Do you use a septic tank? Whether you do or do not, you might be surprised that millions of people across the country still rely on septic tanks. These tanks come in very useful; however, they can be somewhat difficult to use if they are not properly maintained. However, with the improvement in manufacturing and technology, there are now garbage disposals that work with the septic tank. In this post, we shall review the best garbage disposals septic systems.
When writing this post, several factors were considered. Some of them are type of feed, motor, HP, grinding speed, grind chamber capacity, drain connection, material, dimensions, weight, and warranty. In the buying guide section, we will review why each of these factors are important. In the meantime, let us talk about the best garbage disposals septic systems.
Here’s the thing. If you are looking for a garbage disposal that is linked to your septic tank, you will not find anything better on the market than the InSinkErator Evolution Compact. It comes from a brand that is known for the impressive quality of its products. They are durable and highly reliable. The brand makes a wide plethora of products, ranging from garbage disposal systems to kitchen appliances and water dispensers.
The InSinkErator Evolution Compact from the brand is certainly one of the best that we have come across. There are several features that make it stand out from the rest of its peers. For one, it comes with a 2-stage grinding system and bio-pack cartridge. Let’s talk about those for a moment.
The grinding system found here is one of the most thorough and reliable grinding systems in any waste disposal that we have reviewed. It is powered by a ¾ HP motor. Therefore, it will pulverize bones and rinds without breaking a sweat. After grinding these down, the unit produces enzymes that will further assist it to break down the food or waste. Therefore, there is zero chance of anything surviving the system. Since we are dealing with waste here, you should expect to receive some unpleasant odors.
How has the manufacturer dealt with this problem? Well, the InSinkErator Evolution Compact comes with the aforementioned bio-pack. This bio-pack contains a fresh citrus scent that will eliminate the odor from the waste.
Aside from the ability to completely eliminate the waste, it is important to consider the noise level of your chosen system. How does the InSinkErator Evolution Compact fare in this regard? Well, it does admirably. The manufacturer has included the SoundSeal technology, which makes it one of the quietest options on the market. It is relatively silent. Additionally, although the motor is powerful and vibrates, there is impressive insulation. The design ensures that vibration is absorbed and will not cause a fuss.
What we liked: The InSinkErator Evolution Compact comes with a rich history from one of the most reputable brands on the market. It is quiet, powerful, and durable. The citrus scent released is also an excellent touch from the manufacturer.
What could be better: This is a relatively large unit that might be too big for the sink. And while some accessories are included, it is a bummer that there is no power cord added in the package.
Looking for a system that is nearly as powerful as the InSinkErator above but are not looking to spend a lot of money? Then the Waste King L-8000 might just be what you need! This model doesn’t come with the fancy features of our top pick above. Instead of the bells and whistles, it focuses on doing its job – which it does really well.
The Waste King L-8000 is an excellent garbage disposal that costs a fraction of the price of several other models, but still manages to squeeze out more power than several of them. The powerful performance comes down to the 1 HP Vortex motor in the unit. This is one of the most powerful motors available and is even more powerful than what is found in our number one pick. The motor gives you 2800 RPM, which is quite impressive.
Because of the motor and the design of the grinding system, the Waste King L-8000 will pulverize any food that you feed through it. The impellers are made of stainless steel, which not only means that it will pulverize bones and rinds, but also means that it is one of the more durable options on the market. Since the Waste King L-8000 will completely grind up the food, it is an ideal companion to a septic system.
Considering just how powerful this is, it isn’t strange to be bothered about the noise level of the unit. Well, we are thankful that it is so quiet. While you will certainly know that the Waste King L-8000 is grinding something, it is still one of the quietest that we have reviewed.
Another excellent feature that the Waste King L-8000 boasts of is the installation mechanism. Waste King has provided one of the best installation mechanisms, which makes the unit so easy to install.
