Wondering if you can safely use a garburator (garbage disposal) in your kitchen when your home is on a septic system? You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions from homeowners upgrading kitchens or moving to rural properties. Here’s the honest truth about garburators and septic tanks, the risks involved, and how to minimize problems if you decide to use one.
Quick Picks: Best Garbage Disposals for Septic Systems
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Best Overall:
InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Garbage Disposal -
Best Budget:
Waste King L-2600 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord -
Best Premium:
Moen GX Series 3/4 HP Disposal with Sound Reduction
Buyer’s Guide: Can You Use a Garburator with a Septic System?
- Yes, but with limitations: It is legal and technically possible to use a garburator/garbage disposal with a septic tank. However, it comes with some important drawbacks and special considerations.
- Main Risks:
- Extra solid waste: Ground-up food scraps add more solids to your septic tank, which means the tank fills faster and needs to be pumped more often.
- Possible clogs: Fats, grease, and starchy foods can still cause blockages, even when ground up.
- Bacterial imbalance: Some food waste (especially grease and protein) is hard for septic bacteria to break down, potentially harming system health.
- Code & Manufacturer Guidelines: Most septic system codes allow garburators, but recommend using them sparingly. Some septic tank manufacturers even warn against them, or recommend a larger tank for homes with disposals.
- Septic-Safe Garbage Disposals: Look for models like the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist, which adds a dose of septic-friendly enzymes each time you use it, helping break down food waste faster and more efficiently.
- Best Practices:
- Compost kitchen scraps when possible instead of using the disposal
- Never put grease, coffee grounds, or stringy/starchy foods in the garburator
- Pump your septic tank more often—every 2–3 years minimum
- Use a septic enzyme treatment monthly if you use your disposal regularly
Bottom line: You can use a garburator with a septic system, but it requires extra care, more frequent pumping, and best results with a septic-safe disposal model.
Full Reviews: Top Garbage Disposals for Septic Homes
InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Garbage Disposal
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want the convenience of a disposal and extra protection for their septic system.
- Key Benefits:
- Built-in septic enzyme dispenser boosts bacterial action
- Powerful, quiet operation
- Reduces odors and clogs
- Pros:
- Engineered for septic safety
- Durable and reliable brand
- Enzyme packs last up to 3 months
- Cons:
- Higher cost than basic disposals
- Requires regular enzyme refills
Final Verdict: The best disposal option for septic homes—worth the investment for long-term peace of mind.
Get InSinkErator Septic Assist.
Waste King L-2600 Garbage Disposal
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want a budget-friendly, powerful disposal and are willing to use it sparingly with septic.
- Key Benefits:
- 1/2 HP, fast and efficient
- Easy to install, includes power cord
- Compact for small kitchens
- Pros:
- Affordable price
- Reliable for light use
- Good for homes with limited counter space
- Cons:
- No septic-assist features
- Use with caution—never for large amounts of food waste
Final Verdict: Best budget disposal for careful, limited use on septic systems.
Order Waste King L-2600.
Moen GX Series 3/4 HP Disposal
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want high performance and quiet operation for a busy kitchen—just remember to follow septic guidelines.
- Key Benefits:
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor for fast grinding
- Sound-deadening insulation for quiet use
- Compact, fits most sink setups
- Pros:
- Great for larger households
- Durable build quality
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Cons:
- No built-in septic treatment
- Use with caution on older/small tanks
Final Verdict: Premium choice for big kitchens—just watch what goes down the drain.
See Moen GX Series.
Comparison Table: Best Garbage Disposals for Septic Systems
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| InSinkErator Septic Assist | Enzyme dispenser, quiet, 3/4 HP | Fits standard sinks | View Price |
| Waste King L-2600 | 1/2 HP, budget, compact | Easy install, small kitchens | View Price |
| Moen GX Series | 3/4 HP, premium, quiet | Fits most homes | View Price |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a garbage disposal if I have a septic system?
Yes, but you should use it sparingly, choose a septic-friendly model, and pump your tank more often to avoid issues.
Are there special disposals for septic systems?
Yes! Some models like the InSinkErator Septic Assist include enzyme dispensers to help break down food waste in your tank.
What foods should I avoid putting in the garburator?
Never put grease, fat, coffee grounds, eggshells, bones, pasta, rice, or stringy vegetables down the disposal—these can clog pipes or overload the tank.
How often should I pump my septic tank if I use a garbage disposal?
Most experts recommend pumping every 2–3 years, or more often if you use your disposal regularly.
Is composting better than using a disposal on septic?
Yes, composting kitchen scraps is healthier for your septic system and the environment. Use the disposal for only small amounts of soft, biodegradable waste.
Conclusion & Call to Action
You can use a garburator with a septic system, but it’s not the best choice for heavy food waste. Choose a septic-assist model, follow best practices, and always monitor your tank’s health. For best results and fewer pump-outs, compost your food scraps instead!
Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Pick from the top-rated garbage disposals above—or go green with a backyard compost bin for a truly septic-friendly home!