When properly maintained, septic systems provide many advantages to homeowners, such as disposing of waste, filtering out toxins, and replenishing the local water table. However, if you aren’t careful with what you put through them, clogs and other issues can create a need for expensive septic repairs.

That’s why it’s generally smart not to use a garbage disposal when you have one of these systems. For some homeowners, however, the temptation is just too great. If you decide that the convenience is worth the extra septic maintenance, here are a few do’s and don’ts for protecting your system.

Do:

Pump the septic system regularly.

If you decide to go ahead and use your disposal, you’ll need to have the septic system pumped out about twice as frequently as you otherwise would. This will help avoid clogs and will keep the septic tank from filling up, allowing it to do its job of filtering grease and waste from the water.

Run the disposal frequently.

To prevent rust on your disposal’s blades and to keep food from sticking to its sides, you should switch on the garbage disposal several times a week. Run it for a couple of minutes while pouring cold water down the sink to rinse it out. Adding some dish soap while running water will help remove odors, as will adding lemon or orange slices to the stream occasionally. If you find that the blades have grown dull from all that use, feed a few ice cubes into the disposal to sharpen them.

Don’t:

Pour grease down the disposal.

While it can be tempting to dispose of cooking grease by pouring it into the sink, it is not good for your pipes. Grease doesn’t stay liquid; it eventually coagulates into a solid mass that causes blockages and creates foul odors. A garbage disposal won’t help with this problem, which is why it’s critical to pour grease into jars and throw them away at the dump instead.

Put inorganic material in the disposal.

Disposals are only made to deal with certain kinds of substances like scraps and small bones. They can’t handle fibrous foods like celery or potato peels, and they definitely aren’t equipped to dispose of inorganic items like paper towels and cigarette butts. Improper disposal causes clogged pipes, so protect yourself and your maintenance budget by throwing those items in the trash.

If you’re seeking assistance with your home’s septic system, consult the team of experienced technicians at County Sanitary Service in Chillicothe, OH. For over six decades, they’ve served clients with professional septic services, from routine pumping to involved repairs. Learn more about their services by visiting them online, and call (740) 772-1189 to schedule an appointment.