The garbage disposal is one of the most important kitchen fixtures you can invest in. This is because it keeps some types of food waste out of the sink and sewer systems.
This will keep your water clean and prevent pipe clogs from developing beneath your kitchen sink.
To get the best value for your money, you need to buy a great garbage disposal for your home. If you do not use the right unit, it could cause leaks in your system.
This guide will help you pick out the best garbage disposal for septic systems. That way, you can dispose of your trash without clogging up your pipes or messing with your waste system at all.
The 5 Best Garbage Disposal for Septic Systems
- Overall Best Garbage Disposal for Septic Systems: InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist 3/4 HP Household Garbage Disposal
- Best 1 HP Garbage Disposal: Waste King Legend Series 1 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal (L-8000)
- Best ½ HP Garbage Disposal: Moen GX50C 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal (Prep Series)
- Best Garbage Disposal for Continuous Waste: GE Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
- Best Budget Garbage Disposer: Frigidaire FFDI501DMS 1/2 Hp D Garbage Disposer
Overall Best Garbage Disposal for Septic Systems
1. InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist 3/4 HP Household Garbage Disposal
The InSinkErator brand is well known for its stellar appliances that cover all needs and budgets. They make incredible compact garbage disposal units. This InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist model has earned a spot as our best garbage disposal.
This unit has an impressive two-stage grinding system. It also has a powerful ¾ horsepower motor that can grind any type of food. This includes things like melon rinds, small bones, and fibrous vegetables.
Seeing as it is a garbage disposal for septic systems, it also comes with a bio pack cartridge. The microorganisms in the bio pack produce enzymes that further break things down.
If you want your kitchen to smell clean and fresh, the bio pack is great for releasing a citrus smell. The unit also has a SoundSeal system that insulates sound and vibrations from the unit’s body.
Compared to most other products, the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist is silent. It also has a sink collar that prevents noise from coming out from the top.
The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist has the best value, quality, effectiveness, and power. The one downside is that it is quite pricey, but you get a great value for your money.
Specifications
- Horse Power: ¾ HP
- RPM Speed: 1725
- Feed Type: Continuous
- Voltage: 120
- Mounting: 3-Bolt Mounting
- Warranty: In-home, 4 Years (Limited)
Pros
- Two-stage grinding
- 40 oz grinding chamber
- Stainless steel components
- Citrus fragrance for a sweet smelling atmosphere
- Soundproofing
Cons
- Power cord not included
- Pricey
Best 1 HP Garbage Disposal
2. Waste King Legend Series 1 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal (L-8000)
Although the Waste King L-8000 does not have extra features, it performs very well.
If you are looking for a more affordable but quite powerful unit, then you should consider the L-8000. It is very effective at processing waste, which has earned it a spot as our best 1 HP garbage disposal.
Its motor operates at an impressive speed of 2800 rpm. The stainless steel impellers and quick-starting motor crush food particles instantly.
The L-8000 has sound insulation that makes it quiet, despite the powerful motor. The unit is small and compact enough to fit under your sink, so it saves you money and space.
There is a splash guard covering the entrance. This should prevent garbage from splashing around. Unlike most models with a reset button at the bottom, the L-8000 has its reset button at the front.
The Waste King disposal has a mount, twist, and lock mechanism that makes installation easy. You do not have to worry about hiring a plumber. You can rest assured that the product will last. This is because it comes with an in-home lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Horse Power: 1 HP
- RPM Speed: 2800
- Feed Type: Continuous
- Voltage: 115
- Mounting: EZ Mounting System
- Warranty: In-home, Lifetime (Limited)
Pros
- Corrosion and rust proof
- Anti-jam technology
- Noise insulation
- E-Z mounting system
- Power cord included
- Splash guard
- Easy installation
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Still loud despite the insulation
- The splash seal is not as tight as should be
Best ½ HP Garbage Disposal
3. Moen GX50C 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal (Prep Series)
Moen is a household name for bathroom and kitchen appliances. The GX50C is a powerful garbage disposal model that runs on ½ horsepower engines. It pairs very well with a septic system.
