Everything you Need to Know Before Buying a Garbage Disposal

Kitchens are the center of activity in every household and garbage disposals are their workhorses. They shoulder the responsibility of keeping both the kitchen and environment clean. Since its invention in 1927 by John Hammes, it is becoming an essential part of every American kitchen with each passing year. According to Nationally representative CR Survey done in February 2020 done on 1000 U.S adults, more than 50 percent of homes in the U.S owns a garage disposal. This guide will give all the information related to garbage disposal that you must know if you have one in your kitchen or plan to buy a new one.

How a Garbage Disposal Works

A garbage disposal is installed under the sink. It collects the food waste into its grinding chamber to shred it into tiny pieces and bits. Then an impeller plate and arm force these particles to wash down the pipeline. Dishwashers drain also passes through the garbage disposal to strain any large particles and grind them before they pass through the plumbing.

Maintenance Tips for a Garbage Disposal

Here are some maintenance tips that keep your garbage disposal clean and running. This will save you from the hassle disposing your trash through other means and save you repairing and part replacement costs.

  • Keep the cold water running during and after every use. Let the water flow for approximately 15 seconds after the grinding stops to allow the food wash through properly. Don’t use hot water as it causes the fat to stick to the blades and interior of the garbage disposal and can also overheat it.
  • Don’t run greasy, stringy, and fibrous foods through it. Food items like fried and sticky foods, pasta, celery and potato will clog the drain. Make sure you dispose these foods through solid food channels.
  • Use of harsh chemicals to clean the garbage disposal can harm the plumbing system and could be hazardous to environment too. You can occasionally use a degreaser or disposal cleaner to keep your garbage disposal clean and fresh.
  • Use peels of citrus to keep it fresh. Toss in your used lemon, lime, and orange peels to hinder any bacterial growth and keep it smelling fresh.

How to Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal

Troubleshooting a garbage disposal is easy and can be done without any professional help most of the times. Read our detailed blog on fixing a garbage disposal unit to restart it and save repair cost.

How to Choose the Right Garbage Disposal

The selection of a garbage disposal for your kitchen depends upon your usage, budget, and kitchen setup. The two main types of garbage disposal available are: batch feed garbage disposals and continuous feed garbage disposals. Both garbage disposals differ in ways of installation and operation. You can also look for additional features such as stainless-steel grinding chamber or extra insulation for reduced noise.

Garbage Disposal Safety Tips:

  • Don’t stick your hands into the garbage disposal
  • Always disconnect the garbage disposal from the power connection while installation, removal, or other maintenance work
  • Remove non-food items from the sink before turning on the garbage disposal.

Installation and Removal of Garbage Disposals:

Installation and Removal of a garbage disposal require basic plumbing skills and simple plumbing tools. Still, if you are unsure how to do this job, it’s better to book an appointment with a plumbing service.

Explore our wide range of garbage disposal to choose the best one for your kitchen.