Garbage Disposals with septic systems (1 Viewer)

[SayChowda]

Any of you have a garbage disposal with a septic system (instead of town sewer)?

In a new house (to me) and we don't have a disposal, which I am used to. I have been warned that if you have septic for waste a disposal is bad news. However others have said just buy a 3/4 horsepower one and I'll be fine.

Any experiences?

 

[avoiding injuries]

Septic, no disposal. You'll just have to empty earlier.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Septic with disposal.

We are selective about what we put down the drain but still plenty of scraps go in with no issues. Been doing it 19 years now.

Just scrape the big stuff into the trash and the rest can wash off down drain with disposal.

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

Sadly, this is my area of expertise. I am an environmental health specialist (sanitarian). Disposals with septics are bad news. The bacteria in your septic tank exist to consume human waste and in doing so clarify the water.

To make this easy to understand. Lets say one bacteria consuming one bacteria sized portion of fecal matter requires 1 horsepower. So that is our baseline. Now:

plant matter - 200hp

sugar - 10,000hp

milk - 40,000hp

Any extra energy expended by the bacteria means it takes longer for them to process and less "nutrition" leading to lower bacterial growth. It can lead to a "black" septic reaching your drainfield which could destroy the good bacteria in the soil. It can lead to premature field failure in multiple ways.

I hear what Retired said everyday. Sure 1 guy may be ok longer than usual, but invariably we find serious issues.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Only in the FFA. Love this place.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Cold Dead,

Our septic company recommends us adding a full bottle of Septic System Treatment every other month. Reading the bottle it says it contains natural bacteria and enzymes to help break down the organic build up.

I have read conflicting information on whether this liquid helps or hurts the system.

Any thoughts?

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

Cold Dead,

Our septic company recommends us adding a full bottle of Septic System Treatment every other month. Reading the bottle it says it contains natural bacteria and enzymes to help break down the organic build up.

I have read conflicting information on whether this liquid helps or hurts the system.

Any thoughts?

I'd like to know this also.

My septic company says Rid-x doesn't work, but they are biased.

 

[SayChowda]

Thanks for the feedback.

Cold Dead Hands, like the rest of the folks are asking, can you add bottled bacteria that will help things?

And is this a difference of emptying the tank every year instead of every two years?

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

Cold Dead,

Our septic company recommends us adding a full bottle of Septic System Treatment every other month. Reading the bottle it says it contains natural bacteria and enzymes to help break down the organic build up.

I have read conflicting information on whether this liquid helps or hurts the system.

Any thoughts?

I'd like to know this also.

My septic company says Rid-x doesn't work, but they are biased.

Answer both at once. There is no scientific evidence that Rid-X has any positive effect on a septic tank. At best it has no effect. I would avoid it entirely.

As for the enzymes the rule of thumb, besides toilet paper, is if it doesn't come out of you then it shouldn't go in the septic. Bacteria are competitive creatures. They all live in the same areas, compete for space and air, but don't all compete for sustenance. basically too much of the wrong bacteria can be more harmful than too few of the right bacteria.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a "toxic" septic situation including: antibiotics/medicines, various food particles, and yes, additives. Your best maintenance is to have the tank pumped once every 3 to 5 years. every three is recommended if you have a garbage disposal

 

[matttyl]

Thanks for the feedback.

Cold Dead Hands, like the rest of the folks are asking, can you add bottled bacteria that will help things?

And is this a difference of emptying the tank every year instead of every two years?

What?! That seems excessive! I lived in my last house for I think 5 years and had the previous owner empty it when I bought it, and my buyers had me do it again when I sold it - nothing in between. In my new house I had the sellers empty it before I moved in, and it's been a year now. I also have a disposal to boot (my first). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

Thanks for the feedback.

Cold Dead Hands, like the rest of the folks are asking, can you add bottled bacteria that will help things?

And is this a difference of emptying the tank every year instead of every two years?

