A septic system is a complex and delicate system that requires careful maintenance to function properly. One of the most important components of this type of plumbing arrangement is the garbage disposal, which can either be an expensive addition or an inexpensive solution. Read on for information about what you should know before buying a new garbage disposal, as well as reviews of some popular models with helpful tips on how to install them into your existing septic system.
What Is a Septic Assist Garbage Disposal?
A septic assist garbage disposal is a specially designed model that helps to keep your septic system running smoothly. The typical garbage disposal grinds up food waste and sends it down the drain, but this can be problematic for septic systems. When too much food waste is sent down the drain at once, it can overload the system and cause it to back up or even fail completely. A septic assist disposal is designed to break down food waste more slowly, so that it doesn’t put as much strain on the septic system. This type of disposal typically includes an extra grinding stage that helps to reduce the size of the pieces of food waste before they’re sent into the pipes.
A septic assist garbage disposal does not require any special installation – it simply needs to be connected to your existing plumbing system in the same way that other models would. If you need assistance with installing one of these disposals properly into an existing septic tank or drain field, look for a plumber who specializes in septic system installation and maintenance.
Why Do You Need a Garbage Disposal for a Septic Tank?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t want to spend too much time or money on maintaining your septic system. A good garbage disposal can help take some of the load off of your septic tank and keep things running smoothly without breaking the bank.
Septic tanks should be pumped out every few years as part of regular maintenance, and a properly installed garbage disposal can reduce the amount of sludge that needs to be dealt with during each pumping cycle. This means less work for your plumber and less expense for you in terms of pump-out fees – it’s a win all around!
If your septic tank is located in a particularly conspicuous place on your property, you’ll know that any odor it emits can be pretty offensive. One of the benefits of a garbage disposal for septic tanks is that it helps to reduce or eliminate unpleasant smells.
The grinding action of the disposal breaks down food waste into much smaller pieces, which means less opportunity for bacteria to form bad-smelling colonies. In addition, many disposals include a filter system that catches large chunks of food before they have a chance to enter the septic tank and start decomposing. This prevents clogs and backups that can cause even more smell problems than an overflowing tank would.
When your septic tank is filled with food waste, it will need to be pumped out a lot more frequently. This means that you’ll end up having to pay for extra service calls and fill fewer trash bags per month – not only does this save money on related costs, but it also helps reduce the amount of landfill-bound garbage produced by your household.
In addition, if you tend to send large quantities of food waste down the drain during each meal preparation session or cleaning period (for example when emptying dishwasher), a garbage disposal can help slow down those processes so that they don’t overwhelm the tank’s bacteria colonies as quickly. The result is less strain on an already taxed system and better performance overall!
If you’ve been dealing with persistent pipe leaks, it may be time to invest in a new garbage disposal. A good disposal unit can help distribute the load more evenly across your plumbing system, reducing the chance of individual pipes becoming over-stressed and developing cracks or other damage.
Leaky pipes are not only a nuisance, but they can also lead to extensive water damage if left unchecked. Installing a new garbage disposal is a relatively easy way to prevent this from happening, and it’s sure to save you money on future repairs down the road.
A garbage disposal is one of the most cost-effective home appliances you can buy for your septic tank, and it pays for itself in a relatively short period.
You’ll save time by not having to worry about frequent pump outs or filing trash bags – these are pretty common tasks when using a septic system, so any measure that reduces their frequency will obviously have significant benefits over the long term. You’ll also be able to reduce odors at an affordable price point with tools that are available on today’s market!
Finally, it’s worth noting that a garbage disposal can help protect the environment as well. By reducing food waste and sending less sewage down your pipes each month, you’ll be helping to minimize overall water pollution and preserve our natural resources for future generations.
One of the simplest ways to do your part is by installing an efficient garbage disposal unit – this small step will make a big difference in terms of how much work (and expense) you need to put into maintaining your septic system!
Garbage Disposal for Septic System Reviews
The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist is one of the best garbage disposals for septic systems on the market today! It features multi-grind technology, a powerful motor and corrosion resistant stainless steel components.
Compatible with standard plumbing connections so you can use your existing pipes or upgrade to an air switch if desired – this will allow you to keep all four hands firmly on the sink while operating it.
An excellent septic system disposal choice for homeowners with a low-flow or no-flush toilet and shower. This means you will need to watch the water level in your septic tank and empty it more often than usual (every three months instead of every four). It is not recommended that you use this unit if you have non drainable waste such as facial wipes, diapers, etc. Instead consider using our best garbage disposal for grease traps .
The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist comes complete with user manual included! For those homes where space under the sink becomes an issue we recommend installing this model through a custom cabinet door so you can close up access after installation – however keep in mind there is no air switch on this model so you will have to be close to the sink to turn it on and off.
- Multi-grind technology
- Corrosion resistant stainless steel components
- Compatible with standard plumbing connections
- Easy installation – can be installed through a custom cabinet door
- You will need to watch the water level in your septic tank and empty it more often than usual (every three months instead of every four)
- Not recommended if you have non drainable waste such as facial wipes, diapers, etc.
