Owning a garbage disposal makes cleaning up in the kitchen easier. However, the unit can do more harm than good. Once you get into the habit of throwing food scraps down the drain, you risk damaging the septic system. Here’s how this kitchen device can negatively affect your household waste management equipment.

Increases Amount of Sludge

All the waste you grind in the garbage disposal ends up in your septic system. Although the unit is designed to chop scraps into smaller pieces, many people put in items like vegetable peelings and coffee grounds that stick together and won’t break down in the septic tank. Over time, these substances will increase the amount of sludge and scum in the system.

Clogs Leach Fields

As solid waste from your garbage disposal unit accumulates in the septic system, it can block liquid from draining into the leach field. The solids can also clog the pipes, resulting in a system backup that is messy and expensive to fix.

Increases Service Frequency

Homes that have garbage disposals need more frequent septic tank pumping. Again, this is because the unit grinds food scraps into a slurry, resulting in greater sludge accumulation. Frequent pumping ensures you won’t experience backups and septic tank bursts, but scheduling the service too often is expensive.

Decreases Performance

Since some kitchen leftovers don’t break down, they can disrupt the bacterial balance inside your septic tank. These organisms are necessary for eliminating solid waste and cleaning the liquids. Without a healthy ecosystem, the septic system becomes less efficient in treating wastewater and will not function properly.

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, it could be harming the septic system outside. The experts at A-1 Pumping Service and Drain Cleaning in Dalton, GA, will determine whether your system is in good working order or due for pumping and treatment. The team specializes in a variety of septic system repairs and maintenance services to protect your home. Call them at (706) 272-3352 to schedule a consultation or visit their website for more information.