September 5, 2008
Garbage Disposals
Q. I've lived in other parts of the country where garbage disposals are common, but on Long Island it seems they are not used for fear of "filling the cesspool."
First, are garbage disposals detrimental to cesspools? And second, if they are not, should I install a "septic-safe" type disposal that emits enzymes each time it is used?
I've lived in my house for 18 years and have had the cesspool emptied once in 15 years. I never add chemicals to my system.
- Maryanne Bezyack, St. James
A. Like you, I've lived in several other parts of the country where garbage disposals are common. On Long Island, however, many residences do not use them because their home's liquid waste is disposed of through a septic system.
While several garbage disposals are being designed for use with a septic system, I lean toward not using them. Studies by the agricultural departments of several major universities over the years have shown that septic systems taking in the least amount of solid materials work more efficiently. Garbage disposals add solid food products, including vegetables and meats, and other items such as fats and oil, and are an added burden to a septic system. All of these materials are difficult for bacteria in the septic tank to break down and often can mean more frequent septic tank pumping.
Garbage disposals designed to be used with septic tanks are supposed to add an enzyme that breaks down food and other household wastes in sewer lines and septic tanks. But many of these enzymes already are present in the airtight systems, so adding more of them, say some experts, can upset the balance of the system.
Soil conditions also play a major role in the way a septic tank handles its waste. Many parts of Long Island have sandy soil, and this allows for liquids to be more easily absorbed. Fewer solids in the system and easy absorption of liquids usually mean a more efficient system. Research shows that pumping systems every two to four years is about normal, but on Long Island, thanks to sandy soil, regular pumping might mean once every 10 years.
As for adding chemicals to clean the system, you're doing the right thing by not using them. Most research shows that adding chemicals does nothing beneficial and can actually harm the system by upsetting the natural balance. If you have to pump regularly, like every six months or so, your system probably is an old block system and poses a risk because frequent pumping could lead to a collapse.
Finally, you can get quite a bit of information from Dan Friedman's All Septic System Information Web site (www.inspect-ny.com/septbook.htm). Friedman is a home inspector and contractor in Poughkeepsie, and his site also has links and online articles about how tanks are affected by garbage disposals and chemical use.
Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.
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