Throwing out the trash is among the most irritating household for most people. It gets worse when your trash consists of food waste that smells bad and creates a bigger mess if your trash overflows. 

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This is where you need the best garbage disposals with septic systems to maintain the hygiene of your house and kitchen. But what exactly is a garbage disposal? We have tested some of the top garbage disposal systems and come back with this list.

Here are the Best Garbage Disposal with Septic System (TOP 8):

1. InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR Garbage Disposal
2. InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal
3. InSinkErator Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal
4. Waste King Legend Series L-8000 Garbage Disposal
5. Moen GXS75C Host Series Garbage Disposal
6. InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Garbage Disposal
7. Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal
8. Waste King Knight A1SPC Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal is designed to process food waste straight from the sink. It crushes and grinds food waste before sending it directly into the sewage system. 

This helps you avoid handling the food waste and worrying about the regular trash starting to smell. In this article, we recommend the best disposal for septic systems while also clarifying why you need specific disposal to be compatible with your septic tank.

Most garbage disposals are designed to be used with common sewage lines that are shared amongst a number of houses. However, some households do not have a sewage connection and instead use their own septic tank. 

If this is the case, the garbage disposal is designed to combine properly with the septic tank. The provisions include a bio-pack, that breaks down the food faster.

This helps prevent the faster accumulation of sludge due to the solid food waste at the bottom of the tank. Thus, you need not pump out your septic tank more frequently than you normally would.

Listed below are eight garbage disposals that have been designed to work with septic systems. These products have been carefully reviewed, with the features, pros, and cons of the product listed. This will help you get a better understanding of each product individually.

1. InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR Garbage Disposal

First up on our list of best garbage disposals with a septic system is the Evolution Essential XTR.

Manufactured by InSinkErator, a renowned brand since 1927, this easy-to-install and quiet disposal is a great choice for those looking for the best in every single aspect of garbage disposal. Here are some of the salient features that make this product one to definitely consider. 

• The dual grind system of the Evolution Essential XTR is ideal for meat lovers. The 3/4 hp Dura-Drive Induction motor ensures that chicken bones and other tough food particles are well ground before disposing of them into the septic tank.

• The materials used while making this product ensure long-lasting and durable use while ensuring you have a premium feeling device.

The disposal itself is built of stainless steel to prevent corrosion. It is also provided with a LeakLiner proofing to ensure there are no leaks whatsoever, preventing the disposal from creating a mess in your kitchen.

• The product has a nickel tabletop switch, which can be placed elegantly on the kitchen table for easy use the disposal. The power chord is also provided, making it an excellent product for those considering disposal during a kitchen renovation.

• The SoundSeal design of this product makes it exceptionally quiet. You could enjoy a quiet and peaceful afternoon while your Evolution Essential XTR is grinding away your lunch waste with ease. 

• The EasySwap installation provided by the manufacturer makes the installation a simple and hassle-free process. If you had an InSinkErator product previously with the same technology, all you have to do is remove the old one and swap it in with the new Evolution Essential XTR.

2. InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal

Next up, we have the Badger 5 Garbage Disposal on our list. Also manufactured by InSinkErator, a leading brand in kitchen and home hygiene, this product is extremely compact and well suited for congested kitchens and plumbing spaces.

Let’s take a look at some of the features that make it stand out in the competitive market for garbage disposals.

• The Power Grind system of the Badger 5 is designed to tackle the toughest to grind foods like peach pits and so on. This and the 1/2 hp Dura-Drive Induction motor ensure such foods are ground well enough to be sent to a septic tank.

• The product is very compactly built to fit under your sink without having to create extra space for it. The galvanized steel material used ensures that the product is not easily susceptible to rusting due to the use of water continuously. 

• The EasySwap installation provided by InSinkErator makes installing this product a walk in the park. If you had an InSinkErator product previously with the same technology, take it out and replace the Badger 5 on the same mount and you are ready to use your new garbage disposal.

3. InSinkErator Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal

The InSinkErator Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal is the next product to feature on our list of best garbage disposal with a septic system.

This feature-loaded product from the InSinkErator line of products is ideal for those who want versatile disposal for various needs. We shall take a look at these multiple features that attracted our attention. 

• The Evolution Excel has a 1HP Dura-Drive Induction motor along with a triple grind technology. This ensures the disposal can tackle even the toughest of bones and food items and grind them completely with ease.

