Will my garbage disposal impact my septic tank?

• <div><p>Your garbage disposal will only affect the health of your septic tank if you’re using it too frequently, or filling it with organic waste that doesn’t fully break down. If the tank fills up with too many solids, the bacteria won’t have enough time to consume it before more is added, which can lead to an overflow in the drain field. Your tank will need to be pumped more frequently with excessive or improper garbage disposal use. </p></div>

How does a septic tank work?

• <div><p>Unlike an urban sewer system that runs wastewater into a central drainage system, septic tanks are a house-by-house system. They are the ultimate destination for all your house’s wastewater—from bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and washing machines. Wastewater flows into a tank buried in the ground outside your home, and then water runs from the tank to a drainage field using sloped pipes.</p></div>

Get matched with top septic tank pros in Sunland Park, NM

Q: What are the warning signs of septic tank or cistern failure?

• <div><p>If there&rsquo;s a problem with your sewage system, you might notice water pooling on the ground around the tank, which could indicate an overflow. Clogged and sluggish drains or foul smells coming from your plumbing are also signs that there might be a blockage in your septic system.</p></div>

Q: How can I add or replenish good bacteria in my septic tank?

• <div><p>Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs that a septic system is failing?

• <div><p>Recognizing signs of a failing septic system is crucial to prevent costly damage and health hazards. Foul odors in and around your home, slow drainage in sinks and toilets, or gurgling noises in plumbing fixtures can indicate problems with drainage. Lush, green patches of grass near the drain field or wastewater pooling on the ground are alarming signs that may indicate a leak in the system. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's vital to address them promptly to avoid more extensive and expensive issues.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Sunland Park, NM

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Sunland Park, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Septic Tank Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Sunland Park, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Septic Tank Service needs.

Last update on March 05, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Septic inspection done, Large pump truck came, left Ruts in both sides of property trying to get to new tank. They were going to repair Ruts only after I contacted them. The timline for repairs was more than a week, I was also getting an appraisal on the property done, so the Ruts needed fixed...
JOHNNY'S SEPTIC TANK CO
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Reviewed in July 2025
Mr Murphy checked a possible CO leak from my water heater. He replaced the tube that directs water from the tank to the outside because it had a fracture. The work was professionally done in an expeditious manner.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of El Paso
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Reviewed in January 2022
Service was awesome. On time, affordable. Very clean, Will hire them for my future plumbing needs
Liberty Plumbing
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Reviewed in February 2021
Hello, my name is Carmelita Di Mery. I am writing a review on Ramos Drilling and Water Treatment owned by Dave Ramos out of El Paso, TX. Mr. Ramos was contacted by me after reading great reviews from the Angie's List website. I was looking for someone to come and assess the poor water quality at...
Ramos Drilling & Water Treatment Inc
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Reviewed in February 2015
<p>In a 100 year old house, when things go wrong, they go really wrong! Recently, the drains in the back part of the house (bedrooms/laundry room) started backing up. It got to the point a 3-minute shower was all that was required to cause the back up. We called Plumbing Doctor and (since it...
Plumbing Doctor
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Reviewed in October 2012
I was replacing the flush valve on a bathroom tank. While attepting to replace the tank I tightened a bolt too tight and damaged the toilet which required replacing. I contacted Gilbert's Plumbing on a Wednesday and he was able to come out on the following Friday. He and his son showed up when...
Gilbert's Plumbing
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Reviewed in April 2012
i awoke to water on the bathroom floor, found a leak in the pipes supporting the commode. called monday morning at 7:30 and the repair was completed before lunch. jesse hadn't seen a fill valve like mine before but was able to accommodate the repair inside and outside the tank. while they...
Jeff's Westside Plumbing
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Reviewed in June 2009
I called two other companies before calling Todd. The first told me that I had a freon leak but that it was under the foundation of the house and I would need a whole new ac unit moved to the roof! Guy #2 finds the leak in the pipe in the house but says it will take 5 hours to fix and quotes...
B & B Heating and Cooling
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Reviewed in April 2007
I called SunQuest Plumbing at 9:00 a.m. 04/05/07 and their rep appeared at my door at almost immediately to survey the needs of the job. We agreed that I wanted the entire kit of two toilet tanks replaced. A half-hour later, two plumbers arrived. They were courteous, respectful, and efficient...
SunQuest Plumbing
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Find Septic tank pros in Sunland Park

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Well. Only problem was delay in response time after claim was filed online. Water tank started leaking Thanksgiving morning and no reply until I called the Regional Manager."

Recommended by81%of homeowners

Request Quote

Old West Septic Service

5.0(

)

Septic Tank - Clean or Pump OutSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out - For Business

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With over 10 years experience in the home maintenance industry, Old West Septic Service is your industry expert in Las Vegas. We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will assure you we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. As a family owned and operated business you can trust that we will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give us a call today we look forward to working with you!\n\n

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"Takes for ever to get a return a call. Also took a week to get someone out for repairs. They said they would reimburse me for septic repairs and it took over 3 months for that to happen."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

APS, Inc., is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customer's interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Please give us a call today!

+54

Response time5 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Cano Plumbing & Remodeling

New to Angi

Septic Tank - Clean or Pump Out

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Cano Plumbing and Remodeling is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. \n

Request Quote

Ramos Plumbing

New to Angi

Septic System - Repair

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1976

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Ramos Plumbing is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business\n\n

Request Quote

Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

If there’s a problem with your sewage system, you might notice water pooling on the ground around the tank, which could indicate an overflow. Clogged and sluggish drains or foul smells coming from your plumbing are also signs that there might be a blockage in your septic system.

Your garbage disposal will only affect the health of your septic tank if you’re using it too frequently, or filling it with organic waste that doesn’t fully break down. If the tank fills up with too many solids, the bacteria won’t have enough time to consume it before more is added, which can lead to an overflow in the drain field. Your tank will need to be pumped more frequently with excessive or improper garbage disposal use.

Unlike an urban sewer system that runs wastewater into a central drainage system, septic tanks are a house-by-house system. They are the ultimate destination for all your house’s wastewater—from bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and washing machines. Wastewater flows into a tank buried in the ground outside your home, and then water runs from the tank to a drainage field using sloped pipes.

Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.

Recognizing signs of a failing septic system is crucial to prevent costly damage and health hazards. Foul odors in and around your home, slow drainage in sinks and toilets, or gurgling noises in plumbing fixtures can indicate problems with drainage. Lush, green patches of grass near the drain field or wastewater pooling on the ground are alarming signs that may indicate a leak in the system. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's vital to address them promptly to avoid more extensive and expensive issues.

The Sunland Park, NM homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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