Many people ask this question that either it is good to have a septic tank with garbage disposal or not? Does it harm the septic system? Are there any precautions we should take? This article is going to answer all these questions.
Contents
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.
A garbage disposal can be used with the septic system. It is good as long as you take the precautions seriously. When you are on the sewer system, you don’t have to set a limit on using the disposal. Comparatively, using a septic system is a great responsibility.
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.
- Large bones: The large bones can cause you and your disposal great harm. They can cause destruction in the disposal. They can even stuck inside the drainpipe forming a clog.
- Fats and grease: These are not liquids. They can solidify inside the disposal that resulting in the formation of clogs. If they enter the septic tank, they will cause great harm.
- Non-food items: You should never put non-food items in the garbage disposal even by mistake. It will destroy your disposal in seconds and then you will have to buy a new one.
- Bread and rice: They can soak water and it will result in the formation of clogs.
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.
- Drop large pieces of solid waste in the dustbin instead of throwing them in the garbage disposal. It will reduce the quantity of solid waste in the septic tank and will increase the life of your septic system.
- If you have a family of four or less than four people, have a septic tank inspection every four years. If you have a family of five or more people, have a septic tank inspection after every two years.
- Use cold water in the garbage disposal. It can break the grease and fats that may have solidified inside the disposal. Hot water can damage the rubber parts. So, avoid using hot water unless necessary.
- Do not put enzymes in the tank. Bacteria in the tank are responsible for the decomposition of solid waste. The enzymes can derange the bacteria present in the disposal. As a result, bacteria can not decompose the solid waste properly and it will badly affect your septic tank.
- Use the garbage disposal wisely and regularly.
- Clean the sink before using the disposal. If there is any plastic, rubber, or metal item in the sink, remove it. If any of these items accidentally drops in the disposal, it will cause great damage.
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.
The working strength of disposal decreases after five years of use. It will start to drain a bit slower than before. You can have a service at your disposal after five years to increase its life. However, most of the garbage disposals expire after ten years.
Best Garbage Disposal For Septic System:
Moen GX50C Prep Series 1/2 HP Continuous-Feed Garbage Disposal
Features:
- 5 HP vortex motor
- 2600 RPM
- Sound-deadening insulation
- Septic-safe
- Pre-installed power cord
- 5-years warranty
- Simple swap
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs To Be Replaced:
- Bad odor
- Repeating trips
- Leakage
- Need to press the reset button repeatedly.
- Slow draining
- Strange noises
If any of these signs appear, call your plumber and get your disposal thoroughly checked. If the problem can not be resolved, there is no other choice but to get your disposal replaced. So, this blog post was all about garbage disposal and septic tank. I hope it was helpful for you.
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