With the GX50C, there are so many pleasant surprises awaiting the user. Despite its ½ HP motor, the GX50C generates more power than you would expect.
The motor is also jam-proof and has an impressive speed of 2600 RPM. It is also soundproof and runs almost silently in the background.
Despite its power, the GX50C is stylish, compact, and lightweight. It has an aesthetic appeal you will be proud to have in your space.
It is small enough to accommodate most sinks and uses a Universal Xpress Mount system for installation. So you do not have to worry about fitting it into your home’s design.
The Moen GX50C is an affordable, stylish, powerful, and effective garbage disposal. It provides great value for your money. It is also durable, long-lasting, and comes with an in-home warranty for four years.
Specifications
- Horsepower: ½ HP
- RPM Speed: 2600
- Feed Type: Continuous
- Voltage: 115
- Mounting: 3-Bolt Mounting
- Warranty: In-home, 4 Years (Limited)
Pros
- Jam proof
- Silent
- Affordable
- Powerful ½ HP motor
- Great grinding speed
Cons
- Can sometimes be hard to install
Best Garbage Disposal for Continuous Waste
4. GE Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
The General Electric GE GFC520V is perfect as a continuous feed model for septic systems. It is made with durable materials that are resistant to corrosion and rust. This is important because of the continuous exposure to water.
The product contains cold-rolled carbon steel, galvanized steel, and stainless steel. If you take care of it, it will last you for a very long time.
If you are on a budget but still want an efficient disposal, the GE GFC520V is right for you. It has a powerful, jam-proof ½ HP motor that grinds food waste at a speed of 2800 RPM.
So you are getting great price, speed, power, and durability in one pack. It is small and lightweight enough to fit under your sink and runs quietly.
Because of its small size, the GE GFC520V is only ideal for small households. Or it can work for those who do not produce a lot of food waste at once. It comes with an in-home warranty for one year and an extendable warranty for parts for one year.
Specifications
- Horsepower: ½ HP
- RPM Speed: 2800
- Feed Type: Continuous
- Voltage: 120
- Mounting: EZ Mount
- Warranty: In-home, 1 year (Limited)
Pros
- Affordable
- Small, lightweight, and compact
- Jam-proof motor
- Durable parts
- Anti-rust and corrosion-resistant
- Compact and lightweight
- Reasonably quiet
Cons
- Not all sink mounts are compatible
Best Budget Garbage Disposer
5. Frigidaire FFDI501DMS 1/2 Hp D Garbage Disposer
Frigidaire is a subsidiary of Electrolux, another powerhouse of kitchen appliances. The Frigidaire FFDI501DMS is the garbage disposal for anyone looking to not break the bank.
For instance, it has a GrindPro ½ HP motor that produces a maximum speed of 2600 RPM. This will grind waste and avoid septic problems. Although it does an adequate job, it is not as efficient as the other products reviewed here.
But this is expected because it costs way less than other products. You have to choose if you value a great budget or a highly effective unit.
It is also only ideal for households that produce minimum to average waste daily as it is a small unit. The compact size makes it perfect for people who are trying to save space in their kitchen.
The unit is also durable and made with sound guard materials. These provide adequate soundproofing for the motor as it runs. It has an easy-fit mounting system that makes it compatible with other mounting systems.
Specifications
- Horsepower: ½ HP
- RPM Speed: 2600
- Feed Type: Continuous
- Voltage: 120
- Mounting: Easy-Fit
- Warranty: 2 Years (Limited)
Pros
- Easy to install
- Very affordable
- Quality materials
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Not quite powerful
How to Choose the Right Garbage Disposal for Septic Tanks
Garbage disposal units are particularly helpful in homes that do not connect directly to a plumbing system. They help you collect and break down waste. It will also ensure that your home is free from any frustrating smells and odors.
