Yes, garbage disposals are convenient. We will give you that. There is something to be said about sending scrap food down the sink and kissing it goodbye forever. The only problem is that you aren’t actually kissing those chunks of food goodbye forever. Not at all, actually.

After you say your goodbyes and blend those little pieces of food into oblivion, they begin to make their way through the plumbing in your home and eventually reach their destination: your septic tank. This is when the problem begins. What is the problem you may ask?

The problem is that your septic system is not meant to decompose and process food particles. You see, your septic system is designed to break down human waste and filter clean, waste-less water into your drain field or sand mound. The bacteria in your system that breaks down your waste and allows your system to function properly is in no way equipped to handle the chunks of food that you’re sending down the sink on a daily basis. Therefore, these food particles can literally pile up in the bottom of your septic tank just like trash in a landfill, or worse…float across the top of your septic tank and into your drain field or sand mound’s dosing tank. This can cause system failure, resulting in the need for a new system – FYI, a sand mound system starts at $15,000 – or a new pump for your sand mound – which average a starting price of $750 plus installation – both scenarios are far from ideal for your wallet.

So, what does all of this mean? The basis of this article is to discourage you and your family from installing or using a garbage disposal in your home. The chunks of food that you send down the drain never actually disappear, and can wreak havoc on your septic system and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Bottom line: avoid the monster under your sink. Turn off the garbage disposal.

Questions? Always feel free to contact our team at Advanced Septic Services with any questions or concerns you may have at (717) 789 – 4548 or advancedsepticservicesinc@gmail.com.