what can you put down a garbage disposal with a septic tank

by Cassandra Bailey Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Here are some items you could put into your garbage disposal without any issues:

Old fruits, such as bananas, oranges, or tomatoes.
Rotten foods that have become soft.
Unconsumed perishables.

Full Answer

Can you put a garbage disposal in a septic system?

Usually, the garbage disposal will be perfect for sewer systems with little to no issues at all. With septic systems, extra caution must be applied. Whatever you put into your garbage disposer ends up in your septic tank. Now, the health of your septic tank is paramount when it comes to what goes in.

What can you put down a garbage disposal?

Food waste is the only material that should ever be put down a garbage disposal. Fats and grease are problematic, as well as non-food items that often inadvertently end up in a garbage disposal--small toys, nuts and bolts, or kitchen utensils.

How to properly dispose of food in a septic system?

Always ensure to dispose of biodegradable foods, plastic papers, ties, or wraps as they can cause irreparable damage to the disposal and the septic tank. Before operating the disposal, run the cold water as this will keep leftover food in a solid-state rather than turning it into a warm, sticky substance.

What can you not put in a septic tank?

Anything else should be disposed of elsewhere (in your waste bin or trashcan). The exclusion of other items like grease and uncooked foods like macaroni and rice will help to keep septic tanks in good condition. Can One Overuse a Garbage Disposal System?

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Is it okay to use a garbage disposal with a septic tank?

Can You Have a Garbage Disposal With Septic? The short answer is yes, you can have a garbage disposal with septic. Using a garbage disposal will increase the solids in your septic tank.

What type of garbage disposal is OK with septic system?

The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist is a garbage disposal that is optimized for homes with septic systems. This disposer adds an automatic injection of enzyme-producing microorganisms to the food waste that helps break down the food particles much quicker in your septic tank.

Can you put coffee grounds down the sink with a septic tank?

Don't put food down your sink. Septic systems are not intended to dispose of food waste, coffee grounds, grease, or fat, and, in fact, they will harm the septic tank. Try using a compost pile for non-meat food waste; it will help you avoid paying for unnecessary septic system repairs!

What can you not put down a septic tank drain?

Never put oil, gasoline, paint thinners, solvents, photographic chemicals, weed or insect killers down the drain. They can poison your septic system and possibly threaten water supplies for your whole neighbourhood. Even latex paint is unhealthy for your septic system.

Can I have a dishwasher with a septic tank?

Like the washing machine, newer dishwashers run more efficiently and use a lot less water, a good thing for the septic tank system. That being said, the detergent used in the dishwasher is often the cause of problems in the septic tank. That diluted detergent can be a threat to the bacteria in the septic tank.

Does kitchen sink water go to septic tank?

For instance, the water that goes down your kitchen drain does not empty directly into a septic tank, if you have one. Instead, it first flows into an underground pipe that goes to either a septic tank or directly to your city's sewage system.

What will ruin a septic system?

Soap, detergent, clorox, bleach and other products can harm your septic system and disrupt the environment. A lot of products can cause algae to grow, kill good bacteria and shorten the life of the septic tank. Your septic system needs a balance between enzymes and bacteria in order to break down the waste.

Can you use bleach with a septic tank?

Although bleach effectively destroys germs, it can also ruin your septic system. Bleach kills both good and bad bacteria. If the good bacteria are destroyed, your tank won't be able to break down waste effectively. As a result, your septic system will become clogged with waste.

What does Coke do to a septic tank?

Soda is another beverage that includes high sugars and acids which could result in changes to the pH balance of your septic tank. Whether you pour the soda into a sink drain or toilet, the liquids all go to the same place, and your septic tank could suffer as a result.

Can you use Dawn dish soap with a septic system?

Bacteria Reduction Or Elimination Typically, the type of dishwashing soap that generates suds when you stir the water has very low antibacterial content once in the sink; it's too dilute to affect bacterial levels in a septic tank. Dishwasher detergents, on the other hand, can impact the function of your septic system.