Durability is assured with this model as well, with the unit features durable, high quality parts. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, then the fact that the model has a lifetime limited warranty period is evidence of the confidence the manufacturer has in the unit. Therefore, you can rest assured that you can replace or repair the unit at no additional cost.
Our top pick comes with several nice features but is large in size. Well, although Waste King L-8000 has all of the features discussed above, it is relatively small. Therefore, you can place it under different sink sizes.
Another nice feature here is that the reset button is easily within your reach.
What we liked: Well, Waste King L-8000 comes in a compact size. It has the reset button right at the front, which makes it easy to reach. Additionally, it is easy to maintain the unit.
What could be better: During testing and review, many users complained that the flange seal is loose and not as tight as they’d have liked.
The budget option is the Waste Maid 10-US-WM-158-3B. However, do not be put off by the lower price. In the case of Waste Maid 10-US-WM-158-3B, the price isn’t an indication of the quality. We say this because, despite the low price, it still offers better performance than some more expensive models on the market.
First of all, it is a ½ HP model that is compact and would fit under different sink sizes with ease. If you do not like something that will take up space in your kitchen, then this is an excellent choice. Another great thing about the Waste Maid 10-US-WM-158-3B is that it is a continuous grind disposal. What does this mean for you? Well, because of this feature, you can feed waste through the system and continuously feed it until you decide to switch it off. Other models on the market do not have the speed that this unit offers. You don’t have to slowly fill up the system and wait before you turn it on. If you are a neat freak that hates the buildup of waste in the kitchen, then you will especially appreciate this feature.
Another notable feature of the Waste Maid is that you get protection from bacteria. The bioshield antimicrobial protection will prevent anything from growing inside the unit.
Although this is a cheap option, you won’t suffer any annoying issues. One problem that several cheap garbage disposals have is that the impellers jam. Well, you can rest assured that you will not have this issue with the Waste Maid. Not only are the impellers with an anti-jam design, but it also is corrosion resistant.
The important accessories are included in the package. Whereas our top pick doesn’t have a power cord, this cheaper unit boasts of an attached power cord.
Although the disposal grinds at up to 2600 RPM, it is still relatively quiet. Thus, you can continue conversations in the kitchen while the disposal is running.
Another consideration is the installation. How does the Waste Maid fare in this regard. Well, the manufacturer intends that installation be easy for all users. However, we will be honest and tell you that if you don’t have plumbing experience, you would likely have a troublesome time setting it up. However, if you have some experience, the instructions in the manual are easy to understand and follow. Additionally, all the hardware needed for installation is included in the package.
What we liked: Waste Maid 10-US-WM-158-3B comes with a quiet motor and a power cord. It is a compact option as well that you will find it easy to set up.
What could be better: As pointed out earlier, installation is tricky if you do not have enough experience. Furthermore, the ½ HP motor is one of the weakest on this list.
The Moen GXS75C comes from the Moen brand. Now, Moen is one of the best known manufacturers, not for garbage disposals, but for kitchen fixtures, especially faucets. The faucets from the manufacturer boast of some of the best quality and will last for a very long time. Well, their garbage disposals are the same way, and the Moen GXS75C is the crowning jewel in Moen’s line of affordable garbage disposals.
This particular model offers excellent performance for the price. For example, the unit uses a permanent magnet motor for power. It provides similar power to what you get from our top pick “¾ HP.” With this level of power, it offers spin of up to 2700 RPM, which is quick enough to ensure that no impellers jam. The grinding system is made of galvanized steel, which is cool but could be better. It grinds most foods, but will have a hard time pulverizing bones and rinds. The best options come with stainless steel. Apart from that drawback, there isn’t much to complain about with this model.
Since the Moen GXS75C is a cheap option, it is normal to expect it to be loud and unbearable during operation. It is therefore pleasantly surprising that the Moen GXS75C comes with sound insulation. This SoundShield technology will stop the unit from producing so much noise that you can’t hold conversations while it works.
