If you’re a homeowner with a septic tank, you’ve likely wondered whether or not installing a garbage disposal in your kitchen is a good idea. While garbage disposals can be convenient, there are some compelling reasons to think twice before using them alongside our trusty septic systems in Port Orchard, Shelton, Bremerton, and surrounding areas.
In this article, we’ll explore why experts often recommend against the use of garbage disposals in homes with septic systems.
Garbage disposals reduce the effectiveness of your septic system.
Wastewater and sewage solids that sink to the bottom of your septic system are known as sludge. In healthy septic tanks, bacteria have enough time to break down organic matter and keep sludge levels in check.
Top septic contractors in Bremerton reveal that you unknowingly overwhelm these bacteria if you continually put pieces of food down your garbage disposal. When this happens:
- the sludge levels rise
- the capacity of your septic tank decreases
- bacteria have reduced capability to treat your wastewater.
Garbage disposals create additional expenses.
If the bacteria in your septic tank don’t have enough time to break down food particles, sludge levels will surely rise. This implies that your tank will require more frequent pumping—potentially up to twice as often, according to certain estimates.
For most homeowners in Port Orchard, Shelton, Bremerton, and surrounding areas, the perks of garbage disposals seem small compared to the cost of additional pumping and repairing sessions that could otherwise be avoided.
Composting is a more environmentally responsible approach. Leading septic experts in Shelton reveal that composting transforms organic waste into a sustainable and natural resource that adds nutrients to gardens, lawns, and flowerbeds. This strategy is so straightforward that anyone can make it work. You only need a compost pile or bin, some know-how, and a place to spread the dead material.
The beauty of the composting method is that it has practical uses for both gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Using it, you can:
- create moisture-holding mulch
- fertilize lawns and gardens
- make potting soil for indoor plants
- help a neighbor who has a green thumb
- support your local community garden
Tips for using a garbage disposal with a septic system
If you do use a garbage disposal in Port Orchard, Bremerton, Shelton, and surrounding areas, here are a few tips to help you avoid problems.
- What can you put in a garbage disposal?
Conventionally, garbage disposals were designed to dispose of soft foods and non-dairy liquids, including,
- soft and non-fibrous vegetables
- fruit flesh
- biodegradable dish soaps
- cooked meat
- ice cubes
- What not to put in a garbage disposal with a septic tank
Garbage disposals aren’t equipped to deal with:
- fruit pits and peels
- stringy or tough-skinned vegetables (especially celery, corn husks, and artichokes)
- onion skins
- eggshells
- pasta, rice, and oats (they expand in water and can clog your pipes)
- nuts
- bones
- coffee grounds
- potting soil
- fats, oils, and greases (including dairy)
- non-food items like plastics, paper towels, and twist ties
Remember: Even if these items pass through your garbage disposal, they won’t decompose within your septic tank. Instead, they will accumulate until a pumper removes them.
What To Do: Hot or cold water down a garbage disposal?
If it is warm, food waste will likely get stuck in your garbage disposal or septic pipes. Leading septic contractors in Port Orchard suggest avoiding clogs or blockages by running a steady stream of cold water just before and while you grind food in your system.
Regular maintenance is critical.
Leading septic tank pumping, repairs, and inspection services in Shelton reveal that as a responsible property owner, you should ensure your garbage disposal by maintaining it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Preventive action is also the best strategy to keep your septic system running smoothly. Have a professional from a credible company like Dano’s Septic regularly inspect your system and measure the sludge in your septic tank. If it’s time for a pumping, repair, cleaning, or general maintenance, contact us at (360) 845-2941 to book your appointment as soon as possible to avoid system failures.
How Often to Schedule Septic Tank Pumping
As a general rule of thumb, most septic tanks in Shelton, Bremerton, Port Orchard, and surrounding areas require routine pumping every three to five years. The pumping frequency depends on the tank size and average water usage. For instance, if you run your garbage disposal regularly, you may have to schedule more frequent pumping for your tank.
Professionals at Dano’s Septic can help you understand how often to have your septic tank pumped. We can assist in ensuring your septic system receives regular pumping, especially if you have a garbage disposal. We understand that you may prefer to grind up all of your food waste using a garbage disposal unit. After all, its convenience is one of the primary advantages of such units!
We can provide proper tips and guidance in maintaining your disposal and recommend the appropriate times to schedule a septic tank pumping.
What are the signs of a failing garbage disposal?
Leading septic tank repairs, pumping and inspections specialists in Bremerton reveal that if you suspect your garbage disposal needs repair, keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Loud, unusual gurgling noises
- The unit fails to turn on
- Unexpected and unexplained clogs
- Strange, foul odors that persist after cleaning
- Water leaks beneath your disposal unit, by the cabinet, or beneath the sink
- You need to reset the garbage disposal frequently
- Slow, poor performance
Final Thoughts
If you’re in search of a reliable, credible, and experienced septic system provider in Port Orchard, Shelton, Bremerton, and surrounding areas, your search ends here today. With more than 30 years of experience, Dano’s Septic is a premium 24/7 septic and drain field company. We specialize in septic systems and offer services such as grease traps, septic tank pumping, inspections and repairs, septic locating, drain field rejuvenation, and installations for all our commercial and residential customers.
Our friendly and highly-trained technicians are ready to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including emergency service and weekends or holidays.
Contact us at 360-205-1924 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
