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Home » Why Should You Not Use Garbage Disposals with Septic Systems?

Why Should You Not Use Garbage Disposals with Septic Systems?

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Septic tanks are likely to be out of sight and out of mind when they are working correctly. However, you need to follow a few steps to maintain the functionality and improve the longevity of your septic tank. One of these steps is knowing what you can and cannot put down in your drains. It is essential to understand that all drains in your home lead to your septic tank. So, what you put in the drain can impact the functionality and durability of the septic system.

Garbage Disposal and Septic System

A garbage disposal can be a great addition to your kitchen. You can grind up leftover food scraps after a meal using it. You can use them as an alternative to trash cans and divert food waste from landfills. Septic systems, on the other hand, serve as the sewer system. They receive waste and process it with bacteria to break down solids before releasing the liquid effluents into a drain field.

Why Not Use Garbage Disposals in Septic Systems? 

The process of setting up a septic system involves a large tank filled with water and waste from your home. The solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank, and bacteria buildup works in breaking it down. After the solid waste, there is a water waste layer. And finally, there’s a layer of scum that has built up. You can do several things like flushing wipes to prevent your septic system from having problems. The same rule is also applicable in the garbage disposal system. Using garbage disposal for your septic system means overloading the waste that is being put into the tank. 

The excess waste will not break down in the wet environment. You have to pump your septic system at least twice a year if you also use it for garbage disposal, or else it may lead to have your septic system dug up. This is probably a chance that you should not take.

So overall, we will conclude that you can have a garbage disposal with a septic system but using them together is not a good option. Using garbage disposal with your septic system will increase the solids in your septic tank. That’s why you have to pump your septic tank more often. We hope that the topic discussed today is now clear to you. Feel free to contact us if you still have any questions about it. RR Waste & Septic is a leading septic construction company serving clients across West Texas. Our full range of septic services includes septic tank pumping, cleaning, grease trap cleaning, etc. You can rely on us to maintain the functionality and durability of your septic tank.

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