oil, and grease are known to cause blockages and often form a scum layer on the top layer of your septic tank’s interior. This layer of grease and scum will likely make it very difficult for the bacteria to properly break down waste solids and will begin to reduce the overall efficiency of your septic system.
If you do decide to install a garbage disposal in your home which also has a septic system, you’ll want to follow these best practices below to best mitigate potential problems:
Regular Maintenance: As with any other component of your household, there should be regular maintenance protocols adhered to. With additional food waste solids entering the septic tank on your property, you’ll need to increase the frequency of your inspections and pumping to prevent excess buildup and to ensure your system continues to operate properly.
Mind What You Grind: Always be mindful of what you put down the drain to run throughout the garbage disposal. Avoid disposing of items which are particularly difficult for your septic system to break down and process. Food items which are particularly difficult for septic systems to break down and process are coffee grounds, eggshells, bones, and non-food items.
Use Water Wisely: Be sure to run plenty of water when using your garbage disposal. This will help to move the waste water efficiently through your system and prevent clogging.
If you’re concerned as a homeowner about the potential risks associated with using a garbage disposal with your septic system, there are several alternatives you can choose to utilize in place of a garbage disposal:
Composting: Choosing to compost food scraps instead of dumping down the drain to be ground up by the garbage disposal is a better alternative for multiple reasons. Not only will it eliminate the possibility of your septic system being clogged or damaged by food waste, it can also benefit your home garden by acting as a fertilizer for your soil, resulting in reduced waste and better tasting garden fruits and vegetables.
Solid Waste Services: If you live in an area which picks up solid food waste, it may be worth looking into the service as an alternative to using a garbage disposal in your home kitchen. This will help to eliminate the possibility of food waste damaging your septic system over time.
Trash It: Simply throwing out food waste in the trash can be a quick, easy, affordable way to dispose of food waste without having to subject your home’s septic system to food waste.
If you’re searching for a septic supply company who has what you need to have your septic system operating at its highest level of efficiency and effectiveness, you’re at the right place. We’re the experts in providing septic supplies to households all across the country. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to chat. Shop now by clicking the button below. We look forward to working with you soon to optimize your home’s septic tank performance and longevity.
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