This also allows you to use it with a septic tank without having to worry about rapid solid sludge accumulation.

• The alloy stainless steel helps slow the effects of corrosion on this product, while the LeakLiner technology ensures leakproof operation of the product.

These durable materials used in the making of the product do not however compromise on the quality of your product, as the product you receive still has a very premium feel to it.

• The Evolution of Excel has auto-reversal and auto-jam sensor circuits. This means your disposal can detect when there is a potential jam in the device and can automatically reverse the grinder to free trapped food particles, before allowing them to pass through the grinder again.

• A nickel tabletop switch is provided with the Evolution Excel. It can be an elegant addition to your kitchen tabletop and prevent you from having to bend under the sink every time to turn on your disposal.

The product also comes with a power chord. This makes it a great product to be added to your kitchen while it is being renovated. 

• The Evolution Excel comes with a SoundSeal design that makes it amongst the quietest among all disposals available in the market.

This means it will break down the toughest bones in your meal, while you can enjoy a peaceful nap on your couch just a few feet away without being disturbed.

• The EasySwap installation provided by the manufacturer allows you to install the product easily. If your previous disposal was an InSinkErator product compatible with the same technology, all you have to do is remove the old one and swap it in with your new Evolution Excel.

4. Waste King Legend Series L-8000 Garbage Disposal

The next product on our list of best garbage disposal with septic systems is the Legend Series L-8000 from Waste King.

This product is amongst the most affordable in the market and is manufactured by a reliable brand with a history of making good products. Despite its low price, the product is laden with features we have listed below.

• The L-8000 garbage disposal has a nylon grind chamber along with a stainless steel grinder, which prevents rusting and corrosion from degrading the product.

It also ensures the strength and durability of this product during operation. The 3/4HP motor is powerful and capable of grinding food quickly and without making too much of a fuss.

• The manufacturer provides a manual reset button to stop the product from operation due to unintentional jams or overloads. This will help you safely resolve the issue without worrying about injury due to an accidental grinding operation. To restart the disposal, just press the reset button again and you are good to go!

• The SoundSHIELD technology helps reduce the noise of the grinding operation by a large extent, ensuring you are not too disturbed while using this product.

• The EZ Mount provided for this product ensures that you have a hassle-free and easy installation experience. This allows you to install the product on your own, although we would recommend that you seek professional assistance for the same.

5. Moen GXS75C Host Series Garbage Disposal

The next product competing for the title of the best garbage disposal for septic systems is the GXS75C Host Series Garbage Disposal by Moen.

This product was designed for those with frequent visitors. Read on as we have listed some of its most attractive features that made us take notice.

• The 3/4HP Vortex motor is designed to process large quantities of food waste that you want to be disposed continuously of.

• The SoundSHIELD insulation deadens the noise produced by the grinder which makes using the device ideal when you want minimal noise in the household.

• This product is easy to install and lightweight, which makes it a good choice for those looking to install their first garbage disposal at a minimal cost. It is also safe to use with a septic tank.

6. InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Garbage Disposal

Next up on our list of garbage disposals that have been designed to work with a septic system is the Evolution Septic Assist.

This unique product is designed by InSinkErator specifically for those who have a septic tank. Here are some of the features that make it stand out as a product for those considering use with a septic tank. 

• The Evolution Septic Assist is provided with a dual grind system. The 3/4HP Dura-Drive Induction motor is capable of dealing with most food items thrown it’s way, including chicken bones.

The grinders do a fine job of ensuring your food waste is properly ground before being sent to your septic tank for further processing.

• The product is different from other models in the Evolution series because it consists of a Bio-Charge injection system that automatically sprays the food particles with microorganisms that help break down the food faster.

This is beneficial to the septic tank as it prevents the rapid accumulation of solid sludge at the bottom, thus leaving your current septic pumping cycle unaltered. 

• The stainless steel material used in the making of this disposal is durable and long-lasting but feels premium at the same time. As an added benefit, the disposal is relatively unscathed by water-based issues like rust and corrosion.

The LeakLiner proofing ensures your disposal is not susceptible to leaks. This makes sure you do not have a massive cleanup job to worry about in the near future if you have this disposal.

