Best Garbage Disposal for Septic System
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A septic tank is a watertight tank for storing domestic sanitary wastewater underground and is quite common in areas that don’t have connected sewerage systems. Specifically, more than 26 million households in the US, which is about 25% of all households that use septic systems. Unfortunately, standard garbage disposal units are not designed for use with septic systems as they can increase the number of solids in the tank.
So, if you have a septic tank in your home, you have to look for a garbage disposal that is specifically designed for septic systems. Otherwise, you’ll constantly face blockage problems, affecting the overall performance and effectiveness of your septic tank. In addition, investing in a septic-friendly garbage disposal will ensure safe and hygienic use of the appliance in the kitchen.
As you would expect though, finding the best garbage disposal for septic systems isn’t an easy task, especially in a market dominated by standard garbage disposal units.
On the bright side, this article has some incredible options to help you find a garbage disposal that can easily handle your septic system!
4 Best Garbage Disposals for Septic System
1. Insinkerator Evolution Septic Assist Garbage Disposal
At first glance, you’ll note that this garbage disposal is equipped with a Bio-Charge cartridge, something you’ll not see in standard garbage disposals. The Bio-Charge cartridge adds an automatic injection of enzyme-producing microorganisms to aid in the breakdown of food waste. As a result, your septic system remains healthy since these microorganisms break down food much more quickly and efficiently.
Even better, the bio-charge enzyme treatment is citrus-scented to leave your garbage disposal with a pleasant smell after use. Moreover, the cartridge holds 16 oz of treatment, which can last for about 3 – 4 mounts with average use.
Moving on, it’s this garbage disposal with a durable LeakGuard Liner to ensure food waste doesn’t lead into the septic system. In addition, the liner reduces the amount of waste released into the septic tank, keeping it clean and healthy.
On top of that, this garbage disposal is powered by a durable 3⁄4 HP Dura-drive induction motor. This gives it superior grinding power to break down even the toughest food scraps with ease. At the same time, it uses 2-stage multi-grind technology to reduce the time taken to grind this food waste, leading to a fast operation.
Interestingly, despite having a powerful motor, this unit offers quiet operation, making it a great option if you live in a shared space.
Specifications
- HorsePower: ¾ HP
- Feed type: Continuous
- Weight: 22.6 lbs
- Grinding Speed: 1725 RPM
- Warranty: 4 years
Benefits
- Quieter operation than older models due to the noise & anti-vibration features
- Comes with a septic solution to biodegrade particles in your septic tank
- Includes all the necessary parts for easy installation
- Backed by a 4-year warranty for extended rust & durability
- Excellent build quality
Drawbacks
- Heavy and difficult to install in tight spaces
- May not fit in standard kitchen sink cabinets with double basins
2. Moen GXS75C Garbage Disposal
To be precise, this disposal is powered by a ¾ HP vortex motor that operates at an impressive speed of up to 2700 RPM. As a result, it can easily tackle even the toughest food scraps, significantly reducing the risk of jams.
In addition, this unit is equipped with Soundshield sound-deadening insulation. This eliminates disruptive noise when running the appliance to deliver a quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for apartment dwellers.
However, perhaps the most incredible feature of this garbage disposal is that it’s septic-safe. Therefore, you can use it with properly-sized septic systems, without being concerned about harming the septic tank.
As for installation, this garbage disposal is designed to fit most existing assemblies, including those from other brands. Better yet, it has a compact, lightweight design and even comes with a pre-installed power cord to make the installation process breeze, while saving up valuable space beneath the kitchen sink.
Lastly, this garbage disposal is ideal for those who cook for large gatherings, thanks to its 3-liter capacity. Plus, it’s backed by a 10-year warranty to ensure you get long-lasting performance.
Specifications
- Grinding speed: 2700 RPM
- Weight: 7.75 lbs
- HorsePower: ¾ HP
- Feed Type: Continuous
- Warranty: 10 years
Benefits
- Quiet during operation
- Sturdy & durable construction
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor
- Easy installation with twist-on collar & locking mechanism
- Includes a splash guard
- Compact design provides more under-sink space
- Environmentally friendly
Drawbacks
- Can be noisy when first turned on
3. Kraus KWD100-75MBL WasteGuard Garbage Disposal
In addition, this garbage disposal is user-friendly and extremely easy to install. This is because it’s equipped with a 2-step mounting assembly that easily attaches it into place in no time. Best of all, this unit is completely safe to use with most septic systems and even creates a perfect seal with rubber gaskets to prevent leaks after installation.
Still on installation, this unit has a universal design that is compatible with all types of kitchen sinks. Not to forget that it’s compatible with standard round 1 ½” drainage and 3 ½” drain induction connections.
Regarding the construction, the housing of this garbage disposal is made of robust ABS thermoplastic while its grinding chamber is crafted from stainless steel. In addition, it includes a power cord, stainless steel rimmed mounting flange, drain & dishwasher connectors, and a sink drain stopper. Overall, this construction gives it exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and quiet operation.
Talking of quiet operation, this disposal unit is equipped with anti-vibration and QuietStorm soundproofing technologies to keep it whisper-quiet while it’s running. Moreover, it has an overload protection system that cuts off electricity when a blockage occurs to protect its Permanent Magnet MagnaGrind motor.
