Recognize the Signs of Septic Tank Damage

If you're like most people, then you have a garbage disposal in your home. What you might not realize, however, is that your garbage disposal is directly connected to your septic system.

Therefore, if you do not use or treat your garbage disposal properly, there is a good chance that you could damage both your disposal and the system as a whole. Fortunately, by following a few tips, you can easily keep your disposal and, by extension, your septic system in great shape.

Run Your Disposal Regularly

Often, when people have garbage disposals, they don't really use them all that often. And, while it's fine to only use your disposal sporadically, it's also a good idea to run it regularly, even if you don't actually need to. Remembering to run your disposal will keep the parts lubricated and working. It will also prevent freezing, rusting, and the development of mold or other issues due to decaying food lodged inside the disposal.

Getting rid of food and other debris can also help to prevent clogging and other issues within your septic system.

Be Careful What You Put into Your Disposal

Some people use their disposal for anything and everything. The truth is, though, that garbage disposals are really only meant for unwanted or unneeded food, and not in large quantities. Really, what the disposal is designed for is to scrape excess food off of the plate and into the disposal before washing. If you're putting anything extra down your disposal, this is sure to lead to problems with both the disposal and the septic system.

While all non-food items are bad for the disposal, some to take extra care to avoid include the following:

• Bones from chicken and other meat
• Glass objects
• Gravel
• Grease or fat

These items are especially notorious for clogging up a septic system, which can lead to the need for costly repairs or even septic pumping.

Always Use Cold Water

Anytime you run your disposal, you are supposed to run water at the same time.

However, make sure you are running the right type of water. Hot water is no good for your system since it can melt and degrade food and other materials inside the disposal, making them harder to get rid of. This can lead to clogs, which affect not just your garbage disposal but your entire septic system as well.

Cold water is much better since it makes food and other items harder, which makes for easier grinding and elimination of the matter.

As you can see, you are in control of how well your disposal and septic system are cared for. By following these tips, both can be healthy for a long time to come.