Can You Have A Garbage Disposal With A Septic Tank
When dealing with a septic tank system, it is important to understand how it operates before you add things to your setup. In some cases, the septic system can be damaged by the homeowner inadvertently adding new equipment. However, not every sink system is meant to have a garbage disposal installed so make sure you read up about your drainage and waste management setup. Can you have a garbage disposal with a septic tank? It is not recommended. This causes an inefficient septic system and adds expenses.
Let’s take a look below at the details regarding a septic system and the detriment of adding a garbage disposal.
What Are My Options
It is highly recommended that you refrain from using a garbage disposal with a septic tank. The most prevalent reasons for this are as follows:
- Additional expenses are created as you now need more regular tank disposal service
- The effectiveness of your septic system is diminished greatly
- There are more eco-friendly ways to recycle and dispose of your leftover foods
Why I Should Not Use A Garbage Disposal With Septic
Make sure that you look over all of the details with regards to a septic system needs. Doing this prior to installing a garbage disposal is a great idea. Here is why you won’t want to commit to installing a garbage disposal.
- Bacteria’s ability to treat the wastewater is greatly diminished.
- Sludge levels rise higher than anticipated, which can cause you to need a clean out more often.
- The capacity of your septic tank decreases as the waste builds up faster.
The biggest issue here is that the natural bacteria cannot eat away and dissolve the solid waste fast enough. As you use the garbage disposal, it packs on more waste into the tank and thus the build up of sludge begins.
Too much sludge prevents the bacteria from working as effectively. This ensures that your tank becomes too full too quickly and needs a regular emptying.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Septic
Just like with anything, maintenance is important with a septic system. This can be done by inspecting and cleaning the pump frequently, using water efficiently in your home, only flushing human waste and toilet paper, and also not using the garbage disposal.
An inspection should happen at least every 3 years and this can help you get the 25-30 years out of the system. Also, the cost for the septic inspection is about $300, depending on the size of the septic and where you live.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Since we are on the topic of garbage disposals. It is a great idea to know all of the facts regarding a garbage disposal. However, just like any other appliance in your home, there can be issues with the disposal. Understanding what to do with a garbage disposal can save you a lot of headaches. Also knowing how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water is definitely one of those headaches that you want to get rid of. Make sure you research all that you can to ensure that there are no issues with your garbage disposal.
Maintenance of the septic system is also important. You want to make sure that you inspect and clean the pump frequently, use water efficiently, flush only human waste and toilet paper, and don’t use the garbage disposal.
Lastly, if you have well water, you should test it at least once a year. However, testing it a few times a year is probably a good idea and especially before you have company visiting your home. If you have brown well water, it can be rusty pipes, iron, and manganese, or mud in the pump.
When Do I Call A Professional
Anytime you are talking about your home’s sewer system, consulting a professional is vital. You do not want to do anything to damage your septic system. Now that you have learned about the issues caused by installing a garbage disposal while you have a septic system, you can adjust your needs for trash disposal. Calling a professional to service your septic system in order to ensure that it is working properly is your best bet. If you aren’t aware of your sewer system setup, you can consult your local home inspection team.
Conclusion
Garbage disposals are amazing appliances in the home and need to be maintained in order to keep them working. However, if you have a garbage disposal in your home and also have a septic system, you might want to consider some added maintenance. You can call a professional for help and recommendations of fixes. Colorado Inspection Team can recommend a company to check your septic system in Castlerock, CO, and the Front Range areas.