The Moen GXS75C is also very compact. This compact size allows for installation under most sinks. It is also durable and made of high quality parts. The 10-pound weight means that it is easy to handle when you want to install it.
Just like the budget model we reviewed above, the Moen GXS75C has a continuous grind feature. Therefore, you can add waste to the sink even as the disposal system works. You will thus have a cleaner kitchen in less time.
What we liked: There is a lot to like about this cheap model. It offers reduced grinding noise and has a feed function in continuous mode. The grinding is also relatively powerful. Since the parts are made from high-grade steel, you have a unit that will last for a long time too.
What could be better: Although Moen has worked hard to reduce the noise level of the unit, many users have complained about the noise it produces.
A waste disposal with septic system is important for several reasons. Without such a unit, the food that you threw away can start to breed bacteria and other unpleasant things that cause bad smells and can even be bad for your health. The InSinkErator Badger 1 is a wonderful option that comes from the number one brand in garbage disposal in the industry. This model is similar in design to our top pick on this list. However, it doesn’t have the same power or size. Other than that, though, it offers some of the best performances that we have found in a unit of this size and price.
Let’s consider some of the unique features of the product.
First, it boasts of the SoundSeal Technology. This is a patented technology from InSinkErator that aims to reduce the amount of noise produced by the unit. Due to this, you get a quiet, reliable model to meet your grinding needs. Where other garbage disposals are really loud and annoying, you will not get that with the InSinkErator Badger 1. You can use it while having a conversation and without waking the other people in the home.
Another notable feature of the InSinkErator Badger 1 is the ease of installation. All of the units from InSinkErator that we tested come with this feature, so it isn’t surprising that you also get this feature from the InSinkErator Badger 1. It has a simple Twist and Lock mechanism for setting it up.
Like other garbage disposals from the manufacturer, this model is friendly on the environment. With the disposal, you don’t have to transport the waste to a landfill. This will reduce emissions and contribute to a healthier planet.
What we liked: You’ll be pleased with the quiet performance of this affordable model. It also offers easy installation and with the limited warranty, you can easily replace or repair the unit in cases of damage.
What could be better: We noticed that the blades are not corrosion resistant. It also isn’t powerful enough to pulverize bones and rinds.
In the section above, we considered five of the best garbage disposal septic systems to buy right now. There are several options available to buy, but as we have provided this list for you, it is much easier to get the right unit. We considered several factors before adding these units to the list. In this section, we consider all of these essential features. By considering these too, it will be easier for you to find a unit that suits your needs.
How does the septic system work? It’s pretty straightforward. The system is usually made up of a pair of components. The first component is the septic tank itself, while the other is the drain field. These two combine to help you get rid of your waste.
When waste is generated, it is split into different factions. The tank will separate the waste into solids, organic matter, and wastewater.
Since oil and grease is lighter than water, it floats to the top of the tank, and the heavier components, the solids, are settled at the bottom. The wastewater is transferred to the drain field.
Normally, experts discourage mixing septic tanks and garbage disposals. The two systems can cohabit, but the problem is with those using the system.
Remember that the septic tank is designed to help handle kitchen waste or bathroom wastes. Therefore, they are great at breaking down any solid waste.
Since people got a hold of garbage disposals, though, they begin to send most of their solid wastes to the septic tank, which can overload the tank. The more solid waste that the tank has to handle, the longer it requires to break down the solid waste. Because of that, the tank will need to be emptied out more frequently than usual. And if this isn’t done, the waste will overflow and can spill to the environment.
People have differing opinions on the benefits of having a garbage disposal connected to the septic system. There are several advantages to having it connected, though.
For one, having garbage disposal connected to the septic system will make your kitchen’s waste system more efficient. Using it will reduce the amount of wastewater that you use.
For some, though, it could overload the system.
In our opinion, there is a very little chance of the disposal system overwhelming your septic tank.
