My wife and I and 2 (now left the nest) children have lived in this house for 46 years. City water, septic tank and leach field. I had the tank pumped every few years when the kids were at home, now for just the 2 of us, I have it pumped every 5 years. Never had sludge build up anywhere near the outlet level, but we are very careful not to flush anything that we do not believe is biodegradeable, like sand, plastic scraps, etc.
Ny wife is thinking that it is time for us to get a garbage disposal, to avoid having to clean carrot and potato peelings out of the sink, etc. I am a little concerned about the added strain on the septic tank and whether we should proceed with my installing a disposal or not.
All polite opinions warmly welcomed, expecially if you have any first- hand experience.