Insinkerator question?

[BillyVance 35]

Have a question for you guys. I have a septic tank. I also do not have an insinkerator under the kitchen sink to grind up food scraps with.

I have a major project coming up soon. The entire kitchen is coming out and a brand new one going in. About a $18K project. Wife wants an insinkerator under the new sink. I told her I don't think its a good idea to have one when you use a septic tank. Just something I think I remember being told years ago. Basically I was told if you have sewer service you can use the insinkerator. If you have septic tank, don't use the insinkerator. Am I right or wrong? Or does it matter?

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[NWFlyer 2]

My parents have one and have a septic tank and as far as I know have had no problems in the 10+ years since they built that house.

Beyond that, I know nothing about the pros and cons.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Rick 67]

I was looking for 1 for my house at Lowes. They make them for septic systems. They have a built in resovior that dispenses a liquid to help the septic tank break down the food products.

You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early!

[monkycndo 0]

Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not the best idea. It can cause bad build up of food waste that won't break down. If you can't talk her out of it, faithfully use Rid-Ex to increase the microbes to break down the extra waste generated and you might need to have the tank pumped more frequently.

50 donations so far. Give it a try.

You know you want to spank it
Jump an Infinity

[Lindercles 0]

Forget the garbage disposal. Buy a wood chipper, it'll come in much handier if you ever decide to kill her.

[sharimcm 0]

My parents also have a garbage disposal and septic tank. They've lived in the house for 22+ years with no problems at all. The dishwasher they installed about two years ago also includes a garbage disposal, and still no issues. Good luck with your decision. Looks like she's already made up her mind.

"I had a dude tip his black cowboy hat to me after I provided him with a condom outside my hotel room at 3-something in the morning." -myself

[wingnut 0]

i second this opinion, my parents have been in thier house 20 years this july and have a septic tank and a garbage disposal and no problems.... just don't go dumping tons of food scraps down it, but it's nice for when you have a little food scrap that comes out of a pot or pan or offa plate that you are rinsing off....

______________________________________
"i have no reader's digest version"

[masterrig 1]

Quote

Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not the best idea. It can cause bad build up of food waste that won't break down. If you can't talk her out of it, faithfully use Rid-Ex to increase the microbes to break down the extra waste generated and you might need to have the tank pumped more frequently.

_____________________________________

I have a septic tank and use Rid-Ex, once a month... it works! Strangely enough, Rid-Ex was recommended to me by a man who cleans septic tanks.


Chuck

[willard 0]

Quote

Quote

Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not the best idea. It can cause bad build up of food waste that won't break down. If you can't talk her out of it, faithfully use Rid-Ex to increase the microbes to break down the extra waste generated and you might need to have the tank pumped more frequently.

_____________________________________

I have a septic tank and use Rid-Ex, once a month... it works! Strangely enough, Rid-Ex was recommended to me by a man who cleans septic tanks.


Chuck

Rid-Ex is good stuff. Use it as labeled and have your septic tank cleaned & inspected every2-3 years and you'll be good to go.

[masterrig 1]

Quote

Quote

Quote

Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not the best idea. It can cause bad build up of food waste that won't break down. If you can't talk her out of it, faithfully use Rid-Ex to increase the microbes to break down the extra waste generated and you might need to have the tank pumped more frequently.

_____________________________________

I have a septic tank and use Rid-Ex, once a month... it works! Strangely enough, Rid-Ex was recommended to me by a man who cleans septic tanks.


Chuck

Rid-Ex is good stuff. Use it as labeled and have your septic tank cleaned & inspected every2-3 years and you'll be good to go.

_______________________________

Great advice! I appreciate that.
Do you think... we should get some kind of 'kick-back' for product promotion?


Chuck

[BillyVance 35]

How do you use Rid-Ex? Pour the recommended dosage down the sink drain?

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[DJL 235]

The advice you're hearing here is not accurate.

Talk with the contractor and manufacturer of the septic tank. They should be able to provide you with a system that can take ground up waste but it needs to be specified that way.

Edit: I just talked with one of my office's Plumbing Engineers. The main restriction comes when there is a drain field connected to it. But still a disposal can be attached. Just let your contractor know what you want and he should be able to specify the correct system.

"I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher

[monkycndo 0]

Normally flush the Rid-Ex down the toilet.


RTFB (Read the fucking box)

50 donations so far. Give it a try.

You know you want to spank it
Jump an Infinity

[BillyVance 35]

Quote

The advice you're hearing here is not accurate.

Talk with the contractor and manufacturer of the septic tank. They should be able to provide you with a system that can take ground up waste but it needs to be specified that way.

Edit: I just talked with one of my office's Plumbing Engineers. The main restriction comes when there is a drain field connected to it. But still a disposal can be attached. Just let your contractor know what you want and he should be able to specify the correct system.

I do have leach lines extending out from the septic tank. Don't know exactly where they all are, and I only approximately know the location of the tank itself, having never seen it. I've been in this house for almost 7 years now and it hasn't filled up yet.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[pttsburg 0]

You will hear many different opinions on this matter. Some people say it is fine and others will say no way. I use to design septic systems and I always put a note on the plan not to install one with this system. That was just to cover my ass when the system failed. At the cost of replacing a system today, I would certainly not take any chances. My wife complains all the time and I refuse to install one on mine.