• The nickel switch makes tabletop access on kitchen islands convenient and elegant. The power chord is also provided, ensuring you do not have to fidget with any electrical components of the device.

• If you are looking to enjoy some quiet and peace in the house, the Evolution Septic Assist is perfect for you. Thanks to its SoundSeal design, this product is exceptionally quiet while in operation, ensuring it serves the purpose of waste disposal silently. 

• The EasySwap installation from InSinkErator is provided to this model as well, making it an easy product to install. If you own an InSinkErator product previously with the same installation mount, a simple swap is all you need to do before you are ready to use your new Evolution Septic Assist.

7. Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal

The Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal is another compact disposal that features on our list. Here are some features that caught our eye which we believe makes it worthy of featuring on our list of best disposal with septic systems.

• The L-3200 garbage disposal has a 3/4HP motor that is fitted in a compact and sleek design of the chamber.

This makes it ideal for kitchens that are cramped, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the disposal without making any modifications.

The nylon grind chamber and stainless steel grinder also ensure that this product is durable and built to last. 

Even if after this you encounter a jam, a simple press of the manual reset button will help you to safely resolve this problem. Once cleared, press the button away and your disposal is back to work.

• SoundSHIELD technology makes your disposal less noisy. This is thanks to sound deadening material that lines the inside of this model.

• The EZ Mount helps you install this product with ease. You can do this on your own, but a professional plumbing service will help you get the best performance out of your product.

8. Waste King Knight A1SPC Garbage Disposal

The last product to feature on our best garbage disposals with a septic system list is the Knight A1SPC Garbage Disposal from Waste King. Here are a few features of this product that may make you want to consider it while looking for new garbage disposal.

• The 1HP motor provided in this model is effective in grinding most kinds of food, with the stainless steel grinder chamber built to last. The motor also reduces the chances of jamming during operation, while being relatively quiet thanks to the glass-filled nylon grinder parts.

• This disposal is provided with a lifetime limited warranty. The power cord is attached to the product, helping you avoid any extra electrical work. 

• The 3-bolt mount system fits most installations of the other brands, which means you will have minimal work to do while installing this product.

How to Install a Garbage Disposal with Septic Tank and Tools Required

Choosing the perfect disposal with septic systems is just one half of the process. Installing the garbage disposal is a procedure that most professional plumbing services offer to their customers. However, doing it on your own is not too difficult, especially with the easy installation setups offered in some products nowadays. 

Tools Required

Here are some of the tools you will require to ensure that you can seamlessly install the garbage disposal.

• Screwdriver
• Disposer wrench
• Hacksaw
• Water pump pliers
• Plumber’s putty
• Electrical extension cord for power supply to tools if required
• Safety equipment like goggles and mask

Installation Guide

Once you have the tools required, here are some of the general steps that you will have to complete during the installation of the product. 

Pre-Installation Checks

• Ensure that your power supply under the sink has been turned off. If possible, seal the power outlets to prevent accidental contact which might result in serious injury due to electrical shock.

• If you have old disposal attached to your sink, you will have to disconnect it from the waste line first. Keep a bucket under the joint between the disposal and the plumbing to ensure you catch any residue wastewater without spilling out. Then slowly unscrew the old disposal from the mounting lug and then rotate it out of the mounting system.

• Remove the rest of the mounting system, including the putty, thoroughly. Now you are ready to install your new disposal

Installation Process

• Installing the drain flange and mounting ring – This involves sealing the drain flange with the plumber’s putty to ensure that a proper seal has been formed. This is important to ensure no leaks occur. Make sure to clean the extra putty with a knife before it dries.

• Mount the disposal – After ensuring the mounting ring is tightly attached to the drain flange, mount the disposal such that it is facing the direction of the drain pipe for your sink. This will help you connect the pipes easily without creating a mess.

• Connect the pipe to the drain – Connect the discharge pipe as well as the dishwasher liquid drainage pipe to the disposal. Ensure the P-joint is well attached so that you do not have to bother about leakage in the future.

Do note that the installation process might vary slightly from brand to brand. Refer to the manual and installation guide provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper installation

Things to Remember while Buying a Garbage Disposal 

Types

There are two main types of garbage disposal, mainly continuous feed and batch feed. Continuous feed disposals are ideal to process large amounts of waste over extended periods of time. 

