If your septic tank is functioning properly, it is probably hidden from your view and not something you think about. However, daily measures can be done to help keep your septic system functioning properly and to extend its lifespan. Understand which items should not be disposed of down your drains. All drains in your home converge to the septic system, which is especially important if you own a garbage disposal.

What Does a Garbage Disposal Do?

Adding a garbage disposal to the kitchen is an immensely useful amenity. If you have a garbage disposal in your house, you almost certainly employ it to dispose of remains of food after eating. It’s easy to see the immense value of these systems when you consider their advantages such as:

  • A convenient alternative to trash cans.
  • Diverts food waste from landfills.
  • Easy to maintain and operate.

Simultaneously, a waste disposal unit is an intricate device with numerous features, a few of which are not beneficial. If you already have a garbage disposal in your home, or plan to get one installed soon, it is important that you are aware of the implications of such a choice. These are some of the disadvantages of a garbage disposal:

  • May begin to emit an odor.
  • Can’t manage all food scraps.
  • Will occasionally clog or jam.

What Does a Septic System Do?

A septic system performs the same duties as a sewer system. This system takes in refuse and utilizes bacteria to decompose the solid components before discharging the fluid byproducts into a drainage network. The tank has multiple advantages, with one of the major perks being its capacity to store up to 1,000 gallons of water. Additionally, septic tanks:

  • Are composed of durable material such as concrete.
  • Can last 25 to 30 years with regular maintenance.
  • Provide an accessible alternative to a shared sewer system.

Septic systems are comparable to garbage disposals in that they are intricate and have flaws. These are a few of their drawbacks:

  • Need pumping every few years.
  • May drop in efficiency from misuse.
  • Will lose capacity from accumulated sludge.

Can You Have a Garbage Disposal With A Septic Tank?

If you do not reside in a busy city area, it is likely that you have a septic system installed on your premises.

What should you do if there is an issue with your septic tank that needs to be addressed?

Septic tanks are typically forgotten about until issues arise, which is typically too late to do anything about them.

Having a healthy septic system should be a priority.

It is essential to be aware that anything entering a drain will go directly to the septic tank since all of the house’s plumbing is linked to it. Your garbage disposal is no exception.

Can You Have a Garbage Disposal On A Septic Tank?

It is possible to use a garbage disposal unit with a septic tank, although it is not typically encouraged, as it can create difficulties with the septic system.

Garbage disposals break up edible and other organic material into smaller elements, thus raising the quantity of solids in the septic system.

This can result in an increase in the rate of tank capacity being reached, necessitating more pumping, which can be a pricey and laborious process.

Moreover, the destruction from the trash disposal may generate minuscule fragments that can hinder the septic drainfield, leading to backups and other problems.

It is advisable to speak with a professional specializing in septic systems before utilizing a garbage disposal with a septic tank.

Things to Consider If You Have a Septic Tank

If you own a septic tank, it is important to consider ways to keep it functioning properly and effectively.

Some key things to keep in mind include the following:

  • Conserve water: Septic systems rely on water to help break down and process sewage. Using water efficiently can help prevent the septic tank from filling up too quickly and reduce the risk of overflows and other issues.
  • Avoid using chemicals: Certain chemicals, such as bleach and disinfectants, can harm the bacteria and other microorganisms in the septic tank that are essential for breaking down the sewage. Avoid using these chemicals in your plumbing and opt for environmentally friendly cleaning products instead.
  • Use the garbage disposal sparingly: Garbage disposals grind up food waste and other organic matter, which can increase the amount of solids in the septic tank. This can cause the tank to fill up more quickly and require more frequent pumping. Avoid using the garbage disposal excessively and dispose of food waste in other ways instead.
  • Have the septic tank pumped regularly: Septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on the tank’s size and the system’s usage.

Getting the septic tank pumped on a regular basis stops it from getting to its maximum capacity which can cause pipe clogs and other problems.

Best Practices of Managing a Garbage Disposal with a Septic Tank

The dos and don’ts of garbage disposals connected to septic tanks are as follows:

Dos:

  • Use the garbage disposal sparingly to avoid overloading the septic system with too much organic matter.
  • Dispose of small amounts of food particles at a time to allow the garbage disposal to grind it up more easily.
  • Run cold water while using the garbage disposal to help flush the food waste down the drain.
  • Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products to clean the garbage disposal to avoid harming the septic system.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t grind fibrous materials, such as corn husks and celery stalks, in the garbage disposal. These can clog the disposal or the septic system.
  • Don’t put expandable foods like pasta or rice in your disposal unit. These can seem small but can add up and expand in the system and cause jams.
  • Don’t put grease, oil, or fats down the garbage disposal. These can solidify and create clogs in the septic system.
  • Don’t use hot water while using the disposal. It can cause oils to liquefy and accumulate, causing clogs and hinder your disposal’s grinding ability.
  • Don’t put chemicals, such as bleach or disinfectants, down the garbage disposal. These can harm the tank’s bacteria and other microorganisms in the septic tank that are essential for breaking down the sewage.
  • Do not put coffee grounds in your disposal. Though small, grounds can slowly accumulate over time and cause clogs.
  • Anything other than organic matter does not belong in your septic system. No non food items like plastic, glass, metal, paper, chewing gum, or cigarette butts ever, and we mean never!
  • Don’t run the garbage disposal for too long or grind up too much food waste at once. This can overload the septic system and cause backups or other issues.

What Can You Put Down a Garbage Disposal With a Septic Tank?

