The first thing most septic system users learn to avoid is the garbage disposal. It might seem like a handy household appliance, but in essence it could be draining your bank account.
A garbage disposal grinds up kitchen scraps, suspends them in water, and sends the water to the septic tank. The disposal takes a lot of water to move the scraps down the drain. Once in the septic tank, some of the materials break down by bacterial action, but most of the grindings will have to be pumped out of the tank. Using a garbage disposal frequently could dramatically increase the accumulation of sludge in your septic tank, causing you to have it pumped more often.
Composting is a better way to recycle your kitchen scraps. For information about building your own worm bin or compost unit, contact your local cooperative extension office.
For the most part, if you are not a compulsive cleaner, your septic system bacteria should respond quickly after a cleaning session. Of course, some cleaning products are less toxic to your system than others. Labels can help key you into the potential toxicity of various products.
The words 'Danger' or 'Poison' on a label indicate that the product is highly hazardous. The label description of 'Warning' indicates the product is moderately hazardous. 'Caution' means the product is slightly hazardous. 'Non-toxic' or 'Septic Safe' are terms that are not defined, created by advertisers to sell products. Regardless of the type of product you are using, use it in the quantities listed on the label instructions.
