Do You Need a Plumber to Install a Garbage Disposal?

If you want to add a garbage disposal to your kitchen sink or need to replace your existing equipment, you may want to hire a plumber. While garbage disposals are simple in design, they do require electricity and must be installed into your plumbing. There are some DIY homeowners that can tackle this job, but considering the possible problems that can occur, most people are better off hiring a professional.

Consequences of Poor Garbage Disposal Installation

Garbage disposal installation is not overly complicated, but it does require meticulous observance of each step of the process. If one aspect is not completed correctly, you could be facing problems down the road. Some of the consequences of poor installation of your garbage disposal include:

  • Improper or failed function
  • Clogs in your plumbing
  • Leaks that can cause extensive water damage
  • Electrical shock

Unless you are confident of your plumbing and mechanical skills, it is best to leave installation of a new or replacement garbage disposal to a plumber. They can ensure you get the right type of disposal for your needs and perform a professional installation. This can ensure that the equipment is properly fitted within your plumbing to prevent leaks and function as needed to help reduce clogs from food debris.

If you are ready to install a new garbage disposal, contact a local plumber to discuss the best options for your needs. They can help you choose the right horsepower, design and model for your kitchen, then install it professionally to ensure that you get the best performance. It can save you time and trouble in the future, a worthwhile investment to prevent plumbing problems.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Troubleshooting Garbage Disposal Problems

You may not realize just how much you depend on your garbage disposal until it stops working. It’s very convenient to be able to scrape leftover food off plates and pans right down your drain, plus it disposes of food waste which can begin to smell or attract pests to your property. The two most common issues which need troubleshooting in disposals are jams and power issues.

Disposal Does Not Turn On

If you flip the switch for your disposal and you hear nothing, you most likely have either a power or motor failure. The first and easiest area to check is the power. It can often be as simple as the mechanism becoming overloaded by a power surge or other electrical issue. Most disposals have a reset button on the bottom of the device; push in the red button, then try the switch again. If nothing happens, you may have a motor failure or other electrical problem. It is time to call in a plumber. 

Disposal Is Jammed

While a garbage disposal can chop up many food scrap items, there are also items which can jam the blades and cause the device to malfunction. Bones, seeds and non-food items are common causes of jammed blades, which can quickly burn up the motor if not fixed. If you turn on the disposal and it makes a loud hum, turn it off immediately. It is most likely jammed or clogged. The sharp blades can be dangerous, so call in an experienced plumber to address the issue. The best solution is prevention; keep bones, seeds, high fiber peels and non-food foreign objects out of your disposal.

Still not sure what the problem is with your garbage disposal? Call your local plumber to inspect and repair any complicated disposal issues.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

Garbage Disposals: What to Know Before You Install One

A garbage disposal can make quick work of most kitchen scraps, flushing unsavory leftovers down the drain. When your kitchen features a garbage disposal unit, you’re able to keep smelly food waste out of the kitchen garbage. That means fewer offensive odors, less volume in landfills and that your family is generating less garbage for pickup. What you may not realize, however, is that installing a garbage disposal is something you should carefully consider before taking the plunge.

First of all, a garbage disposal may not always be the best option for some homes. If you depend upon a septic tank to dispose of water waste on your property, garbage disposals are not typically recommended. Unless your septic tank system and leach field are designed specifically to accommodate the increased load of organic material and water, you could run into bigger problems down the road with your septic system.

If you’re connected to a municipal sewer line and have no contraindications regarding the use of a garbage disposal in your home, you’ll still want to think twice before you tackle the project yourself. A malfunctioning garbage disposal is just no fun, and you’re likely to spend much more money on corrective attention than you would by simply having the device installed by a professional in the first place.

When you’re considering the addition of a garbage disposal to your kitchen appliance array, be sure that you’re working closely with a licensed and experienced plumber in your area. Contact a plumbing professional in your area to discuss your garbage disposal options, and to make an informed choice regarding the installation of a unit in your home.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing

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