Installing a garbage disposal with a septic system can be a waste
A garbage disposal with a septic tank system reduces your septic system's effectiveness because bacteria can't break down food waste as efficiently as normal wastewater.
Expect to pay $550 for septic tank pumping, and you'll need this service twice as often when using a garbage disposal, with costs up to $1,250.
Your garbage disposal should only handle soft foods and non-dairy liquids, so composting provides a better solution for managing food scraps without overwhelming your system.
Hiring a local garbage disposal installation professional removes guesswork from proper setup and helps you understand how disposal use affects your septic tank's long-term performance.
If your home relies on a septic system, you may wonder if you're still able to install a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. The added convenience of a garbage disposal can make meal prep and clean-up a breeze, but those bits of food waste need to go somewhere. So—can you use a garbage disposal with a septic system? Learn whether this combo is a good idea for your home.
Experts don’t recommend installing a garbage disposal in a home with a septic tank. Unlike municipal plumbing systems, septic tanks aren’t equipped to handle the food waste from kitchen plumbing. A garbage disposal makes it harder for a septic tank to do its job properly, which can lead to potential problems down the road.
That being said, it’s still possible to install a garbage disposal in a home with a septic tank. You just need to take a few precautions to keep your tank from accumulating too much food waste.
A garbage disposal isn’t a good fit for a home with septic for several reasons, all of which impact the longevity and effectiveness of a septic tank.
When wastewater enters a septic tank, bacteria help break down the solids, turning them into sludge that sits at the bottom of the tank. However, when more solid waste is introduced to the tank via food scraps, the bacteria can become overwhelmed and unable to break down the solids effectively.
Over time, this overwhelmed bacteria will become less and less efficient. The sludge levels will rise faster, decreasing the tank’s capacity.
If your septic tank fills with sludge faster, you’ll need to empty it more frequently—as much as twice as often as a home without a garbage disposal. Pumping a septic tank costs $550, on average, but can cost up to $1,250 depending on its size and location.
If you already have a garbage disposal in your home or you’re determined to install one, here’s how you can increase the efficiency of your septic system.
Working with a pro who installs garbage disposals is important to ensure the disposal functions properly. Reach out to a highly-rated garbage disposal installer near you to make sure the appliance is installed efficiently.
Pay close attention to what you put down the drain to keep your disposal in good shape and avoid overwhelming your septic system. Garbage disposals are built to handle soft foods and non-dairy liquids. Material that is safe for you to put down your garbage disposal include:
Fleshy parts of fruit
Soft veggies
Cooked meat
Ice
Dish soap
Things that are not ideal for you to put down your garbage disposal include:
Fruit peels or pits
Stringy veggies
Eggshell
Starchy pasta or rice
Coffee grounds
Soil
Bones
Nuts
Fat, oil, or grease
Despite your best efforts, these items may find their way into your garbage disposal. If that happens, they won’t break down inside your septic tank. Instead, they’ll build up until you’re able to remove them with a pump.
Garbage disposals come in a range of different horsepower ratings. If you’re installing one in a home with a septic tank, you’ll want to ensure you get the right garbage disposal size to avoid overworking it.
| Number of People in Household | Garbage Disposal Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | 1/3 or 1/2 HP |
| 3–5 | 3/4 or 1HP |
| 5+ | 1 or more HP |
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The WaterworksCarpet repair done well. Scheduling was easy. Showed up on time.
BR Flooring InstallationAs usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC TechniciansI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCEverything from initial contact to completion was absolutely top notch. We contacted the business during off hours to leave a message, and the owner still reached out to feel out the issue within minutes. We were scheduled and repaired within 48 hours. I cannot say enough about the...
Supreme brick & chimneyAce Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace ServicesOn Sunday 2/26 I requested quotes via Angi from 4 refrigerator repair businesses. Northwest Appliance responded to me Monday morning (2/27) and my refrigerator was repaired by noon the same day. Great communication, they did everything they said they would. The technician had the parts on...
Excellent! We were very satisfied with the service provided and the entire experience from start to finish. Very friendly and professional staff. I was able to instantly get in contact with them for a quote and the response time and overall communication remained quick and easy throughout the...
Prime Cleaning ServiceDescription says they handle window repair including rotten hardwood - they called me back right away but didnâ t leave a voicemail. I followed up 3 days later and they said they donâ t do that kind of work.
Window-GurusI needed reliable, affordable help the day of with moving a couple of appliances and misc items. It was a relief to hear back from Tanzillo almost instantly that morning so I could stop looking and move on to plan and prepare. Every part of the move was friendly and professional. Next time I...
Tanzillo Concrete & LandscapeFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sometimes the smallest home luxuries make the biggest difference. Installing a new garbage disposal is a relatively low-cost project with the option to DIY. Upgrade your kitchen by checking out the common costs associated with garbage disposal installation
Garbage disposals last five to 10 years, and replacement is preferred over repairs. Here’s everything you need to know about replacing your garbage disposal.
Garbage disposal repair costs depend on the specific issue, but you can save money if you DIY. Read on to learn which problems you can fix yourself and which require a professional.
Wondering who to hire for garbage disposal installation? Learn when to call a plumber or electrician, and see how pros handle the job.
Do you need a garbage disposal for a dishwasher? These appliances clean dishes while assisting your plumbing. Learn about this potent duo.
Learn how to hire a pro for garbage disposal installation. Find qualified plumbers, get quotes, and ensure safe, code-compliant work for your kitchen.
