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

Caring for Your Garbage Disposal

Anyone who has a garbage disposal knows how handy these little mechanisms can be for homeowners. They make cleaning up after a meal so much easier, grinding up the little pieces of food that get left behind. While they are nifty devices, they also need special care to keep them working properly. Overworking them or not maintaining them will cause garbage disposals to breakdown, something no one wants in the middle of the holiday season.

3 Ways to Care for Your Garbage Disposal

There are a few ways to care for your disposal to keep it working properly. Most of garbage disposal problems are caused by operator error, usually overworking the motor until it gets clogged or burns out. Here are three rules to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your garbage disposal in working order.

  1. Be careful what you put into your disposal. Garbage disposal are not meant to handle all types of garbage. No non-food substances should ever be put into the disposal, and even the acceptable types of food come with some limitations. Keep hard foods like fruit peels, coffee grounds and tough or fibrous vegetables out of your disposal.
  2. Always run water when using the disposal. If the disposal is on, your cold water should be running, also. Always run cold, not hot, water while running your garbage disposal to flush items down the drain.
  3. Keep it clean. You will need to clean out your disposal occasionally. Make sure the device is off and carefully wipe the blades and seals with a thick cloth. You can also run ice cubes through the disposal with tiny pieces of citrus peel to clean the blades and get rid of odors.

Once you are used to living with a disposal, you’ll want a malfunctioning disposal repaired quickly. If your garbage disposal does jam or stop working, call in your local plumber. They may be able to fix the problem or can install a new device.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441