A garbage disposal is convenient while washing dishes in the kitchen. However, homeowners with septic systems must follow a few precautions while using this helpful device to avoid needing extra septic tank maintenance or repairs. Here are some tips to help you benefit from each system.

4 Tips for Using a Garbage Disposal With a Septic System 

1. Prevent Clogs

Never flush anything inorganic down the disposal. Place items like paper towels, fibrous vegetables, and large pieces of fruit in a compost bin or garbage can, as they can clog the septic tank.

Keep fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) out of the drain since they’ll solidify as they cool and build up inside the pipes. Instead, let them solidify in a container, then scoop them into the garbage. 

2. Never Flush Chemicals

If the sink drain is clogged, you may reach for a chemical drain cleaner to break through the buildup. But these products may contain bleach or other ingredients that can kill beneficial septic bacteria and disrupt the tank’s functionality. Repeated exposure to chemicals may require emptying the tank and rebuilding the delicate balance of bacteria that digest waste.

3. Increase the Pumping Schedule

Your septic tank maintenance routine should include emptying the container on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. But you’ll likely need more frequent appointments after installing a garbage disposal due to the extra waste entering the system. Consider annual checkups to remove the contents of the container and limit the risk of backups and clogs. 

4. Run the System With Cold Water

Cold water will solidify FOGs that have accidentally gone down the drain, making it easier for the disposal blades to chop them up and move them down the pipes.

Hot water, on the other hand, will liquefy these materials, washing them into the plumbing where they can become solid and create layers of gunk on the pipes. Over time, this buildup may prevent septic waste from entering the tank, which may lead to a backup in the home. 

If you need septic tank maintenance, contact Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK. The family-owned company offers septic pumping, drain cleaning, water jetting, and blockage removal. Visit the website to find out more about their emergency plumbing and septic tank offerings, or call (907) 488-9855 to make an appointment.