To enjoy great value for your money, you have to ensure you buy the right kind for your home. As a rule of thumb, you should only get one that is large and powerful enough to process the waste you produce. Here are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a garbage disposal.
Size
The size of the garbage disposal unit you buy depends on the size of your tank. You need a garbage disposal unit that has the processing power to accommodate the frequency of your use. This is so you are not flushing out waste every time you use it.
Look out for one that is compact enough to fit into your space without compromising on processing power.
Motor
The size and speed of your unit’s motor determine how well it processes waste. If the motor works at higher speeds, it means you will generate less waste than one that does not function as effectively. The recommended motor speed for a home garbage disposal unit is at least ½ horsepower or 2600 rpm.
Septic-System Ready
Always check the labels to see if your garbage disposal is compatible with either standard plumbing or septic tanks. If it does not have this distinction, you should try to avoid such products.
If the garbage disposal is compatible with septic tanks, it will come with a bio pack. This gives your unit a microorganism treatment each time you use the device. This treatment increases efficiency and the speed at which your garbage disposal unit processes garbage.
Continuous Feed Vs. Batch Feed Disposal
Most people prefer garbage disposal units with continuous feed. This is because they are easier to use and more efficient. Batch feed models work better with septic tanks because you have to seal them before they can work.
You will not have to turn on the garbage disposal every time you throw food into it. This reduces the amount of water you use to flush your tank. This is particularly helpful if you have a smaller system.
Noise Level
The noise level of your unit does not have anything to do with its efficiency. But it is nice to have a device that does not create a racket while it works. Loud sounds from your garbage disposal can scare your kids and pets, disrupt conversations, and be a nuisance.
Most models have a sound-insulating design that allows the garbage disposal to run quietly in the background.
Volume of Waste Produced
You should consider the size of your family and the amount of waste generated often. A larger family will produce more garbage than a smaller one. So if you generate large volumes of food waste, you will want to get a bigger and more powerful unit to handle your waste.
If your family size is small or you do not generate a lot of food waste, then you can get a smaller size to save money and space.
Installation
Some models come with complicated installation instructions. So look for a unit with simple instructions for you to install by yourself.
Warranty
Look for products with a warranty, so you have protection in case something happens to your unit. Most garbage disposal models have at least a year warranty, even though those only cover manufacturing faults.
Some also come with an in-home warranty. This means you will have your faulty unit fixed for free as the company will be paying.
How to Take Care of Your Garbage Disposal Units and Septic Systems
The way you take care of your disposal will determine how long you can use it. No matter how expensive or high-end your unit is, a lack of care will make it deteriorate. Sometimes, with proper care, even cheap garbage disposal units can last as long as the more expensive ones.
Some types of foods cannot be processed. While the typical garbage disposal will pulverize soft foods, some might jam trying to crush harder foods.
Even if your garbage disposal is compatible with a septic system, you should still try to watch how much coffee grounds, fruit pits, grease, or fat you flush into it. Oil, grease, and other fatty components do not mix well with water. These products will float as scum over the surface of the water.
Sometimes, they can even stick to the walls and solidify there. These contribute to the bulk of waste that needs to be pumped out.
It is also best to watch how much food scraps you put into the garbage disposal, even if the waste is completely crushed. Any organic matter that enters the tank has to be pumped out.
The more waste you put in, the more often and the shorter the interval between pumps. Also, avoid pouring non-food items down the garbage disposal to prevent jamming.
You can dislodge any food jamming your septic garbage disposal unit with cold water. You can clean your garbage disposal unit and remove offensive odors by running citrus peels around the body. It will also be helpful to add some ice cubes or rock salt.
Conclusion
Garbage disposal for septic systems is a great and efficient way to manage dirt generated in the kitchen. You need to consider your budget, the size of your family, and the volume of trash generated.
You should look at the disposal’s size, grinding capacity, speed, motor horsepower, durability, and volume. Some of the best garbage disposals may cost more upfront, but you will enjoy better results in the long run.