Specifications
- Motor Rating: ¾ HP
- Chamber material: ABS Thermoplastic
- Feed Type: Continuous
- Grinding speed: 3800 RPM
Benefits
- Quiet operation
- Powerful and efficient grinding
- Easy and straightforward installation
- Ideal for handling tough jobs
- Rust-resistant stainless steel components
- Includes a sink stopper
- Overload protection to prevent motor damage
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t include a dishwasher connector kit
4. Chooba Garbage Disposal
Surprisingly, even with its multi-dimensional grinding system and powerful motor, this unit is one of the quietest garbage disposals for septic tanks on the market. Thanks to its quality protection shell’s vibration-reducing properties, making its motor up to 20% quieter than other models.
That aside, this unit has an impressive internal design. For instance, its grinding blades are made from stainless steel to resist corrosion and reduce noise, while its grinding chamber has a unique design to reduce clogging and jamming. Even better, it’s equipped with an inbuilt anti-jamming time to prevent the motor from overheating when the unit is jammed. Also, this anti-jamming technology detects any blockages in the unit and automatically reverses them to break them up, keeping your appliance running smoothly and efficiently.
Finally, this unit is incredibly easy to install, use and maintain. For instance, installing the basic setup only takes 20 minutes, making it a great option for beginners and those with limited space. Plus, the disposal comes with a 2-year warranty both for parts and labor.
Specifications
- 2-year warranty
- ¾ HP DC motor
- Continuous feed type
- Anti-jamming technology
- Multi-dimensional grinding system
Benefits
- Incredible easy to install
- Powerful and efficient motor
- Considerably quieter than older garbage disposal models
- Works quickly and efficiently
- A multidimensional grinding system shreds down all types of food waste
- The mount of this garbage disposal is compatible with most kitchen sinks
Drawbacks
- Heavier than other models
Important factors to consider when buying the best garbage disposal for a septic system
Choosing the best garbage disposal for your septic tank is an important decision that will impact the environment and the efficiency of your septic system. Luckily, putting the following factors during your selection process will help you make an informed decision;
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Size of your septic tank
If you’re thinking about buying a garbage disposal for your septic system, you need to consider the size of your septic tank first. More importantly, you should ensure that your septic tank can handle the food waste that the disposal unit will add to the septic system. If the septic tank is too small, it may not accommodate the additional waste from the disposal, leading to a buildup of solids and eventually clogging the system.
In general, a septic tank should have a capacity of at least 1000 gallons to accommodate the waste from a garbage disposal. So, if your septic tank is smaller than that, consider upgrading it to handle more waste before buying a garbage disposal.
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Family size
The frequency of garbage disposal use and the number of people in the house are other important factors you need to consider when buying a garbage disposal for a septic system. If you frequently use the garbage disposal in a large household, make sure the septic tank is large enough to handle the additional waste from the unit. Otherwise, you’re likely to encounter clogs and other issues with your septic system.
In addition, you should consider the type and amount of food you intend to dispose of through the unit on a daily basis. In that regard, if you’re a couple, a smaller, single-stage garbage disposal may be all you all need. However, if you have a large family, consider buying a larger-capacity garbage disposal with continuous feed or a multi-stage grinding system.
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Grinding power of the garbage disposal
The best garbage disposal for septic systems must have enough grinding power to shred food waste into finer particles. Or else it will end up clogging the septic system and damage the drain field, tank, and other components.
To prevent that, make sure you choose a disposal unit that properly breaks down food waste into fine particles. In addition, the garbage disposal should have sharp blades and a powerful motor to break down the waste efficiently.
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Motor Power
Similar to standard garbage disposal units, it’s important to consider the motor power, which is rated in horsepower, when buying a garbage disposal for septic systems. Choosing a unit with the right motor power will ensure that it can properly break down and grind the food scraps without getting overwhelmed or clogged.
Generally speaking, a garbage disposal with a horsepower of at least 0.5HP is sufficient for most households, However, if your household produces more food waste, you should consider buying a 0.75 HP disposal as it can handle large loads.
Conclusion
The best garbage disposal for septic systems should be designed to grind up food waste to fine particles to reduce the amount of waste that goes into the septic tank. In addition, it should have an exceptional ability to reduce odors and noise produced by the unit during operation. Luckily, most of the garbage disposals we’ve reviewed above have met these thresholds, making them an excellent option for septic tank owners.
People Also Ask
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Do I need a garbage disposal for my septic system?
No, you don’t necessarily need a garbage disposal for your septic system. In fact, garbage disposal adds extra food waste into the tank, increasing the number of solids and reducing the effectiveness of the septic system.
However, a garbage disposal for septic systems also offers a clean and hygienic way to get rid of food waste without it clogging your drainage system. In addition, the garbage disposal grinds food waste into much finer particles, allowing them to easily pass through the drainage.
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What helps break down food waste in a septic tank?
Septic tanks have naturally occurring enzymes and bacteria that break down solid food waste, oil, grease, and fat into smaller particles to keep the tank clean. However, you can also add these bacteria to the septic tank through various products like biocharge enzyme treatment.
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Can you put all food items in a septic tank through a garbage disposal?
No, there are some food items that you should never put into a septic tank through a garbage disposal. This includes items like coffee grounds, eggshells, stringy veggies, and any type of dried nuts or fruit pits.
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How do I kill bacteria in my septic tank?
As mentioned earlier, septic tanks usually depend on naturally occurring enzymes and bacteria to break down the food waste and keep the tank clean. However, you can get rid of these bacteria through various treatments like hydrogen peroxide and chlorine. Also, baking soda raises the pH level in the septic to create an alkaline environment that is inhospitable to the bacteria.