The Waste King L-8000 Legend Series is another excellent garbage disposal for septic systems ! This model comes with the power cord included so you do not need to purchase an air switch or plug separately. It features a one horsepower motor and stainless steel grind components – making it more than capable of grinding up tough food scraps!
This unit also has multi-grind technology, meaning that instead of just sending your wastewater down through one small passageway like models without this technology (such as the Badger series) it sends food waste through multiple smaller grind stages before exiting into your sewer system. This ensures that foods are ground completely ensuring less chance of clogs occurring later on down the road after they have already left your home.
The Waste King L-8000 also boasts a quick lock sink mount. This makes the installation process go much smoother and faster, which is ideal for those who are not looking to take an entire day installing their new garbage disposal! Lastly this model comes with a lifetime in home service warranty ensuring that you will receive parts or repairs if anything should ever happen to your unit down the road – at no additional charge!
- Quick lock sink mount for easy installation
- Lifetime in home service warranty
- Only works on a 110 volt electrical supply (not 220)
The Moen GX50C GX Series is another excellent garbage disposal for septic systems ! This unit comes with power cord included so you do not need to purchase an air switch or plug separately. It also features a one horsepower motor and stainless steel grind components – making it more than capable of grinding up tough food scraps!
This model also has multi-grind technology, meaning that instead of just sending your wastewater down through one small passageway like models without this technology (such as the Badger series) it sends food waste through multiple smaller grind stages before exiting into your sewer system. This ensures that foods are ground completely ensuring less chance of clogs occurring later on down the road after they have already left your house and entered the septic system.
This unit is designed for continuous use, so it can handle having food waste sent to it constantly throughout the day without overheating or shutting down due to overuse. This makes this disposal perfect if you have a large family who eats together often or if you are running a restaurant that sends tons of scraps into your sewer system daily! This model comes with an installation kit as well as very thorough instructions which make installing this device incredibly quick and easy even if you do not have prior experience working on plumbing systems . The Moen GX50C GX Series garbage disposal also has a two-year warranty included meaning that after purchasing it from us we will be here in case anything goes wrong within those first couple years of use!
- Comes with power cord included
- One horsepower motor
- Stainless steel grind components
- Multi-grind technology
- None that we could find!
This garbage disposal is another great option if you are trying to find the best garbage disposal for septic systems . It has a one horsepower motor just like our top pick, however it runs at 1725 RMPs – meaning that it is slightly more powerful than the Moen GX50C GX Series.
It boasts stainless steel grind components as well which ensures durability and makes this unit suitable for heavy-duty use in commercial kitchens or busy family homes! Like other models on our list it also features multi-grind technology and comes with an installation kit included so that there will be no extra cost associated with getting your device up and running quickly.
One of the biggest benefits we found while researching this model was its superior sound insulation. This unit is considered to be one of the quietest garbage disposals on the market – making it perfect for septic systems that are situated near living spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms.
- Powerful motor, suitable for heavy-duty use
- Durable stainless steel components ensure longevity and eliminate corrosion
- Quiet noise level is perfect for living spaces where septic systems are in close proximity
- Slightly more expensive than other models on our list
The Electrolux FFDI501DMS is another excellent choice for a garbage disposal that can handle being used on septic systems! This unit also comes with power cord included, meaning you do not need to buy an air switch or plug separately in order to get your system up and running.
It works by sending wastewater through multiple grinding stages before exiting into sewers instead of just one stage like other disposals without multi-grind technology (such as Badger series).
This will help the food you wash down your sink stay suspended in water instead of sitting on top or at the bottom until it is time for wastewater treatment. This process also reduces drain clogs, meaning less risk of harmful bacteria growing inside pipes which could lead to costly repairs! The downside would be that this model scores lower on noise level than other disposal units – however some users have noted they are able to handle a little extra noise if it means more power and longer lasting components.
- One horsepower motor (powerful than many other disposals)
- Multi grind technology for better performance on septic systems
- Noisy when in use.
If you’re looking for a quality, low-priced garbage disposal that is still able to handle some of the tougher scraps, the Badger model from InSinkErator is an excellent option. This disposal has a continuous feed design and comes with a five-year warranty – perfect if you’re not sure how long you’ll be living in your home! The Badger also features a one horsepower motor that can take on most types of food waste without any trouble.
This unit is best for homes with low to medium levels of food waste being sent down the drain. It’s not recommended if you have a large family or are someone who frequently entertains guests since it isn’t powerful enough to handle an increased volume in your household! If that sounds like you, be sure to check out our other recommendations below!
- Relatively affordable
- Continuous feed design is easy to use and reduces noise levels by up to 40% compared to batch-feed units!
- Not recommended for large families or heavy users.
The Frigidaire GrindPro is a neat little disposal unit that comes with several features you won’t find elsewhere. The main selling point of this product is its grind-pro feature which allows for continuous grinding and power interruption during heavy use – perfect if someone accidentally drops a large piece in the sink when they’re trying to unload the dishwasher! This system can handle just about any type or size of food waste, even bones and shells from seafood such as lobsters and crabs!
If you want an affordable solution that doesn’t skimp on quality, this model will likely be your best bet. It has a three horsepower motor so it’s powerful enough to take care of most household items while still being able to reduce noise levels.
One downside to this particular unit is that it can be a little bit difficult to install for some people. Additionally, it doesn’t come with a power cord so you’ll need to provide your own – not a huge deal but something to keep in mind. Finally, the Frigidaire GrindPro doesn’t have a reversible option so if you’re looking for something versatile, you might want to consider another model.
- Grinds continuously even with large pieces
- Low noise levels
- Powerful motor
- Difficult to install for some people
How to Choose the Best Garbage Disposal for Septic Tanks
Not all garbage disposals are created equal – in order to be septic-system ready, a model must meet certain requirements in terms of size and power. Be sure to check the product specifications before making your purchase, as not all disposers will work with every type of septic tank setup.
If you’re unsure whether or not a specific disposal is compatible with your septic system, contact the manufacturer or your local septic service provider for more information. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to ensuring that your home appliances are working properly!
Septic-safe garbage disposals typically have a higher price tag than their standard counterparts, but this added investment can be well worth it in the long run when you consider all of the benefits they can add to your plumbing system.
If you’re looking for a garbage disposal that is ready to work with any compatible septic tank, be sure to check out our product reviews and ratings below! We only selected models from leading manufacturers in this guide – rest assured that whatever we recommend will not let you down.
When it comes to choosing a garbage disposal for your septic tank, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a continuous or batch feed model.
Continuous feed disposals allow you to send waste down the drain as it is created, while batch feed disposals require that all scraps be placed into the unit at once before being ground up and sent on their way.
There are pros and cons to each approach – continuous feed disposals are more convenient but can be more difficult to operate, while batch feed models tend to be safer but take longer to use. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and how comfortable you feel using each type of disposal.
If you’re not sure which option is right for your home, consider purchasing a disposal with several cycle settings. This can give you the best of both worlds by allowing you to switch between continuous and batch feed depending on what type of food waste is in your household at any given time!
Another key factor to consider when shopping for a garbage disposal is how much noise it produces. Luckily, all of the models we’ve recommended below rank among the quietest on the market – you won’t need to worry about irritating your ears or waking up neighbors with a loud unit that’s also efficient and effective at grinding up food waste.
In general, batch-feed disposals tend to be quieter than continuous feed units as they do not require an impeller arm that turns during operation. They are better suited for locations where space may be limited because there is no shaft protruding from them like what can happen with some continuous feed models (although this isn’t always the case). If you’re worried about disturbing in your household while using your disposal, be sure to check out our noise ratings before making a purchase!
The last factor to consider when selecting a garbage disposal is how much food waste you typically send down the drain on an average day. While some disposals are rated for use with more than one person, they can be inefficient and ineffective if overworked – this means that it’s best not to purchase any unit that isn’t capable of meeting your household’s needs.
If you have a large family or frequently entertain guests, it’s important to choose a disposal that is capable of handling more food waste. Be sure to look for disposals with high horsepower ratings and review the maximum wattage to ensure that your new unit can handle whatever you’re throwing its way!
When shopping for a new garbage disposal, it’s important to be aware of the types of food waste you’ll typically be sending down the drain. This will help you determine just how finely your unit needs to grind up scraps and which type of grinding chamber is best suited for your home.
We recommend continuous feed units with either “multi-grind” or “two-stage” technology as these models are able to handle more volume than standard disposals while still being relatively easy on homeowners’ budgets! Multi-grind chambers use small and large cutting components at once so that larger pieces can quickly become smaller ones – ultimately allowing them to pass through plumbing systems without clogging pumps or causing system failure. Two stage units have one impeller blade that pulverizes food waste as it is sent toward a second blade that breaks up small particles even further – these models are able to grind through bones and other foods you’d typically consider “un-grindable.”
Tips for installing and using garbage disposal for septic system
- Use cold water when grinding food to reduce grease build up
- Acidic or greasy foods can cause problems for your septic system, so don’t grind too much of it. Also avoid fibrous items like corn husks and artichokes.- It’s best to run the faucet while using a garbage disposal unit. Cold water helps sharpen carbon blades inside the machine which reduces jamming.
- Always use plenty of cold running water when using your garbage disposal unit. Never pour bleach, cooking oil, fat or even large amounts of leftover cooked vegetables down the drain as they can clog pipes over time causing expensive repairs!
- Garbage disposals are only meant for small food scraps such as fruit peels and egg shells. Do not put large items like chicken bones or fruit pits down the drain.
- If you regularly run hot water after using your garbage disposal, it will only clog up with grease and oils which is a huge waste of energy!
- Avoid putting starchy foods such as rice and pasta in the unit. While they may not cause any issues immediately, over time they can form a sticky paste that causes problems within the system.
- Always use a drain screen to catch food particles and other debris. This will help keep your septic system running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t put certain things down the garbage disposal. But what about your septic system? If you have a septic tank and use a garbage disposal, should you be concerned about clogs and backups in the line to the leach field or drainfield? The good news is no – as long as you choose one of our top-rated units for this application! On our site we offer reviews of some of the best products on the market so take a look at these products to find out which will work best for your needs. We also provide FAQs just in case there are any questions that come up during setup.
