If I have a septic system, should I have a garbage disposal?

At Septic Check, we want to help our customers make the right decisions for their septics. A septic system, after all, is a major investment. One that’s well maintained can last up to 40 years! The more work you can do on the front end to protect your investment, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

The question is asked, then, when it comes to septic system performance and protection, about garbage disposals. Is the convenience of a garbage disposal worth the wear and tear on a septic system? Garbage disposals are undoubtedly about convenience. They help to keep kitchens clean of bacteria and make kitchen clean up a lot quicker.

But septic systems and garbage disposals aren’t a good combination.

Often times, food products like potatoes, bones, fruit pits, and coffee grounds aren’t able to break down within the septic’s naturally occurring process. Grease and oil have a further damaging effect, clogging up various mechanical components and plugging drain valves. These make the combination of a septic system and garbage disposal a bad idea.

If you insist on a garbage disposal with your septic system…

• Buy a garbage disposal that works with a septic system, one that releases enzymes and helps to break down food right away.
• Pay close attention to what foods are biodegradable and what should and shouldn’t be put into a garbage disposal.
• Keep your garbage disposal clean by regularly pushing cold water and dish soap through the disposal. Also, each time before using the disposal, let cold water run for a moment.
• Have your septic pumped, cleaned, and inspected annually. Garbage disposals typically add more solids to your tank and require more maintenance.

These are a few tips for helping to make a garbage disposal to work with your septic system. If you have questions or want further consultation, we can help. Reach out and let us know how we can help you make the right decision.