How many loads of laundry per day can I do with a septic tank?

Spread Out Laundry Loads These use less water which puts less stress on your septic system. Regardless of the type of appliance you have, you should still spread out your loads. Instead of doing several loads in one day, consider doing 1 load per day or space out 2 loads if you must do more in a single day.

How much weight can a septic tank hold?

It weighs 10 pounds, but resists damage from lawn equipment and can withstand a 20,000-pound load.

Are garbage disposals bad for plumbing?

Having a garbage disposal unit installed in your home is a great idea, any plumber would highly recommend doing so because it is an effective way to deal with common kitchen waste such as uneaten food by shredding them into small pieces. As a result they can easily pass through plumbing.

Are eggshells good for septic systems?

Surprisingly, eggshells, coffee grounds, and flour may be bad for your septic system. These waste items may seem harmless, but they could eventually end up clogging your drain pipes. Take, for instance, dumping eggshells down your kitchen garbage disposal. The garbage disposal first grinds them into tiny bits.

Can you use a garbage disposal with a grinder pump?

Minimize use of garbage disposals Using your garbage disposal increases the amount of solids entering the holding tank of the grinder system. The more food waste that is sent to the holding tank, the more often the grinder pump needs to be activated to grind the content of the tank.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

once every three to five yearsAs a general rule, you should only need to empty your septic tank once every three to five years. That being said, the actual frequency will vary depending on your usage and how many people are living in your home.

What happens if garbage disposal is connected to septic tank?

If your garbage disposal is connected to your septic tank, you will have fats, food wastes, and other stuff inside the septic tank, all of which can cause problems in the system . How?

Why should a septic tank and garbage disposal not be combined?

One of the main arguments on why the septic tank and garbage disposal should not be combined is the bacteria issue. The bacterial culture in a septic tank is balanced and is vital to the treatment of wastewater.

What happens if you add more organic matter to your garbage disposal?

Therefore, if you add more organic matter (from garbage disposal) than the bacteria can handle, it can upset the bacteria levels and cause eventual blockage in the tank, which will require frequent pumping and repairs.

Can you put garbage in a septic tank?

Including a waste disposal as part of what it should break down might do more harm than good and cost you more. A garbage disposal with a septic tank is not advised, although it is possible if you follow the tips provided above.

Can you use a garbage disposal and a septic tank?

Now, does this mean that you can never use a septic tank and garbage disposal? No. With the right products, you can combine the two systems.

Can you put food in a garbage disposal?

Don’t treat the disposal like a dustbin. And not all foods should be passed through the disposal. Some of the wastes that you should not put at the disposal include fats, oils, and similar wastes. If you put them, they will not break down in the tank, will accumulate, and will cause blockages in the tank.

Can you throw anything in a septic system?

One thing that you should know is that septic systems run on a delicate process. Thus, you cannot just throw anything into these systems. If you do, you run the risk of causing complications. And these problems can range from simple to more complicated issues that involve spending a lot of money to get them fixed. Many of our readers have asked whether it is alright to use garbage disposals and septic systems together.

What Food Scraps Can I Put In My Garbage Disposal?

Usually, small, biodegradable food scraps that end up in your sink are fine to go down the drain with the garbage disposal. However, if you have large food scraps, we recommend throwing them away or breaking them into smaller pieces before whisking them away down the drain.

Can You Have A Garbage Disposal With A Well?

If you have a septic system, you may have a well too. Individuals who live in rural areas often have both since there isn’t access to public water and waste systems. The septic system is where wastewater from your home ends up, and the well is typically where you draw from, although there is a system involved with the well (including the cistern).

Do You Need A Special Garbage Disposal For Septic Systems?