Pumping a tank too often is harmful to the system as well. It takes a while for the bacteria to get to a certain productive level in a tank in order to properly treat the effluent. No more often than every three years is recommended. A healthy system should be pumped every 5.

 

[matttyl]

Your best maintenance is to have the tank pumped once every 3 to 5 years. every three is recommended if you have a garbage disposal

Thanks. That sounds better.

 

[matttyl]

Thanks for the feedback.

Cold Dead Hands, like the rest of the folks are asking, can you add bottled bacteria that will help things?

And is this a difference of emptying the tank every year instead of every two years?

Pumping a tank too often is harmful to the system as well. It takes a while for the bacteria to get to a certain productive level in a tank in order to properly treat the effluent. No more often than every three years is recommended. A healthy system should be pumped every 5.

When you pump it, say after 3 years, should the guy doing the pumping (that sounds dirty) be able to tell you if your system was/is healthy or not? Can he tell you that you could have gone another year or two before needing pumping, or be able to tell you that you could go 5 years before pumping again?

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

Thanks for the feedback.

Cold Dead Hands, like the rest of the folks are asking, can you add bottled bacteria that will help things?

And is this a difference of emptying the tank every year instead of every two years?

Pumping a tank too often is harmful to the system as well. It takes a while for the bacteria to get to a certain productive level in a tank in order to properly treat the effluent. No more often than every three years is recommended. A healthy system should be pumped every 5.

When you pump it, say after 3 years, should the guy doing the pumping (that sounds dirty) be able to tell you if your system was/is healthy or not? Can he tell you that you could have gone another year or two before needing pumping, or be able to tell you that you could go 5 years before pumping again?

Not really. They can tell how much floating matter you have and how much sludge has built up. They can tell you whether or not your tank is structurally sound, but that is pretty much the extent of their expertise. Too much floating debris can indicate over accumulation of non-biodegradable material, but there is usually a thick mat of floatsum anyway. Sludge is a better indicator as too much or too little can be equally bad for different reasons. Too much at 5 years you should consider pumpimg every 4. Too little and you may be killing the bacteria in the tank causing a "toxic" tank, through medicines, overuse of bleach, etc.

 

[matttyl]

through medicines, overuse of bleach, etc.

Never thought about either. The bleach thing makes perfect sense, though, it would just kill any bacteria it gets in contact with. So don't use too much of it in your laundry? As for the medicines, you're talking about not flushing old/expired drugs and such?

 

[Parrothead]

nothing more disgusting than a big tank filled with 5 years of pooping.. :X

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

through medicines, overuse of bleach, etc.

Never thought about either. The bleach thing makes perfect sense, though, it would just kill any bacteria it gets in contact with. So don't use too much of it in your laundry? As for the medicines, you're talking about not flushing old/expired drugs and such?

A lot of people clean with straight bleach. A simple 10 water to 1 bleach solution is enough to clean with and will limit the harm to your septic. Some bleach in the laundry is a given. It is essentially designed into the system sizing. The medicines, flushing is bad as the full dose time releases as it disintigrates. But the real harm comes from people taking the medicines. A very high percentage of any antibiotic is actually flushed from your system in the urine. I have seen entire drainfields fail within months of someone going on chemo. Nothing to prevent it either. Tough situation. Most of these fields recover hwne the person comes off of medication. So short term antibiotic use does harm your system but not longterm.

 

[SayChowda]

The reason why I threw out pumping every two years was just based on the recommendation by the person that did the Title V inspection. No other reasons for me to say anything on the timing. All new stuff here.

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

Thanks for the feedback.

Cold Dead Hands, like the rest of the folks are asking, can you add bottled bacteria that will help things?

And is this a difference of emptying the tank every year instead of every two years?

Pumping a tank too often is harmful to the system as well. It takes a while for the bacteria to get to a certain productive level in a tank in order to properly treat the effluent. No more often than every three years is recommended. A healthy system should be pumped every 5.

When you pump it, say after 3 years, should the guy doing the pumping (that sounds dirty) be able to tell you if your system was/is healthy or not? Can he tell you that you could have gone another year or two before needing pumping, or be able to tell you that you could go 5 years before pumping again?

