The size of a septic tank should be increased by what percentage if it services a garbage disposal?

When a septic tank services a garbage disposal, it is necessary to increase its size to accommodate the additional waste volume and stress it incurs. Garbage disposals add a significant amount of organic material and solids to the wastewater flow, which can disrupt the normal functioning of a septic system if it is not adequately sized.

The appropriate increase in the size of the septic tank is often recommended to be around 50 percent to effectively manage the added load. This increase allows for the extra solids and helps maintain the balance of anaerobic digestion within the tank, ensuring that the system operates efficiently without overwhelming the system with additional organic material. By increasing the capacity, the system can continue to provide effective breakdown and treatment of waste, thereby reducing the risk of clogs and system failure.

This guidance is based on standard practices in the field of environmental health and sanitation, which focuses on maintaining the integrity and functionality of septic systems when changes in usage occur, such as the installation of a garbage disposal.