As experienced drainlayers in Hamilton, Auckland, Christchurch and Otago, serving New Zealand homes for over two decades, we at DrainPro New Zealand are aware of the devastating effects food waste disposers can have on on-site wastewater treatment systems.
While these disposers might seem like convenient kitchen additions, they can create serious problems for septic tanks and advanced treatment systems. Let us share our professional insights on why these two systems simply don't mix.
Critical Issues Our Drainlayers Regularly Encounter
Excessive Solids Overload
When our DrainPro drainlayers inspect struggling treatment systems, food waste disposers are often the culprit. These devices may grind food finely, but that material doesn't disappear; it significantly increases the solid waste entering your system, causing:
Accelerated Sludge Accumulation: sludge accumulation requires more frequent and costly pump-outs
System Capacity Strain: Most treatment systems simply weren't engineered to handle the additional solids load
Compromised Treatment Performance
As certified drainlayers, we understand the delicate biological balance in treatment systems. Food waste disposers disrupt this balance by:
Overwhelming Beneficial Microorganisms: The excessive organic matter from ground food overwhelms the microbes essential for waste breakdown
Filter and Pump Obstruction: Fibrous food remnants frequently clog critical system components
Blockages and Mechanical Failures
Emergency call-outs frequently involve addressing issues caused by food waste disposers:
Pipe Blockages: Food particles, especially fibrous materials, can accumulate and create stubborn blockages
Grease Build-Up: Fats and oils that go down with food waste solidify in pipes and drainage fields, creating expensive repair situations
Environmental Consequences
As responsible drainlayers committed to New Zealand's environmental protection, we're concerned about:
Soil Degradation: Excess nutrients from food waste create unhealthy soil conditions in irrigation fields
Water Contamination: Nutrient overload can leach into groundwater and nearby waterways, potentially causing harmful algae blooms
Increased Costs and Warranty Issues
Drain repair technicians often have to deliver unwelcome news to customers about:
Higher Maintenance Expenses: More frequent servicing requirements directly impact your budget
Voided Warranties: Many treatment system manufacturers explicitly exclude coverage when food waste disposers are used
Costly Repairs: Locating and clearing blockages in underground pipes can be extremely expensive
Better Solutions from DrainPro New Zealand Drainlayers
At DrainPro, we're not just experts in drainage and septic tank installation, we're advocates for smarter, more sustainable wastewater management. Food scraps, fats, and oils can severely impact the performance of your onsite wastewater treatment system. Instead of sending these materials down the drain, we recommend the following responsible and environmentally friendly alternatives:
Composting – Turn Waste into Garden Gold
Transform your kitchen scraps into rich, nutrient-dense compost that improves soil health and promotes healthy plant growth.
Composting reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfill, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps your treatment system running smoothly by minimising solids and grease entering the drainage system. This is a natural, low-cost solution ideal for homes with gardens or raised beds.
Dedicated Food Waste Collection – Simple, Safe Disposal
A benchtop food scrap bin is an easy and hygienic way to separate food waste from general rubbish. Many councils across New Zealand now offer dedicated organic waste collection services.
These systems divert waste from landfill and ensure it's processed in industrial composting facilities, significantly reducing environmental impact while protecting your wastewater system from blockages and damage.
Pet and Livestock Feeding – A Practical Option for Rural Living
For suitable food scraps, consider feeding them to pets, chickens, pigs, or other livestock. This time-tested method of waste reduction is especially useful for rural and semi-rural households in New Zealand.
Just be sure to follow MPI guidelines on what is safe to feed animals to avoid any health risks. It's an efficient way to recycle food waste while supporting your animals' diet.
At The End of The Day
By choosing more sustainable waste management practices, you'll not only protect your investment in your treatment system but also contribute to safeguarding New Zealand's precious environment for future generations.
Looking for a septic tank for your property? Get in touch with Drainpro now!