Not really. They can tell how much floating matter you have and how much sludge has built up. They can tell you whether or not your tank is structurally sound, but that is pretty much the extent of their expertise. Too much floating debris can indicate over accumulation of non-biodegradable material, but there is usually a thick mat of floatsum anyway. Sludge is a better indicator as too much or too little can be equally bad for different reasons. Too much at 5 years you should consider pumpimg every 4. Too little and you may be killing the bacteria in the tank causing a "toxic" tank, through medicines, overuse of bleach, etc.

Man, I didn't know I needed to be a chemist just to take a dump!

I'm not even going to bring up baby wipes

 

[villa]

Here in Wisconsin, they make us have it pumped out every two years? The gov/dnr send out notices and such saying it needs to be done.

 

[matttyl]

Also, don't flush condoms!

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

Thanks for the feedback.

Cold Dead Hands, like the rest of the folks are asking, can you add bottled bacteria that will help things?

And is this a difference of emptying the tank every year instead of every two years?

Pumping a tank too often is harmful to the system as well. It takes a while for the bacteria to get to a certain productive level in a tank in order to properly treat the effluent. No more often than every three years is recommended. A healthy system should be pumped every 5.

When you pump it, say after 3 years, should the guy doing the pumping (that sounds dirty) be able to tell you if your system was/is healthy or not? Can he tell you that you could have gone another year or two before needing pumping, or be able to tell you that you could go 5 years before pumping again?

Not really. They can tell how much floating matter you have and how much sludge has built up. They can tell you whether or not your tank is structurally sound, but that is pretty much the extent of their expertise. Too much floating debris can indicate over accumulation of non-biodegradable material, but there is usually a thick mat of floatsum anyway. Sludge is a better indicator as too much or too little can be equally bad for different reasons. Too much at 5 years you should consider pumpimg every 4. Too little and you may be killing the bacteria in the tank causing a "toxic" tank, through medicines, overuse of bleach, etc.

Man, I didn't know I needed to be a chemist just to take a dump!

I'm not even going to bring up baby wipes

Baby wipes or those biodegradable wipes that Rohn Jambo was all about on here about a year ago? Regular baby wipes do not degrade in the tank very well. We found some clogging the actual drainlines of a family of three who had never pumped their tank. The youngest was 5. Almost as bad as the house where the guys son had been banging his grilfriends at the house and flushing the condoms for years. Guy was busy. Or the house where the teenage daughter flushed the clothes she didn't like. We found old blouses in the distribution box... I've seen things.

 

[3C's]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

Here in Wisconsin, they make us have it pumped out every two years? The gov/dnr send out notices and such saying it needs to be done.

That is overkill but typical of elected officials. We have illogical regulations and policies here as well.

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

Did you buy the house in the last 7 years?

 

[3C's]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

Did you buy the house in the last 7 years?

No, been here 10 and that's the 2nd time we've had it pumped. Dist box was fine last time. System is 20 years old.

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

Did you buy the house in the last 7 years?

No, been here 10 and that's the 2nd time we've had it pumped. Dist box was fine last time. System is 20 years old.

Ok, could be a lot of things but depends on where the issue actually is located. Typically the distribution box is located at a top corner. Pipes come out of those and go straight downhill, these feed the drain lines which run with ground contour, or perpendicular to the ground slope. Where is the wetness? within a few feet downslope of the d-box? straight downslope from the d-box but more than a few feet? Or along the path of one of the drainlines? Typically near the end of the line?

 

[Keerock]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

Did you buy the house in the last 7 years?

No, been here 10 and that's the 2nd time we've had it pumped. Dist box was fine last time. System is 20 years old.

Ok, could be a lot of things but depends on where the issue actually is located. Typically the distribution box is located at a top corner. Pipes come out of those and go straight downhill, these feed the drain lines which run with ground contour, or perpendicular to the ground slope. Where is the wetness? within a few feet downslope of the d-box? straight downslope from the d-box but more than a few feet? Or along the path of one of the drainlines? Typically near the end of the line?

