Homes containing garbage disposals should have a septic tank capacity increased by what percentage to accommodate increased organic loading?

Increasing septic tank capacity by 50% is recommended for homes equipped with garbage disposals because these devices tend to generate a significant amount of additional organic waste. Garbage disposals grind food waste into smaller particles, which improves the breakdown and digestion of material in the septic system. However, this increase in organic load can overwhelm a standard septic tank's capacity if it's not properly sized.

The higher organic load results from the added food waste, which can lead to faster accumulation of solids at the bottom of the tank and a higher frequency of maintenance required to prevent system failure. Therefore, a 50% increase in the septic tank's capacity helps ensure that the system can handle this additional waste effectively, promoting proper bacterial activity and maintaining the overall efficiency and longevity of the septic system.

This adjustment is crucial for maintaining the health of the septic environment, ensuring proper treatment of wastewater, and reducing the risk of system malfunctions or failures due to insufficient capacity.