Many people love the idea of having a garbage disposal in their kitchen. It makes for quick cleanup after meals, it saves from the trashcan getting stinky, and it is an easy way to get rid of food waste. However, there is much debate as to whether using a garbage disposal with a septic tank is a wise choice.
It is no surprise that using a garbage disposal adds more waste to the septic tank. Septic systems are designed to hold and break down only a certain amount of waste, and the amount should be monitored carefully and planned for well before a septic tank is installed to a home. A garbage disposal that is used frequently can increase the suspended levels of solids in a septic tank by up to 80 percent. With the increase of solids, it also increases the amount of oils and grease in the tank. The bacteria that are in the septic tank must handle all of these increases. While there are millions of bacteria living in the septic tank to break down the solid wastes that enter, they are only able to break down so much waste at a time. Over-filling the tank with waste at a faster rate than the bacteria can break it down will cause the tank to become clogged and not work properly.
All homes that have a garbage disposal need to schedule septic tank pumping once a year in order to combat the extra waste that accumulates in the tank. While a properly sized septic system can typically handle the added waste of a garbage disposal, more maintenance is required in order for the system to work properly and to last its projected lifespan. In other words, it is up to each household to determine how they want to maintain their septic tank. Is the extra maintenance required by having a garbage disposal doable, or is taking out the trash more feasible?
Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing
