One of the simplest ways to keep your septic system healthy and functioning at an optimal level is to reduce the use of your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals can add excessive scraps in a septic system and lead to rapid scum and sludge buildup in the septic tank. Overuse of your garbage disposal can also shorten the time between septic tank pumping. It’s estimated that homes with garbage disposal units can produce about double the solids as those without disposals.
To reduce your garbage disposal use, choose to discard scraps and solids in your trash or compost pile. Keep in mind that what goes down your drain ends up in your septic system. The scum layer on top of the wastewater in your septic tank is primarily made up of fats, oils, and grease from the kitchen that eventually hardens on the liquid surface. These lighter wastes rise to the top of the system and form a scum layer, while heavier solids such as food scraps settle to the bottom and form a sludge layer. This scum and sludge can lead to clogging, and such septic system problems as bad odors, surface water contamination, groundwater pollution, and failed septic systems.
If you insist on using your garbage disposal on a regular basis, opt for a disposal specially designed for use with septic systems. Those designed for use with septic systems use a high speed motor to grind waste into fine particles, and/or have an additive that provides microorganisms that encourage breakdown in the septic tank.
For more tips on how to keep your Northern Virginia septic system healthy, contact SES. SES has been inspecting, servicing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial Northern Virginia septic systems since 1987, and offers 24-hour emergency response for septic system problems.