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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Things to Know When Purchasing a Garbage Disposal

There are basically two types of garbage disposals, with varying features, to choose from. One type is the standard continuous feed disposal that operates with the flip of a switch. It is the cheapest and most convenient, allowing you to continuously feed scraps to the disposal while water runs down the drain. This type also typically comes with a rubber splash guard to cover the drain hole. Another type of disposal is the batch-feed, which costs more but does not require the additional expense of installing a wall switch. The blades on the batch-feed unit are activated when the drain hole is covered; therefore, they are considered safer to operate.

Once you have decided on your preferred type, you need to know what you intend to routinely grind in order to choose adequate horsepower. Higher horsepower (as would be needed for grinding bones) will usually grind faster with less chance of jamming. You should also know what you are considering for longevity when it comes to choosing the quality of the disposal’s parts. For instance, stainless-steel blades will cost more than another disposal of the same horsepower with blades of galvanized steel; however, stainless-steel is superior at resisting corrosion so it will come with an extended warranty. In purchasing your disposal, make sure that you consider the size of your sink area. If space under the sink is limited, your may discover that your only choice is a compact unit.

Don’t be fooled by false advertising for “quieter” units; added insulation has little sound deadening benefit since the grinding noises are escaping through the drain hole, on continuous-feed disposals. Above all, with the installation requirements of plumbing, mechanical and electrical skills, contact your local plumbing professional with any questions or concerns.