The waste generated via the disposal is usually negligible and will not put a burden on your system. If your septic tank is big enough to handle stuff like a washing machine, then the waste generated by the kitchen waste disposal is truly negligible.
How can you safely and efficiently use this system? Well, one thing that you can do is to have all your organic wastes composted. Composting is great because it is economical and friendly on the environment.
Another thing to do to prevent clogging your tank is to remove all food and solid wastes into the trash. That way, they’ll be less solid wastes for the sink.
Before you rush into purchasing a garbage disposals septic system you should carefully inspect the following features:
The motor of the garbage disposal is one of the most important features to consider. When considering the motor, look out for the power and speed of the unit.
Most manufacturers on the market indicate the power using horsepower (HP). The more horsepower the motor has, the more powerful the motor is.
If you are not processing a lot of waste, probably because of being single or having a small family, you do not need an uber-powerful unit. A garbage disposal of around 1/3 HP should be sufficient for your needs. The InSinkErator Badger 1 comes with exactly this rating.
However, if you will need to process more waste, then you should opt for more powerful motor. A motor with 1 HP or around that rating will serve your needs. The InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Cord, Badger 1, for example, comes with that rating.
Aside from the HP, you should also consider the speed of the motor. A motor with a high RPM indicates efficiency.
The next feature to consider is the size. This includes the size of your garbage disposal and your septic tank.
If you have a small septic tank, for example, then you probably do not generate plenty of waste. Therefore, you don’t need a big garbage disposal.
If your septic tank is big, though, then you might prefer a bigger garbage disposal. The InSinkErator Evolution Compact is a large unit that will serve a large septic tank.
Before you make a purchase, check out the dimensions of the model and compare that with the size of the mounting system you have. After all, you do not want to buy a garbage disposal that is too big to set up in your sink.
This is the most important thing to consider. After all, there is no reason to buy a garbage disposal if it isn’t compatible with a septic tank.
Not all garbage disposals are compatible with septic tanks, therefore, check out what the manufacturer says about its compatibility with septic tanks.
While it might not seem like much, this is a very important feature. Some models are so loud that they feel like someone has taken a drill to your wall. They can be jarring and affect your experience. Fortunately, manufacturers are opting for options that produce as little noise as possible. For example, the Waste King L-8000 features very quiet operation. Aside from being quiet, such models also do not vibrate violently.
There are two main types of feed. These are the batch feed and continuous feed. In the batch feed, you have to cover the garbage disposal before you start to use the appliance. You can, therefore, put waste in it without running the disposal.
Continuous feed, on the other hand, runs the unit as long as there is waste in it. It is quite efficient and much easier to operate. An example of this type of unit is InSinkErator Evolution Compact.
As with other kitchen appliances and units of this nature, the garbage disposal requires installation. Therefore, you should determine whether you are ready to install yourself or ask for the services of a plumber.
Some of the options on the market are built with all the hardware required for installation included in the package. And some have a very easy installation mechanism that allows even someone with very little experience to set it up.
You should also look for a unit with a power cord included because it will save you the time and effort of electrical installation. The Moen GXS75C is an example of an easy to install model that has a power cord.
Our number one pick is the InSinkErator Evolution Compact. This unit automatically injects microorganisms to help break down food waste. It has a nice citrus scent to eliminate odors from the sink and comes with a 40 oz. chamber for waste. If you want a value buy, then the Waste King L-8000 is your best bet. This unit comes with a powerful motor that starts quickly and will thoroughly chew up any food that you feed into it. It offers a quiet performance to boot. The budget option is Waste Maid 10-US-WM-158-3B. This unit is a ½ HP garbage disposal that is compact and gives good grinding performance. It is a continuous grind disposal that comes at a very affordable price.
Choosing the best garbage disposals septic systems might be a tad tricky, but by considering the five models we have reviewed and our buying guide will assist you to overcome the challenge and find the right option for you.