Many brands offer garbage disposals, including Moen, InSinkErator, and Waste King. In addition to regular, everyday garbage disposals that work well on a public sewer system, many brands also offer septic assist garbage disposals. You can find garbage disposals in several varieties at local hardware or home improvement stores, like Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Is A Garbage Disposal Bad For A Septic System?

Garbage disposals can be bad for your septic system if you don’t take the proper precautions. If you’re cautious of what you put down the drain, the septic system may be just fine. However, if you put non-biodegradable items down your septic system, you can cause the disposal to malfunction, clog the pipes, or contribute to a septic tank backup.

What Can You Put Down a Garbage Disposal with a Septic Tank?

Small food scraps that end up in your sink are fine to put through the garbage disposal as they will be broken down efficiently by the grinding chamber.

How to overcome a septic tank?

One way to overcome this is by using special enzyme additives. Usually this requires you to add them directly into the septic tank.

What happens if you put food waste in a septic tank?

Some types of food waste as well as fats and oils will struggle to break down in your septic tank and will eventually accumulate, causing blockages and requiring more regular pumping.

What happens if you treat a garbage disposal like a bin?

If you treat your garbage disposal like a bin then you will end up causing problems in the future. Some food waste will not be broken down by your septic tank and items like rice and pasta will even expand when they enter the system causing blockages.

Why is a septic tank bacterial?

The bacterial culture inside a septic tank is finely balanced and a critical part of your waste water treatment process. Overloading a septic tank with too much organic matter can disrupt the delicate bacteria levels causing food waste to accumulate and eventually block the tank, requiring increased pumping and repairs to your septic system.

What causes a septic tank to float?

Cooking oils, fat, grease. A septic tank will be unable to break these down effectively causing them to solidify and float to the surface of the tank causing problems.

What is Evolution with Septic Assist?

The Evolution with Septic Assist has been designed to use safely with a septic system. Its Bio-charge injection system breaks down food particles even further to prevent blockages.

Garbage Disposals and Septic Tanks

Not all homes have septic tanks, but the ones that do normally avoid having a garbage disposal. However, you do not need to worry because, despite this, most homes can have both.

What Not to Put in Garbage Disposal

As mentioned earlier, if something is not biodegradable then it should not be put into your garbage disposal. The septic tank at your home is a delicate system that relies on bacteria to break down what it contains. If something is not biodegradable, it can negatively affect the tank.

What You Can Put In Garbage Disposal

Knowing what you cannot put into the garbage disposal is as important as knowing what you can put into it.

How to Keep Both Systems Running Efficiently

A septic tank is a very delicate system. Therefore, what you put into it will have a big effect on its longevity and efficiency. However, there are other things to consider when it comes to the garbage disposal itself.

Precautions to Consider

It is important to keep an eye on certain best practices when you have both systems at your home. Caring for the garbage disposal will help you care for your septic tank.

What Is A Septic Tank?

First, let me give you a brief description of a septic tank. It is a tank which is installed underground in a house. It is made up of plastic, concrete, or fiberglass. It collects all the sewage waste and allows it to decompose before draining. The purpose of septic tanks is to reduce the contamination of water bodies.

Is It Good To Have A Garbage Disposal With A Septic Tank?

You have a septic tank installed in your house and you are thinking of buying a garbage disposal. You are here with a question that either you should go for it or not. Will it be safe for my septic tank? The answer is YES.

What Are Things You Should Not Put In The Disposal With A Septic Tank?

Eggshells: The inner membrane can wrap itself around the impellers and can destroy your disposal.

Precautions

Septic tanks separate the liquid and solid waste material. The solid rests at the bottom while the liquid floats on the top. So, you should be careful about the quantity of solid waste you are putting in. The solid waste builds up in the tank. Overloading the tank can cause problems for you.

Average Life Of A Garbage Disposal?

This is the most frequently asked question that what is the average life of a garbage disposal? Or how long does a garbage disposal last? Most garbage disposals have an average life of ten years.

How To Prevent Garbage Disposal With Septic Tank Problems?

