Can I have a food waste grinder installed in my home even though I have a POWTS?

Depending on who you ask this question to, their answers will be varied in response. Some will say that a food waste grinder should never be installed, and some would say it is acceptable. Those that say it is acceptable would say so with a few conditions. 

If a grinder is added to the kitchen sink, the disposal should be used sparingly only. Also, if you are intending to put in a disposal, you should let your POWTS installer know so that a modification can be made to the proposed treatment tank. The treatment tank should be at least two-chambered and have an effluent filter installed on the septic tank outlet. 

You should give serious consideration to oversizing the septic tank beyond the minimum code requirements. By following these simple procedures, your POWTS may experience premature failure due to the additional settling time provided by your treatment tank.

Show All Answers

1. When do I need a sanitary permit for a POWTS?
2. How do I get a sanitary permit?
3. My septic system is not working anymore. How do I get it replaced with another septic system that works?
4. Does it matter if I do all my laundry in one day?
5. How long are soil tests (perk tests) for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) good for?
6. Why do I need a sanitary permit?
7. How long is a sanitary permit good for?
8. I have heard of County sanitary permits – When are these issued?
9. Do mound systems really work?
10. Can anybody install a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS)?
11. Can I have a food waste grinder installed in my home even though I have a POWTS?
12. How often should I pump my treatment tank(s)?
13. Are two-chamber or multi-chamber septic tanks better for your POWTS than single chamber tanks?
14. Does having a two-chamber septic tank help to reduce the maintenance frequency of my effluent filter?
15. How often do I have to service the effluent filter in my septic tank?
16. Is there financial assistance available for property owners whose POWTS has failed and needs to be replaced?
17. I see advertisements that say “if I buy this product I can reduce the pumping cost for my septic tank.” Does this really help?
18. How are Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) sized?
19. I want to get a zoning permit for my building addition, so why can’t I use the private onsite wastewater treatment system evaluation that was done when I purchased the home?
20. I have a mound POWTS and I want to landscape it. Can I plant trees and shrubs on or around it?