If you're thinking about installing a garbage disposal in your home, you'll want to understand how it will affect your septic system so you don't inadvertently cause problems. A garbage disposal is a very handy kitchen appliance, but everything that goes in it also goes into your septic tank. Here are a few things you might want to know about using a garbage disposal when you have a septic system.
You May Need Your Tank Serviced More Often
You might think food decomposes fast enough that a garbage disposal won't affect your septic system that much. However, when it comes to calculating how often your tank should be cleaned, you factor in a garbage disposal as an extra person living in your home if you use the unit daily. Food may break down, but it turns to sludge which accumulates in the bottom of the tank. Only liquid moves out of the tank and into the drainfield. The sludge keeps accumulating until it is cleaned out by a contractor. So, once you install a garbage disposal, you may need to have your tank serviced sooner than scheduled.
You Should Only Use The Disposal For Certain Foods
A garbage disposal can't be used for everything or your septic tank will fill up with waste that won't decompose fast enough. Never put things like paper, bones, cigarette butts, twist ties, and other forms of trash into your garbage disposal. Instead, use it to catch scraps you rinse from dinner plates. Don't throw in big chunks of meat, eggshells, or veggie peels. Excess food like that should be thrown in the trash or put in a compost pile. Also, it is important to avoid putting oil in your garbage disposal. In addition to the liquid and sludge layers in your septic tank, there is an oily layer that floats on top. When this layer gets thick enough, your tank needs to be pumped even if the level of sludge is still low.
You Should Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products
Your garbage disposal might develop an odor due to the buildup of bacteria. It's important to clean your unit with natural cleaners and enzymes so the balance of bacteria in your septic tank won't be disturbed. You should probably avoid bleach and use products such as baking soda and vinegar instead. Enzyme cleaners are also useful and these also help break down food as well as bacteria. Always run water when you use the disposal to keep it rinsed well and to move food through the system to avoid decaying bits of food left behind.
If you haven't bought your garbage disposal yet, you may want to get some advice from the contractor who services your septic tank. He or she may help you calculate when you should get your tank pumped next time so you can avoid a backup. Also, a contractor might recommend the best type of disposal to buy for a home with a septic system. Some use superior grinding mechanisms that break down food as much as possible and some add enzymes at the same time so your tank is protected from the addition of food.
Share27 December 2017
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Heather, and a few years ago, my partner and I got a very cheap property up in the mountains practically in the middle of nowhere. I knew we had to build, but there were many elements that I overlooked. I never even considered the idea that we wouldn't be connected to a town sewer system for example. However, I learned quickly as we built our septic tank. Through the process, I also researched a lot of alternatives to ensure we got the perfect septic system for our needs. If you are building on a new property and you don't have the option of sewer, this blog has everything you need to know about septic systems. I truly love to help others, and I hope these posts help you.
