A garbage disposal is a convenient appliance in any kitchen, It allows you to easily dispose of food scraps and leftovers, preventing them from clogging your kitchen sink and reducing the amount of waste that goes into your trash can.
However, if you live in a home with a septic tank, installing a garbage disposal can be a mistake.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why you should avoid installing a garbage disposal if your house is on a septic system.
Septic systems are designed to handle human waste and wastewater from the home. They consist of a septic tank and a drainage field, and they work by breaking down organic matter and separating solids from liquids.
The solids sink to the bottom of the tank, where they are broken down by bacteria and turned into sludge.
The liquids, or effluent, are released into the drainage field, where they are filtered through the soil and eventually absorbed by plants and other organisms.
Overwhelm the bacteria in the tank
When you install a garbage disposal in a home with a septic system, you’re introducing a large amount of organic matter into the system.
This can overwhelm the bacteria in the tank, causing them to become less effective at breaking down the solids.
Over time, this can lead to the accumulation of sludge in the tank, which can clog the drainage field and cause the septic system to fail.
Additionally, the food waste that goes into the septic system can attract pests and rodents to your property.
The strong odor of decaying food can also attract insects like flies and cockroaches, which can be a nuisance to you and your family.
More Cleaning to the Septic tank
Another problem with installing a garbage disposal in a home with a septic system is that it can increase the frequency of septic tank pumping.
Septic tanks need to be pumped every three to five years to remove the accumulated sludge. However, when you add a garbage disposal to the mix, you may need to pump your septic tank more frequently.
This is because the added organic matter can fill up the tank more quickly, requiring more frequent pumping to keep the system functioning properly.
If you’re determined to install a garbage disposal in your home, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the impact on your septic system.
One option is to install a septic tank with a larger capacity than what is typically recommended for your household size.
This can help ensure that the additional waste generated by the garbage disposal doesn’t overwhelm the system. Another option is to limit the amount of food waste that goes into the garbage disposal. You can do this by scraping excess food into the trash can or by composting your food waste.
In conclusion, if your home is on a septic system, it’s best to avoid installing a garbage disposal. While it may be convenient in the short term, the long-term consequences can be costly and frustrating.
By limiting the amount of food waste that goes into your septic system and being diligent about septic tank maintenance, you can ensure that your septic system remains functional for years to come.
If you’re unsure whether your home is on a septic system or not, it’s important to have a professional assess your property and provide recommendations for proper maintenance
Let us discover if you need a garbage disposal near you, Contact us today!