Are Garbage Disposals Bad For Septic Tanks?

Septic tanks are a great way to recycle wastewater and keep your home environmentally friendly. However, they can be delicate systems that need proper care and maintenance. Using a garbage disposal can put stress on the system. Make sure to follow the proper guidelines to keep your septic tank functioning properly. Otherwise, you may end up with a broken septic tank. Keep reading to find out some tips for minimizing the risk of problems.

One of the issues that can arise from using a garbage disposal is that it can put too much solid waste into the septic system. The septic tank relies on bacteria to break down the solid waste so that it can be properly recycled. However, if there is too much solid waste, the bacteria will not be able to keep up and the septic system will become backed up. This can lead to a variety of problems, including sewage overflows and odors.

What recommendations should I follow?

Above all, put only small amounts of food waste. Also, no stringy or fibrous food waste is allowed to be put down the garbage disposal. Grease, meat, and dairy products are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to clogging septic tanks. This includes things like celery, corn husks, and chicken bones. Avoid putting coffee grounds, grease, or eggshells down the drain, as these can clog up your septic tank. Oil can solidify in your septic tank and clog the pipes too. Also, non-biodegradable items like plastic wrap or paper towels should be thrown in the trash instead of garbage disposal.

Besides, it’s important to run disposal regularly to prevent food and other debris from building up and causing problems. If you accidentally put something down the drain that shouldn’t go there, don’t panic. Just turn off the garbage disposal and run some cold water down the drain for a few minutes to flush it out. You should also periodically clean the disposal with soap.

Garbage disposals are not necessarily bad for septic tanks. However, it’s important to be careful about what you’re putting down the drain to prevent clogs and other problems. If you do end up with a clogged septic tank, the best thing to do is call a professional to help assess and fix the issue. Trying to fix it yourself could end up making the problem worse. So, if you’re having septic tank problems, be sure to call a septic tank specialist to help you out.