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

Did you buy the house in the last 7 years?

No, been here 10 and that's the 2nd time we've had it pumped. Dist box was fine last time. System is 20 years old.

Ok, could be a lot of things but depends on where the issue actually is located. Typically the distribution box is located at a top corner. Pipes come out of those and go straight downhill, these feed the drain lines which run with ground contour, or perpendicular to the ground slope. Where is the wetness? within a few feet downslope of the d-box? straight downslope from the d-box but more than a few feet? Or along the path of one of the drainlines? Typically near the end of the line?

Out of everything here, that's what you picked up on? You're more messed up than me. It is fun to say though.

 

[Keerock]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

Did you buy the house in the last 7 years?

No, been here 10 and that's the 2nd time we've had it pumped. Dist box was fine last time. System is 20 years old.

Ok, could be a lot of things but depends on where the issue actually is located. Typically the distribution box is located at a top corner. Pipes come out of those and go straight downhill, these feed the drain lines which run with ground contour, or perpendicular to the ground slope. Where is the wetness? within a few feet downslope of the d-box? straight downslope from the d-box but more than a few feet? Or along the path of one of the drainlines? Typically near the end of the line?

Out of everything here, that's what you picked up on? You're more messed up than me. It is fun to say though.

Not sure why I'm even reading this thread. Guess poop is interesting.

 

[NewlyRetired]

CDH,

Thank you for your info!

If the liquids enzyme mixes are not needed for the system, do you know why the Septic company recommends them? They give us a full case every time we pump.

What is the benefit to the septic pumping company?

 

[3C's]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

Did you buy the house in the last 7 years?

No, been here 10 and that's the 2nd time we've had it pumped. Dist box was fine last time. System is 20 years old.

Ok, could be a lot of things but depends on where the issue actually is located. Typically the distribution box is located at a top corner. Pipes come out of those and go straight downhill, these feed the drain lines which run with ground contour, or perpendicular to the ground slope. Where is the wetness? within a few feet downslope of the d-box? straight downslope from the d-box but more than a few feet? Or along the path of one of the drainlines? Typically near the end of the line?

Distance from the dist box I would venture to guess it's the end of a drain line. Haven't measured but it's 20 feet or more from the dbox.

Something I just thought of. Obviously the system was put in when the house was built in 94. A fence was put in some time after that and somewhat removed (people before us were...something). Where the issue is is really close to the corner fence post. Wondering if maybe they "disturbed" that drain line when digging.

 

[3C's]

CDH,

Thank you for your info!

If the liquids enzyme mixes are not needed for the system, do you know why the Septic company recommends them? They give us a full case every time we pump.

What is the benefit to the septic pumping company?

The guy that pumped mine ( ) years ago was the "professional" in the commercial. Probably getting a kick back.

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

CDH,

Thank you for your info!

If the liquids enzyme mixes are not needed for the system, do you know why the Septic company recommends them? They give us a full case every time we pump.

What is the benefit to the septic pumping company?

Likely built into the price of pumping. And as said above, a lot of these guys just get the product for free and want to get rid of it.

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

We may have an expert on our hands so I have a question if you don't mind. County rules enforce pumping every 7 years so I had ours pumped when it was coming due. That was at the start of the year. Tank was pumped and found to be in great shape. The distribution box however was falling apart. So had that replaced. I think at the time the guy said one leg of the distribution was blocked off. I think. Not long after that I notice water coming up from the ground "downstream" from the box. And it would just so happen to be that it appears to be from that leg that is no longer blocked. Now months later there's a large area of the ground that is dark and wet. And of course it stinks. Rest of the distribution field is fine. Any idea why that leg of the field is f'd up?

Did you buy the house in the last 7 years?

No, been here 10 and that's the 2nd time we've had it pumped. Dist box was fine last time. System is 20 years old.