The pros of these models include helping maintain the cleanliness of your kitchen and being cheaper because of the number of models in this category. Cons would include the danger of accidents and increased water and power consumption

Batch feed disposals help you clean up your food mess altogether in batches. Having this kind of disposal is beneficial for those who do not produce copious amounts of waste regularly. They do not require wall switches and reduce the risk of accidental injury. However, there are limited options for this design, and can thus be expensive.

Waste Volume

The amount of waste produced is proportional to the number of members in the household and the frequency of cooking. A large family with over 4 members produces a lot more waste than a couple.

However, two to three people sharing an apartment can still produce a lot less waste if they cook for a week, unlike a couple preparing daily meals. 

Assessing these two factors will help you decide the size and the grinding power of your garbage disposal. This is the most important factor as you must ensure your garbage disposal is operating efficiently or not.

This will help you keep your electricity and water bills under control without having to compromise on the hygiene of your kitchen.

Size and Grinding Power

You must choose the right size of garbage disposal depending on the amount of waste being produced. Large disposal is ideal if you are producing large amounts of waste that have to be processed. 

However, if you produce smaller amounts of waste infrequently, then you may choose a smaller model. Ensure that the disposal is sized such that it runs at almost full capacity, ensuring you are getting the optimum performance and efficiency from it.

The grinding power is another factor that you must keep in mind. More food waste means lower-powered disposal will take more time to process the waste. This can lead to issues regarding the amounts of waste being produced, especially if there is a requirement for frequent use. 

For families, a 1 hp motor would be sufficient power. While 3/4 hp motors are ideal for 2-4 persons cooking twice a week, 1/2 hp motors will be enough for the requirements of a couple cooking on a weekly basis. 1/3 hp motors are sufficient for 1-2 persons who cook on rare occasions.

Septic Compatibility

Look for septic tank compatibility if you have one in your house. Septic tanks require the foods to be broken down easily before they settle at the bottom of the tank as sludge. Thus, many septic tank specific models come with a bio-pack attached. 

These add enzymes to the food, helping them break down quickly and ensuring they do not affect the septic tank system from functioning efficiently. 

Features

Many garbage disposals provide a host of features to improve the process and make their product more attractive to customers. Anti-jamming and auto reversal of the grinder ensures you do not have clogs and blocks while processing the food. 

Stainless steel keeps corrosion away, while the multiple grinding stages and quiet operation ensure users get a proper and hassle-free experience while processing their food waste. An EZ-mount will also make it easier to install under the sink, without having to make any further modifications. 

Warranty

Having a warranty is important for garbage disposal. It is a machine with moving parts and systems that are not easy to fix on your own. If there is a manufacturer defect or misuse of the device, you cannot delay the repairs as it will lower the hygiene standards of your kitchen.

However, if the product is not under warranty, there is a high chance that you are going to pay a hefty bill to get your disposal up and running. 

What Things to Avoid Putting in a Garbage Disposal

• Grease, Oil, and Fat

Grease, oil, and fats are the primary enemies of mechanical disposal systems. Despite their liquid nature, they are lighter than water.

As a result, this could end up forming a layer above your septic tank, preventing the effective evacuation of wastewater and thus affecting how your septic tank functions. 

Another issue with these substances is that they take on a semi-solid form when cooled. This could creep into the mechanical parts of your disposal and cause them to malfunction. Proper cleaning of these parts will require you to open up your disposal, costing you quite a bit. 

• Bones, Nuts, and Egg Shells

While you may wonder that bones can be easily ground by the garbage disposal. While this is true, large bones like that from beef or lamb are quite hard and can shorten the lifespan of your disposal quite drastically. These machines are designed to handle smaller bones from food items like fish and poultry. 

The same applies to nuts and eggshells. While shells tend to shatter into much smaller pieces that can creep into the various moving parts of the disposal, the nuts are ground into a thick paste that can then clog your plumbing lines and septic tank.

• Non-Food Materials

This is an absolute no-no. Non-food materials like plastic and glass can not be processed by the disposal. Glass can shatter and be ejected back, which can cause serious harm to whoever is using the sink. 

Plastic will deform around the moving parts and cause a jam that might take a while to unclog. Even seemingly harmless items like paper towels and sweet wrappers should not be put into the disposal simply because it is not designed to handle such items.

