Using A Disposal With A Septic System

by | Sep 16, 2022 | Kitchen Plumbing, Plumbing & Septic Services, Septic Care

Using A Disposal With A Septic SystemMost people do not think about their septic system and its function when everything is working the way it should be working. There are steps that homeowners can take though that would help ensure that it lasts for years to come. One of the biggest lessons to learn is what can and cannot be put down the drains if you have a septic system. This becomes especially true if you own or are planning to purchase a disposal system to put in your kitchen sink.

Septic systems separate grease, oil, and solids from the effluent (sewer water or wastewater) that comes out of your home on a daily basis. As you might imagine, solid matter will sink to the bottom, while lighter matter (such as the grease, oil, and wastewater) remains on the surface. Everything sits in a holding tank (the septic tank). As the matter sits, bacteria forms – good bacteria – that helps to break down solid matter.

Can I Use A Garbage Disposal With A Septic System?

Food spoilage that comes out of a disposal system, even though ground down into smaller particles, remains solid matter. This, as we mentioned, sinks to the bottom of your septic holding tank. By using the disposal frequently, the amount of solid matter will back up faster than the bacteria can form and begin to aid in breaking down the solids. While it is possible to have a disposal on a septic system, it is not recommended, as the system will require inspections and pumping of the tank as much as twice as often than without a disposal.

Considerations When Adding A Disposal To A Septic System

If you decide you use a disposal with your septic system, you will have to be much more cautious about what you place into the system. You would have to ensure that only food matter makes its way into the disposal. Grease and fats are hard to break down and can harden and clog pipes before they even make it to the septic tank. This could cause septic backup and create a much larger maintenance issue. Also, be leery about disposals that claim to work well with septic systems by introducing enzyme solutions or harsh chemicals to help break down solid matter. There is little proof, to date, that these enzyme solutions and chemicals do indeed work. Adding these chemicals could indeed be harmful to the natural bacteria that form.

If you have questions regarding disposals or your septic system, call the plumbing and septic experts at Dan’s Plumbing and Septic. Call (763) 434-6814 with questions or to make an appointment.

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Customer Testimonials

"I have been a loyal customer of Dans Sewer Service for nearly two decades for the simple reason of extraordinary customer service. I call and the response is immediate, professional, and geared to accommodate my schedule. Dan handles all the paperwork for the mandatory inspection required by the State every three years, is respectful of my lawn and landscape when providing pumping services, and is friendly and courteous. I do not even think of calling someone else when I need assistance or services for my septic system."


— Nyle, Blaine, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T11:30:10-05:00
"I have been a loyal customer of Dans Sewer Service for nearly two decades for the simple reason of extraordinary customer service. I call and the response is immediate, professional, and geared to accommodate my schedule. Dan handles all the paperwork for the mandatory inspection required by the State every three years, is respectful of my lawn and landscape when providing pumping services, and is friendly and courteous. I do not even think of calling someone else when I need assistance or services for my septic system." — Nyle, Blaine, MN

"Dans Sewer Service has always been knowledgeable and prompt when dealing with our maintenance and emergency issues, both in our commercial and residential operations."


— Mark and Wendy, Ham Lake, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:14:26-05:00
"Dans Sewer Service has always been knowledgeable and prompt when dealing with our maintenance and emergency issues, both in our commercial and residential operations." — Mark and Wendy, Ham Lake, MN

"I’ve used Dans Sewer Service since we bought our property (20 years ago). He is reliable, fast, and pleasant. I’m completely satisfied with the service."


— Ellen, Ramsey, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:14:43-05:00
"I’ve used Dans Sewer Service since we bought our property (20 years ago). He is reliable, fast, and pleasant. I’m completely satisfied with the service." — Ellen, Ramsey, MN

"Dans Sewer Service is great! Scheduling is easy and the truck is always on time. The service call is quick and the technician is efficient and always friendly! Thanks Dans!"


— Lynn, Ham Lake, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:02-05:00
"Dans Sewer Service is great! Scheduling is easy and the truck is always on time. The service call is quick and the technician is efficient and always friendly! Thanks Dans!" — Lynn, Ham Lake, MN

"I have managed a mobile home park since 1988 in Anoka County. Dans Sewer Service was one of the first companies I ordered after I found how unreliable the past service was. Dans has been under contract with me ever since and has pumped our sludge tank, repaired sewer lines, cleaned out manholes, maintained sewer stacks on empty lots and has always found the time to "come when called". I highly recommend Dans Sewer Service to any commercial or private property."


— Jim, East Bethel, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:18-05:00
"I have managed a mobile home park since 1988 in Anoka County. Dans Sewer Service was one of the first companies I ordered after I found how unreliable the past service was. Dans has been under contract with me ever since and has pumped our sludge tank, repaired sewer lines, cleaned out manholes, maintained sewer stacks on empty lots and has always found the time to "come when called". I highly recommend Dans Sewer Service to any commercial or private property." — Jim, East Bethel, MN

"Twenty years ago we were referred to Dans Sewer Service and first met Jerry. We were new homeowners with a new septic system. Not only did Jerry teach us how to best maintain our system, but he responded to septic emergencies over the years quickly and efficiently. We feel a friendship has developed over the years based on trust, dependability and fine service. Thank you, Jerry of Dans Sewer Service!"


— Tim and Cherie, North Oaks, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:36-05:00
"Twenty years ago we were referred to Dans Sewer Service and first met Jerry. We were new homeowners with a new septic system. Not only did Jerry teach us how to best maintain our system, but he responded to septic emergencies over the years quickly and efficiently. We feel a friendship has developed over the years based on trust, dependability and fine service. Thank you, Jerry of Dans Sewer Service!" — Tim and Cherie, North Oaks, MN

"This letter is to thank you for your continued service. I am so relieved that I can call Dans Sewer Service whenever there is a problem. Dans Sewer Service is always willing to come as soon as possible. Dans Sewer Service does an excellent job at keeping our septic in working order. I recommend Dans Sewer Service to anyone who asks if I know a good septic pumper. Thank you again for being so professional and considerate."


— Betty, Anoka, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:55-05:00
"This letter is to thank you for your continued service. I am so relieved that I can call Dans Sewer Service whenever there is a problem. Dans Sewer Service is always willing to come as soon as possible. Dans Sewer Service does an excellent job at keeping our septic in working order. I recommend Dans Sewer Service to anyone who asks if I know a good septic pumper. Thank you again for being so professional and considerate." — Betty, Anoka, MN
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