Garbage disposals provide a great convenience, helping homeowners to more easily keep their kitchens clean. What many people may not realize is that these appliances can affect how a septic system works. There are pros and cons to all that food waste heading into the septic system, so it is important to always use the disposal correctly. This is especially important when a disposal is not working correctly and requires garbage disposal repair.
To prevent septic problems caused by improper grinding of food scraps, always arrange appliance repair for a garbage disposal that is not working the way that it should.
Basic Septic System Functions
Septic systems work through a process of decomposition, aided by the presence of different types of bacteria in the septic tank. The bacteria eats away at the waste that ends up in the septic tank, including paper and anything else flushed or washed into the unit. When the bacteria levels are off and there are too many bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria, septic function slows down. This results in more sludge in the tank and more frequent need for septic pumping. Maintaining septic system health requires ensuring there is always enough good bacteria in the tank to decompose organic matter before it can rot and cause other problems.
How Garbage Disposals Affect Septic Tank Health
When used correctly, a properly functioning garbage disposal will not have a negative affect on a septic system as long as steps are taken to keep bacteria levels where they should be. Problems can arise when a disposal does not grind food properly, and larger pieces of food waste end up in the septic system. The larger the pieces of organic matter, the harder they are to decompose and the longer they sit in the tank, many times going rancid. When this happens, the balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria can be negatively affected. For this reason, garbage disposal repair when the disposal is not working its best is especially important for homes with septic systems.
Prevent Septic Problems by Keeping Disposals Working Well
Fortunately, garbage disposals and home septic systems can co-exist as long as attention is paid to the disposal, its performance, and how it is used. Make sure disposals are functioning well and actually grinding food. Keep the blades clean and sharp so food is ground into small pieces. Follow the disposal manufacturer’s directions carefully with regard to what should be put into. Avoid damaging the disposal in such a way that it does not grind well, and ends up needing appliance repair. Always run the cold water when using the disposal as well, to help flush the unit out and prevent problems that could affect its function.
Protect Septic Systems with Good Disposal Use
The best tip of all, at least concerning the septic system, is to use the disposal as little as possible to reduce the amount of food ending up in the septic system. In homes where the disposal is used a lot, septic companies recommend adding special enzymes and bacteria into the tank to help decompose the additional food waste. These products are usually flushed down the toilet or washed down the sink drain and into the septic tank.
A properly functioning garbage disposal provides the most convenience in the kitchen, while also preventing septic problems. To reduce the chance that food waste will damage the delicate ecosystem in the septic tank, garbage disposal repair is essential whenever the appliance is not working as it should. With the right appliance repair services when necessary, homeowners can be sure their disposal is not contributing to septic problems!
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