Can You Have Garbage Disposal With Septic Tank
A septic system works in the same way as a sewer system. Before discharging the liquid effluents into a drain field, it takes the garbage down with bacteria. Septic systems need a highly calibrated process, and there are several things you can do that can disrupt that process, resulting in difficulties. Often, these issues need spending money to get your septic system back up and functioning.
For example, one topic that often arises is whether or not garbage disposals may be used with a septic system. Yes, most garbage disposal makers will tell you that, but they will fail to warn you about the risks that come with it if not utilized properly.
How Can Garbage Disposal Affect Your Septic Tank
The more trash you put down at the garbage disposal, the more waste accumulates in your septic tank. Septic tanks in excellent condition separate waste particles and liquids while draining wastewater into the drain field. Liquids float to the top of the tank, while solids sink to the bottom.
Solids accumulate in the tank over time. Pumping out sediments regularly keeps the septic tank from overflowing. Unfortunately, the food and particle trash you ground up in the garbage disposal becomes solid.
While utilizing the trash disposal, you should use caution to prevent the septic tank from overflowing prematurely. To limit the number of solids in your septic tank, consider putting big bits of food (dense meat chunks or fat, bones, vegetable peelings, etc.) into the kitchen trash cans or compost pile.
Small bits of food may be ground up at your disposal, as can thin liquids like sauces, gravies, and soups, which disintegrate quickly and leave less trash.
How to Care for your Septic Tank
Naturally, homeowners who have a septic tank must take particular care to keep it in good working order. You must handle your unit with the same care and attention that you would any other piece of equipment if you want it to live as long as possible. Do not deviate from the established rules; follow the correct procedure.
To begin, restrict the quantity of solids you flush. If you dispose of things that do not belong in your kitchen, they may accumulate and create problems with the capacity of your septic tank.
Things to Avoid Putting in your Garbage Disposal
Regardless of whether you have a garbage disposal, it is crucial not to pour food down the drain if you have a septic tank. Before disposing of biodegradable food waste, we suggest breaking it into smaller bits. This may aid in the prevention of blockages and backlogs.
Avoid pulverizing sticky materials such as gum, glue, and soft rubber products. Sticky compounds capture food leftovers, causing sewage system jams. You should also never dump rubbish down the garbage disposal, such as cigarette butts or paper towels.
Cooking oil, fats, and other greasy liquids should not be flushed down the trash disposal. Oil and grease may harden when poured down the drain. They may then block drains.
Oils, fats, and grease may trap food waste. In addition, food scraps clogging the trash disposal’s septic tank might cause it to fail. Running cold water while grinding food helps avoid clogs, although blockages may still collect over time.
The following is a list of items you should not put in your garbage disposal to avoid issues with your septic tank.
- Coffee Bean
- Onion skins
- Pasta or Rice
- Eggshells
- Fats or greases
- Paper towels,
- Plastic
- Stringy vegetables
- Twist ties
- Utensils
- Dental floss
- Tampons
- Disposable diapers
- Cigarette butts
- Cat litter
- Small toys
- Jewelry
Negative Effects of not Using your Septic Tank with A Garbage Disposal Properly
1. It Could Make your Septic System Less Effective
The solid waste that accumulates at the bottom of your septic tank is sludge. In septic tanks, bacteria have adequate time to break down organic materials and control sludge levels. If you regularly send food scraps down the trash disposal, these bacteria will get overwhelmed and stop working, making it less effective.
2. It Carries Extra Costs
Sludge levels will inevitably grow if bacteria in your septic tank do not have enough time to break down food particles. This means you’ll have to pump your tank more regularly – up to twice as often, according to some estimates.
In the United States, the average cost of pumping a septic tank is about $400. Garbage disposals seem insignificant to most households when contrasted to the expense of extra pump-outs that might otherwise be avoided.
3. It Brings Bad Odor
It can cause your kitchen to have a foul odor; food particles that could not dissolve in the garbage disposal are most likely to stick together and cause a bad smell.
Best Alternatives to Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal has several advantages, but you do not need one. You may still utilize a traditional trash can or other simple and effective waste disposal options.
A sink filter, for example, may trap food waste before it goes down the drain and becomes a problem. It is a relatively low-cost remedy that may assist you in avoiding blockages. It’s also simple to use and maintain.
You may easily construct a compost bin with the correct equipment and resources. Even if you don’t have a garden, composting is an excellent method to dispose of food waste. In addition, compost is a product that may aid in the development of plants or trees on your land, so investing in a bin is worthwhile.
The construction of your compost bin may take many different shapes. Depending on your circumstances, you may find a wire-mesh holding unit, a worm composting container, or even heap composting appealing if you have the room. If you follow the proper methods, any of these sources may produce a consistent supply of compost.
Should I Use Enzymes or Chemicals to Help Break Down Solid Waste?
Enzymes and chemicals are recommended in newer septic help waste disposal systems. You may also purchase trash disposals that have these characteristics. These chemicals aid in the breakdown of sediments in your septic tank.
Unfortunately, some of these enzymes and chemicals are antagonistic to the natural microorganisms in your tank. Too many chemicals might disturb the tank’s microorganisms that help your septic system properly operate. For example, they may slow down the breakdown of solids rather than speed it up.
In most circumstances, restricting septic waste discharge may aid the microorganisms in your tank. However, don’t grind up any hard metals or other things by mistake. Additionally, keep track of periodic septic tank maintenance to avoid worse problems.
When you throw stuff down the trash disposal, use cold water. It may aid in solidifying any greases or fats that may have slipped in, allowing them to be properly broken up.
Put a little dish soap in the trash disposal while doing the dishes. Run it under cold water for approximately a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do You Need a Garbage Disposal for Septic Systems?
If you want to use garbage disposal for your septic systems, you’ll need to be cautious. Even the most conscientious homeowner will make blunders from time to time. Unfortunately, unless you list all the regulations you must follow and display them next to your sink, you may accidentally dispose of coffee beans or paper towels and notice your mistake too late.
2. Does my Septic Systems Clean Itself?
If you practice frequent septic tank maintenance, you should have nothing to worry about. However, if you do not plan regular maintenance, you may have further issues.
In your septic tank, liquid and solid waste are separated. Solids settle to the tank’s bottom. The capacity of your septic system reduces as the scum layer develops. Bacteria contribute to lowering the solid layer, but they cannot eliminate everything! Regular septic pumping ensures that the particle layer at the bottom does not get too thick for the system.
3. What are the Signs of a Failing Garbage Disposal?
Keep an eye out for the following indicators if you feel your trash disposal needs to be repaired:
- Unusual and loud sounds
- unexpected and inexplicable clogs
- Water leaks behind your sink, by the cabinet, or beneath the disposal
- The device refuses to on
- Slow and ineffective performance
4. How Often to Schedule Septic Tank Pumping
Most septic tanks need to be pumped every three to five years. This is determined by the size of the tank and the average amount of water used. If you use your trash disposal often, you may need to arrange more frequent tank pumping.
If you have issues with pumping your septic tank, we recommend looking for a professional plumber to help pump your septic tank for water to flow easily.
5. Is it Possible to Use Garbage Disposal with a Septic System?
Yes, it is. But you need to use these two units properly in order not to make your septic tank ineffective. However, if you don’t feel comfortable with the typical configuration, you have other options.
You can use other alternatives to trap waste, like a sink strainer, or even create a compost bin to avoid damaging your septic tank.
