In the United States, there are an estimated 27 million homes that operate off of septic systems; however, only 22% of these homes are equipped with a garbage disposal.
Why Are Septic Tanks Different?
Most homeowners forgo installing a garbage disposal in their home because they mistakenly believe that the two are not compatible, or because they believe it might be against their city’s regulations.
In reality, the U.S. Federal Housing Authority has stated, along with other key industry groups, that garbage disposals work quite well with septic tank systems. The key is to ensure that the septic system is properly sized and that it receives routine maintenance.
How Septic Systems Work
Septic systems are specifically designed to properly treat and dispose of waste originating from a home’s bathrooms and kitchens. If a home’s septic system is sized to handle a washing machine or dishwasher in addition to the toilets and sinks, then it is more than likely capable of handling a garbage disposal.
Water and waste flows into a septic tank. In the tank, any solids that weigh more than water, like oil and grease, float to the top of the tank where it creates a fine layer of scum. Solids that weigh more than water sink to the bottom of the tank, where a layer of sludge eventually develops. The layer of water between the scum and sludge flows through one or two distribution boxes where it is evenly dispersed into the tank’s drain field. Soil and gravel are then used to naturally filter out bacteria and other pollutants.
The decomposition of solid matter is assisted by naturally occurring bacteria that can be found in a septic tank, but it’s not capable of handling it all. This is why septic systems require periodical draining. The sludge is pumped from the system’s tank to prevent the drain field from being contaminated by solid overflow.
Having a garbage disposal in your kitchen can make meal prep and cleanup a lot easier, but if you live in a home with a septic tank, you may be wondering whether it's safe to install one. After all, septic systems are delicate ecosystems that require careful maintenance to function properly.
Can I have a Garbage Disposal With A Septic Tank?
- The Answer:
The short answer is yes, you can have a garbage disposal with a septic tank. However, there are a few things you should consider before you install one.
First, it's important to note that not all septic systems are created equal. If you have an older septic system or one that is already experiencing issues, a garbage disposal can exacerbate those problems. Additionally, if your septic system is undersized for your household's needs, adding a garbage disposal can overload it and lead to costly repairs down the line.
If you're unsure whether your septic system can handle a garbage disposal, it's best to consult with a septic system professional. They can evaluate your system and let you know whether it's safe to install a garbage disposal, and if so, what kind of unit would be best for your needs.
Not All Garbage Disposals Work With A Septic Tank
Your garbage disposal is not a trashcan. If your home has a septic system and you currently have a garbage disposal (or are planning to install one), most experts will recommend pretending like it is not there. Infrequent or occasional use will lessen the chances that the disposal will have an adverse effect on your septic tank.
Here are a few do's and dont's you should follow:
Do
Don't
A Word on Additives…
Chances are that, while you are shopping for a new garbage disposal, the salesperson or website that you purchase the disposal from will try to convince you to buy system and septic tank additives with the promise that they will help break down food waste in your septic tank.
Be Selective About What Additives You Use
Over half of all these products on the market today are harmful to your septic tank’s biological activity. In fact, many of these products will outright kill the helpful bacteria in your septic tank.
When this occurs, it can rapidly ruin your entire septic system because solid bits of food waste are carried directly to the drain field. Should this happen, you can plan on buying an entirely new septic system. Drain fields that are clogged with debris force the water to the ground’s surface or to travel through the soil, which puts other groundwater resources at risk for being polluted.
If you use your garbage disposal moderately and ensure that your home’s septic system is properly maintained, your septic system will take care of the decomposing work all on its own – without any outside help from additives. However, if you are planning on using a garbage disposal with your septic system, make sure you add enzymes to help break down food waste.
What we use for Our Septic Tank System
The only septic tank friendly garbage disposal we have seen is the Insinkerator Septic Assist - a garbage disposal specifically designed for those who have septic systems. This model doses the food waste being ground down with Bio-Charge® - which contains a natural microorganism that can break down food wastes - it is the only product like it on the market today - check out our in-depth review on the Insinkerator Evolution Septic Assist disposer.
Do your homework. Be smart. Make an informed buying decision when it comes to purchasing a new garbage disposal. When you take all of these considerations into account, there is no reason why you cannot find a garbage disposal unit that will be compatible with your home’s septic system.
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Factors to Consider When Installing a Garbage Disposal With a Septic Tank
Assuming your septic system is in good working order and can handle a garbage disposal, there are a few other factors to consider before you install one.
Size of Garbage Disposal
Choose a garbage disposal that is appropriately sized for your household's needs. A unit that is too small can easily become overwhelmed, while a unit that is too large can put unnecessary strain on your septic system.
Frequency of Use
Use your garbage disposal sparingly. While it can be tempting to put all your food scraps down the drain, doing so can quickly overload your septic system. Instead, scrape excess food into the trash or compost bin, and use the garbage disposal only for small amounts of food waste.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your septic system and garbage disposal in good working order. Have your septic system inspected and pumped every 3-5 years, and clean your garbage disposal regularly to prevent odors and clogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a garbage disposal damage a septic tank?
A: While a garbage disposal can put additional strain on a septic system, it is unlikely to cause damage if used properly. However, if your septic system is already experiencing issues, adding a garbage disposal can exacerbate those problems.
Q: What kind of garbage disposal is best for septic systems?
A: Look for a garbage disposal that is specifically designed for use with septic systems. These units typically have a bio-charge enzyme treatment system that helps to break down food waste more efficiently.
If you're considering installing a garbage disposal in your home with a septic tank, it's important to do your research and consider all the factors before making a decision. While it is possible to have a garbage disposal with a septic tank, it's important to choose the right unit, use it sparingly, and prioritize regular maintenance to keep your septic system in good working order. If you're unsure whether a garbage disposal is right for your septic system, be sure to consult with a septic system
Last update on 2024-03-19 at 00:25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Laurie
I do think that if your home has a septic system you should be well informed about how it works and how to maintain it properly. Great information, thanks for sharing!
Justin Curtis
Thanks Laurie!
Braden Bills
I wish I had known the effects that a garbage disposal has on a septic tank before I used mine so much! I’ll make sure I get my system cleaned out. I don’t want to have to worry about it getting blocked up from all of the solid waste.
Erika Brady
This is super great to know! I didn’t know that you good have both. Once I get one installed I will have to remember the maintenance tips. Thank you for sharing some of the reviews on the garbage disposals as well!
Tyler Johnson
I have been thinking about buying a house with a septic tank, so I’m glad that you could potentially use a garbage disposal with it. I would prefer to not have food get stuck in the drain, so that sounds pretty good. I should make sure I have it pumped a bit more often though if I do end up getting it and using a garbage disposal.