• Coffee Ground

The coffee ground may appear to be finely milled, as a result of which it will easily pass through the disposal. However, they are extremely dense and end up forming paste-like gunk when compressed.

Even if it makes it past the disposal, it can accumulate along the plumbing lines or the septic tank, making it a primary source of clogs and blocks. 

• Bread, Pasta, and Rice

These are soft items, so what’s the issue? Unfortunately, bread, pasta, and rice are food products that absorb a lot of water. As a result, when they are used in disposal with running water, they tend to expand and clog the drains or the mechanism.

Disposals are designed to deal with small amounts of these items but try not to make it a habit to avoid plumbing issues later.

• Fibrous and Stringy Vegetables

Fibrous and stringy vegetables like banana peels and corn leaves are not ground easily. The tear into long strands that then wrap around the grinder of your disposal.

These can cause jamming of the mechanism and other hygienic issues. Disposals can handle these foods to an extent, but just because they can doesn’t mean you should push your luck.

• Starchy Vegetables and Onion Peels

Starchy vegetables like potatoes face one of two possibilities. First, they get ground into a sticky paste of starch that creates clogs in the drain system after the grinder. The other is that they get sliced and slip through the mechanism altogether, proceeding to block the drain and septic tank when least expected.

Even food items like onion peels can have the same effect, trapping other food items in the drain and creating a headache that you might not want. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are garbage disposals safe for septic systems?

Yes, garbage disposals can be safely used along with a septic tank. However, a garbage disposal can create issues for your septic tank if not maintained or used properly. They create more solid waste, which results in a faster accumulation of sludge at the bottom of the tank. 

This will require you to have your septic pumped more frequently to ensure proper functioning. Thus, users must take increased precautions and preventive steps to ensure the smooth functioning of both these systems.

• How much does it cost to have your septic pumped out?

The national average cost of having your septic tank pumped out is between $295 and $610, depending on the size of the tank. While it may seem quite expensive, do not try cutting corners. A septic tank gone bad can result in you having to replace it altogether, which will set you back by thousands of dollars.

• How often should you pump your septic tank?

Pumping your septic tank should be done at least once in 3 to 5 years. This depends on the capacity of your septic tank, as well as the amount of waste produced by the household. 

Planning out your septic tank cleaning routine is a wise decision, both financially and on the basis of hygiene. If not done in time, the sludge accumulated will prevent the bacteria from effectively breaking down the waste, which will lead to further complications. 

• What is a continuous feed garbage disposal?

 Continuous feed garbage disposals allow you to dispose of food particles one by one. They are usually operated by a switch to turn them on. The pros include their ability to operate continuously and the effective disposal of large amounts of waste. 

A continuous running water supply and an increased tendency for accidents are amongst the few drawbacks to these models of garbage disposals.

• Can you use a dishwasher with a septic tank?

Yes, you can use a dishwasher along with a septic tank. However, it is very important to choose the right kind of dishwashing liquid in such cases. Ensure your detergent is phosphate-free and nonantibacterial. 

These two factors ensure you do not kill the good bacteria and enzymes that break down waste in the septic tank. Running the dishwasher when full is also a good practice, as it ensures that excess water is not drained into the septic tank.

• Is food bad for a septic system?

Septic systems can accommodate SOME types of food only. Greasy and fatty food is an absolute no because they float above the water in the septic tank, affecting its functionality of breaking down waste. Other items like coffee grinds and bones can also cause issues as they wrap around parts of the plumbing and the disposal, making them function inconveniently. 

Conclusion

After our comprehensive review of all the products, we have finally decided that the InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR Garbage Disposal is the best garbage disposal with septic systems. The reasons behind why this product stood out amongst the rest are

• Dual grind system for efficient food grinding and disposal
• SoundSeal design for quiet operation
• Stainless steel build and LeakGuard liner for durability
• Nickel switch for easy kitchen-top access and included power cord
• Easy installation thanks to easy mount
• 9-year warranty from a renowned home hygiene manufacturer

At the end of this article, we have chosen the best garbage disposal for a septic system according to us. However, our detailed reviews will help you get all the information about each product individually. This will help you choose the right product according to your requirements and budget.

We hope this article will help you improve your kitchen hygiene efficiently by choosing the right garbage disposal for you. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any doubts or clarifications regarding any of the products listed.

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