LESLIE: Vicky in Washington has a septic-system question. What can we do for you?
VICKY: Well, we have a – we’re on a well and septic system.
TOM: OK.
VICKY: We live in the country, of course, and we bought a new garbage disposal that is certified for septic.
TOM: (overlapping voices) OK.
VICKY: And it seems like, when we run it, it tends to want to have our drain run a little slow afterwards and I wondered, since everyone else is asking the same question around here, “How does yours work?” we don’t quite know what to say and we don’t know …
TOM: Well, when you say the drain runs a little bit slower, do you mean like the kitchen sink drain or are you …
VICKY: Yes.
TOM: Oh. Well, you know, the water does have to run through the machine now; whereas, before, it went right to the trap and out. So you should expect it to run a little bit slower because the water is what actually pushes the food through. So that’s not that unusual. I don’t have any concerns about using that with a septic system. I don’t think it’ll impact the function of the system whatsoever.
VICKY: OK, and it doesn’t tend to mess up your drain field?
TOM: I don’t think so.
VICKY: OK.
TOM: Nope. Nope, I think you’re in good shape. You should enjoy it. That’s one of those handy household appliances that, once you get one, you wonder how you ever got this far without having one.
VICKY: Well, you know, I’ve made it alright; I’ve gotten used to not using it too much. But I would die without my hot water dispenser. (Tom and Vicky chuckle)
TOM: Well, you have our permission to use it as much as you like.
VICKY: Oh, thank you so much.
TOM: Alright, good luck with that project. Thanks so much for calling us at 1-888-MONEY-PIT.
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