Garbage disposal units and septic tanks both help the household run smoothly, but they don’t always work well together. Fortunately, there are solutions that allow you to use both. Here’s a closer look at why you should be careful when grinding up food waste in the drain.

What Happens to Food After the Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals grind food into smaller pieces, but these are often still too large to be broken down in the septic tank. Ideally, only wastewater and toilet paper should go down the drains. When solids enter the tank, they sink to the bottom. 

What Problems Can Occur?

When the volume of solids at the bottom of a septic tank becomes too high due to a failure to break them down, the capacity is reduced. This may result in the drains becoming clogged or sewage backing up into the basement.

If your sinks drain slowly or you notice a sewage smell in your home, it could be because the septic system is too full. The drain field may also become clogged, which can often be seen as standing water in your yard or grass that’s too lush.

What Can Homeowners Do?

Reduce the amount of solid waste going into drains by throwing food into the trash whenever possible. It’s particularly important to keep hard foods like bones out of the garbage disposal. Let grease and oil dry and throw it away in paper containers instead of dumping it down the drain.

Never allow pieces of plastic or paper to enter the garbage disposal—plastic, in particular, will not be broken down in the septic tank. Have your tank pumped every two to three years to remove solids, and schedule a pumping appointment immediately if you notice any problems.

Whether you use a garbage disposal or not, your tank will need to be pumped every few years to keep it working smoothly. Templeton Septic Tank Cleaning in New Franklin, OH, is a family-owned and -operated business that has served customers since 1979, and they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. This licensed, bonded, and certified company even offers same-day emergency septic tank pumping. Call (330) 644-6029 to arrange a free estimate or visit their website for a full list of services.