Ok, could be a lot of things but depends on where the issue actually is located. Typically the distribution box is located at a top corner. Pipes come out of those and go straight downhill, these feed the drain lines which run with ground contour, or perpendicular to the ground slope. Where is the wetness? within a few feet downslope of the d-box? straight downslope from the d-box but more than a few feet? Or along the path of one of the drainlines? Typically near the end of the line?

Distance from the dist box I would venture to guess it's the end of a drain line. Haven't measured but it's 20 feet or more from the dbox.

Something I just thought of. Obviously the system was put in when the house was built in 94. A fence was put in some time after that and somewhat removed (people before us were...something). Where the issue is is really close to the corner fence post. Wondering if maybe they "disturbed" that drain line when digging.

That happens. Sometimes they even puncture the line itself. If you have a leaking header line (line that feeds the drain line) that would usually surface downslope from where the leak actually is. If you have a hole through one of the drainlines into the gravel you could have a situation where the effluent is taking the path of least resistance to the surface. Sometimes when a fence post is removed, no one bothers to refill the hole so you end up getting only topsoil filling in the first few inches of the void on the surface.

 

[arrow1]

Thank you for all the info. From the sounds of it, we should get ours pumped....

 

[3C's]

Thanks CDH. I'll get this looked at eventually. Called the guys who I've dealt with before. Old man owner is "forgetful" or something.

 

[Bucky86]

Well, ####....

 

[3C's]

Well, ####....

Kind of how it works. Comes out of the well and then goes to the poop box.

 

[Bucky86]

Well, ####....

Kind of how it works. Comes out of the well and then goes to the poop box.

Are you ####ting me?

 

[3C's]

Well, ####....

Kind of how it works. Comes out of the well and then goes to the poop box.

Are you ####ting me?

Only if you're the 1500 gallon tank in my backyard.

 

[tonydead]

What about leaving sink or shower water running for a long periods of time? Help, hurt or doesn't matter?

 

[3C's]

What about leaving sink or shower water running for a long periods of time? Help, hurt or doesn't matter?

Not a good idea.

 

[McGarnicle]

Does this stuff really work to restore a drainfield?

http://septicperc.com

 

[3C's]

Does this stuff really work to restore a drainfield?

http://septicperc.com

Would be nice if it did. Could be my cure. Could be that the problem area is hard clay (lot of that around) and the drainage is taking the easiest path. Interested in giving it a shot.

 

[SayChowda]

Some of the things we have learned here (I think):

1. Chemicals/additives that stores sell to help your septic tank are not advised.

2. Don't pour things like bleach/medicine/etc down your drain.

3. Empty your tank every 3-5 years.

4. Disposals are not recommended. If you do have one, empty your tank more frequently.

There may be more...

 

[SayChowda]

Had my tank emptied yesterday for the first time since I've owned the house (late June). Learned the tank is 1500 gallons.

Septic guy was concerned that the tank was overflowing/too full of water. Said it should have been draining out. Wants us to open up the cap in 3 weeks to see how full it is. If it is draining properly, the water level should not be high at all.

There was a Title V done before we bought the house. But if there ends up being an issue with the tank/system I will be seriously pissed. And will probably have to get into a legal battle with the person that did the Title V inspection.

We haven't noticed any issues ourselves though - everything in the house and lawn has been fine. So hopefully this is nothing.

 

[glumpy]

I'm not even going to bring up baby wipes

Also, don't flush condoms!

Just my .02 and probably not necessary....I've been on septic systems for about 35 years and would add to this list: don't get the fancy TP either. At first my idea was to get the softest, strongest, bestest I could for guests in the house but learned that many of those brands don't dissolve well either. IF you "can't poke a finger through it" then it's probably too tough. I don't get flimsy stuff but the normal generics will work and dissolve just fine.

Coincidentally, the healthiest system I've ever been on is the one I've got right now. When we open the top to inspect there are live bugs populating it. Long as they're flying around I figure it's in good shape, and I guess we last pumped at about the seven year mark.