Working in the kitchen isn’t a lot of fun, what with all the pot stains, dirty utensils, sticky dishes, and smells. For many, the invention of the garbage disposal saves us some of the unpleasantness. Simply dump the scraps of food down the drain and flip the switch. But is a garbage disposal bad for a septic tank? While you may enjoy the sound of that drain grinding the food so you never have to see it again, is it safe? The short answer would be yes. However, you should take precautions, as the amount of scrap we dump down the drain can’t be unlimited.
To begin with, there are certain things you should never put down the drain, such as:
- Eggshells
- Large bones
- Fats and grease
- Bread
- Rice
- Any non-food items
All these things can cause problems with both your garbage disposal and septic system, including clogs, breakage, and septic overflow.
In order to keep your garbage disposal working properly and your septic system following, follow these tips:
- Dump any large pieces of food or waste into your trash bin.
- If you have a family of four or less, get a septic inspection every four years. If you have a family of five or more, have your tank inspected every two years.
- Run cold water down the disposal. This can break up grease and fats, which may have solidified in the pipes.
- Don’t put enzymes in your septic system. These can disrupt the bacteria already there, which are responsible for breaking everything down.
- If there is metal, plastic, or rubber in your sink, remove it before disposing of anything. If these materials end up in your drain, they will damage both your disposal and septic system.
Monitoring what goes down your disposal can be difficult, especially in a busy family. If you need help managing your septic system, garbage disposal, or both, High Priority Plumbing and Services, Inc. is here for you. From installations to repairs, “Our customers are our priority.” Contact us today!