Here are a few preemptive measures you can take to avoid problems when using a garbage disposal with a septic tank:

What happens when you use garbage disposals with a septic system?

When you use garbage disposal along with a septic system regularly, the amount of overall waste that flows into your septic system dramatically increases.

What Does A Garbage Disposal Do?

A Garbage disposal unit is a useful addition to your kitchen. It is designed to incinerate food waste, so it seamlessly passes through the sink drain.

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank (underground water-tight container) is similar to the sewer system. It gets waste from the house and decomposes it through bacterial activity. Then it diverts the liquid waste into the drain field.

How many households in the US have a septic system?

And one of the most widely used techniques to do this besides the sewer system is the septic tank system! There are 27 million households in the US that operate on a septic tank; however, only a fraction of them use theirs with ...

Why do septic tanks need to be pumped?

As the floating sludge and scum increases, the septic system's capacity decreases. Meanwhile, the bacteria will help decompose parts of the solids, however not all, which is why a septic tank needs to be pumped regularly.

How many people in the US use a septic tank?

There are 27 million households in the US that operate on a septic tank; however, only a fraction of them use theirs with a garbage disposal!

What should be placed in a disposer?

Nevertheless, only the right things such as food waste or leftovers should be placed in your disposer.

What is a garbage disposal?

If you’re seeing this for the first time, the garbage disposal is simply a practical addition to most kitchens. These are grinders installed in sinks that help grind waste food in the presence of water to help flush it down the drain.

What happens if you overuse a garbage disposal?

Overusing a garbage disposal system always brings about issues with septic systems. Septic tanks and inlet drains are the worst hit. When a habit for frequent usage of a garbage disposer is formed, your septic tank suffers for it.

How to dispose of food waste?

Having fully , grounded the food waste into tiny bits, the disposer is turned off. Water is allowed to run to flush out the system. This is an effective way to dispose of all sorts of food waste.

Is garbage disposal good for sewer?

Now, there are two main waste treatment systems; sewer and septic systems. Usually, the garbage disposal will be perfect for sewer systems with little to no issues at all. With septic systems, extra caution must be applied.

Does a septic tank need frequent pumping?

This study discovered that septic systems attached to garbage disposal won’t necessarily require frequent pumping.

Does ground food decompose faster in a septic tank?

Unlike what we’ve discussed under the first school of thought, ground food particles that end up in your septic tank will decompose at a much faster rate than other types of waste products.

What items can't decompose in a septic tank?

non-food items like plastic, paper towels, or twist ties. Even if these items pass through your garbage disposal, they will not decompose inside your septic tank. Instead, they will accumulate until a pumper removes them.

What can't you put in a garbage disposal?

They are not equipped to cope with: bones or fruit pits. coffee grounds. eggshells or onion skins . fats, oils, or greases. pasta or rice (they expand in water and can clog your pipes)

How to prevent septic system failure?

Preventive action is also the best strategy for your septic system. Have a professional regularly inspect your installation and measure the sludge in your septic tank. If it is time for a pump-out, book your appointment as soon as possible to avoid system failures.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

The average price to pump a septic tank in the United States is about $400. For most homeowners, the advantages of garbage disposals seem small compared to the cost of additional pump-outs that could otherwise be avoided.

What is the best way to dispose of food scraps?

Rather than putting food scraps into the trash, many homeowners put them into a garbage disposal mounted under their kitchen sink. This system collects waste and then shreds it into tiny pieces that are washed down the drain.

Why do bacteria need to be in a tank?

In healthy tanks, bacteria have enough time to break down organic matter and keep sludge levels in check. You overwhelm these bacteria if you continually put pieces of food down a garbage disposal. When this happens: the ability of bacteria to treat wastewater diminishes.

Can garbage disposals cause sewage backup?

Garbage disposals are not the only culprits when it comes to sewage backups and clogged drain fields. If you are experiencing any problems with your system, our septic service team is available to help around the clock.