It is necessary to be careful about what items you put down your garbage disposal when it is attached to a septic tank to reduce the possibility of clogs and other problems.

Some items that are safe to put down a garbage disposal with a septic tank include:

  • Soft fruits, vegetables and other biodegradable food scraps: These can be easily ground up by the disposal and will decompose quickly in the septic tank.
  • Small amounts of cooked or uncooked meat: These can be ground up and will break down in the septic tank.
  • Bread and eggshells: These can be ground up and will provide additional natural bacteria to help break down the sewage in the septic tank.

You should try to be restrained when using the disposal and put any uneaten food into the garbage whenever you can.

What Not to Put in the Garbage Disposal With a Septic Tank

Be very careful when using a garbage disposal with a septic system. A quick lapse in memory may not seem so significant, however, with the passing of time, the minor concessions will begin to build up. As time passes, the functionality and ability for your septic tank to work correctly will diminish, leading to the need to hire a professional.

In these cases, you can always contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse. The plumbers at our company are well rounded in their knowledge of common issues, and they are highly skilled in fixing any issues with your rubbish disposer, underground sewage tank, or whatever other tools you may have.

In addition to the items listed earlier as ones you want to avoid putting in your garbage disposal — such as coffee grounds, pasta, rice and oil — here are a few more:

  • Seafood shells
  • Eggshells
  • Fruit pits
  • Potato peels
  • Grape skins
  • Avocado seeds
  • Asparagus
  • Oatmeal
  • Beans
  • Nuts

You should still be careful about what you put into your garbage disposal even if you do not have a septic system, however, the potential for causing issues will be heightened if you do have a septic tank. If you think that you’re unable to recall the things mentioned above, it’s wise to generate a checklist that you can easily turn to. This will act as a precautionary measure until you gain a greater understanding of your system.

It is essential to be aware of objects that should not be put down your garbage disposal, even if they do not fit into any particular category. It is good etiquette to bring any drugs you wish to dispose of to a pharmacy. Putting medicines down the toilet or throwing them into the garbage disposal may have an effect on the quality of the water in your area.

Do You Need a Special Garbage Disposal for Septic Systems?

Generally speaking, there is no need for a dedicated garbage disposal for septic systems.

The majority of typical garbage disposals are created to reduce food waste and other organic material into smaller pieces which are able to be processed by a septic system.

It is critical to be careful when utilizing the disposal when it is tied to a septic system.

You can install a septic assist garbage disposal instead.

What Is a Septic Assist Garbage Disposal?

The septic assist garbage disposal is built in a way that eases the burden on your septic system, with features much like a conventional garbage disposal. Certain items are equipped with the injection technique, which introduces enzyme-producing microorganisms into discarded food to help the bacteria in the tank.

Be careful when utilizing this kind of garbage disposal. Having a septic assist garbage disposal can help you avoid issues, however, an excess of organic matter in your septic tank can still be problematic. It is important to practice moderation even when using septic assist disposals. You run the risk of endangering your system if you do not take caution.

What Is the Best Garbage Disposal for Septic Systems?

Septic assist garbage disposals are not required, despite their advantages. A septic system does not require security measures even though they could be put in place. It is a good idea to think about getting a garbage disposal that is created in a way that is suitable for septic components to stop trouble.

Thus, disposals with injection technology are effective for shielding your septic system, but they are by no means the only option available. A garbage disposal with effective shredding capability and a high rate of speed can disperse food scraps as insignificant fragments and can be used with a regular septic system.

It is wise to restrict the amount of food you mince even if you have microbes that make enzymes or a high speed blender. These variations of garbage disposals will reduce potential danger, but cannot completely get rid of it.

When looking into your choices, be sure to go through the producer’s guidelines. Every type of garbage disposal system is unique, and your new machine may have features that you have not seen before. Peruse the instructions to educate yourself on the diverse components of your garbage disposal to prevent potential problems.

Be certain to inform your septic tank professional if you already possess a waste disposal unit and are acquiring a new septic tank. They could opt for a bigger tank in order to deal with the increased amount of waste being discarded. This is an essential but uncomplicated measure for protecting your system.

Garbage Disposal Alternatives

There are a number of options that can be taken instead of using a garbage disposal that will help to prevent obstructions and other troubles with your plumbing system.

Some common garbage disposal alternatives include:

  • Composting: Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food waste, into nutrient-rich soil fertilizer. Composting can be done at home using a compost bin or compost pile or taken to a local composting facility.
  • Trash can: Disposing of food waste in the trash can prevent the amount of organic matter in the plumbing system.
  • Worm bin: A worm bin is a small container filled with soil and worms that can break down food waste and other organic matter. Worm bins can be kept outdoors and can produce nutrient-rich compost for gardening.
  • Grinding before disposal: Some food waste, such as bones or fruit pits, can be ground up in a food processor or blender before being disposed of in the trash. This can prevent clogs in the plumbing system and make it easier to dispose of the waste.

Final Thoughts

Those who own homes equipped with a septic system should take care of the tank and arrange for regular maintenance. Taking proper care of a septic system can prolong its life for many years. If they do not fulfill their duty, they can end up having to spend a lot of money on expensive fixes and substitutes.

Thankfully, you can maintain a good level of health in your septic system with minimal effort. A certified specialist should pump your tank at regular intervals in addition to the precautions already discussed. Experts usually recommend that a 1,000-gallon storage tank should be serviced every two and a half years for households with four members.

Unlike resolving a stoppage in a pipe, maintaining your septic tank always necessitates an expert’s help, as opposed to a Do-It-Yourself undertaking which would be simpler.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan