-----Original Message-----
From: ]
Posted At: Sunday, October 26, 2008 1:30 AM
Posted To: alt.home.repair
Conversation: are the septic assist garbage disposals a good idea
Subject: are the septic assist garbage disposals a good idea

My in-sink-erator has rusted through and needs to be replaced. It was
the septic assist model with container that injects some supposed
septic assist fluid. My previous home did not have this "feature".

Are these really necessary? We are careful with what we put down the
drain. Most of our solids go out to the chickens!

Any suggestion on a new unit? I was thinking to go with the same
brand in hopes it keeps all the plumbing the same. I'm leaning
towards just a regular disposer w/o the septic fluid.

==================================
I think the septic assist is likely just a gimmick. Most city/county
codes require pumping every three years (to remove the sludge that
gathers at the bottom). In rural areas where there are no pumping
codes, people go many, many more years before they 'have to' pump.

If your septic is working well, a disposal shouldn't be a problem. I'm
not as concerned about finely ground food (or even small chunks of food
that sneak down my drain) as much as I am about laundry water/chemicals
which can stop the septic's action.

Here's something I heard about that helps to 'restart' or boost the
action of a septic:

2 C. Brown Sugar
5 C. Hot Water
1 pkg Yeast
Stir to dissolve the sugar and yeast. Then flush it all down the
toilet. Don't send more water down any drains/toilet for an hour
afterward.