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infected tank permissive waste disposal arrangement have a delicate equilibrium that helps to break down hearty waste , while releasing sewer water into the drain subject area soil where the natural filtration process remove pathogens and other contaminants . However , to keep a infected scheme operating in good order , homeowners need to stay argus-eyed with their infected tank dissipation management .

Using a garbage disposal with a septic system increases the amount of solid waste insert the cooler , which can have a negative shock on the septic organization . However , this does n’t immediately eliminate the pick of having a infected army tank garbage garbage disposal social unit . If you are think about adding a food disposal with a septic organization , apply this scout to discover the result to the question : Can you have a garbage disposal with a septic storage tank ?

A garbage disposal clogged with food scraps.

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Yes, you can have a garbage disposal with a septic tank, but…

drivel disposal can help break down and dispose of food waste , reducing the risk of needingdrain cleanup services , but installing a garbage garbage disposal with a infected tank may increasehow often you should get your infected tank pumped . This is because scraps disposals tend to tote up to the solid waste hoard in the septic tank .

Igor Bystrika , overlord pipe fitter and owner ofRX - Plumbing & Drainin Forsyth County , Georgia , expound : “ you may definitely have a garbage disposition with a septic tank , but it comes with some caution . While it ’s technically possible and will function just finely , it ’s not always ideal for every septic system or every householder .

“ Here ’s what I mean : garbage disposals increase the amount of upstanding dissipation enrol the tank , which can then overwhelm the rude bacterial breakdown mental process and guide to the demand of more frequent maintenance . However , with the veracious precaution and system capacity , a garbage disposal can work out smashing . ”

A professional is cleaning the septic tank.

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Use these best practices for operating a garbage disposal with a septic system

Unless you have a surplus budget you want to emaciate on frequentseptic tank pumping costsand to keep gear up agarbage disposal that ’s not workingproperly , then it ’s send word to hold fast to a few right practices to reduce the variant on the septic system and administration .

Install a garbage disposal designed to work with a septic system.

One of the beneficial way to prevent any issues with your septic scheme while still having the contraption of a garbage disposal is to purchase a specifically made garbage disposal for infected system . Instead of spend money to plow thecost of a standard garbage garbage disposal , it ’s better to invest in a garbage garbage disposal with bacterial additives that will help the septic system .

Bystrika notes that “ there are specific food waste disposal orchestrate with infected systems in mind , and I often commend these specific character to my customer . Brands offer “ infected - safe ” simulation , but expect for ones with bacterial additives . Always pair these with a properly sized septic tank , which would typically be at least 1,000 gallons for a household using a disposal . ”

Our Recommendation

InSinkErator Garbage Disposal at Amazon for $ 224.27This food waste disposal sport a bacterial additive system that ply an automatic injection of microorganisms to help oneself break down nutrient waste , making it an ideal choice for domicile with a infected organization .

Consider a septic tank-friendly garbage disposal alternative: composting.

When it amount to the ongoing wellness of the infected scheme , a great alternative to installing a garbage disposal is to compost your household food waste . This method makes it well-off to get disembarrass of food waste , without putting undue stress on the septic scheme or fill up up the food waste can .

“ compost is often a better long - terminus root for homeowner with infected systems . Garbage disposal add unnecessary stress to the cooler , increase maintenance costs and the hazard of system failure . compost , on the other mitt , is eco - friendly and retain organic barren out of your infected system entirely . This not only reduces the loading on your septic tank but also grow nutrient - rich compost for your garden , ” explains Bystrika .

This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation

A garbage disposal drain in a kitchen sink.

Photo: JackValley/E+ via Getty Images

Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . find out why we consider this overhaul the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .

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A woman dumps green compost scraps into a vegetable garden planted in a raised bed.

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