Garbage Disposal Installation
Since first created in 1927, the garbage disposal has gone from a luxury kitchen aid to a standard appliance found in almost every home. While most people understand its function in helping to grind up solid food wastes, understanding how that process works and what model will suit their needs is a different story. Below we explain all you need to know about garbage disposals as well as answer some common questions about repairing or installing them.
These machines are installed under the kitchen sink and connect to the drainage line. The electric motor powers impeller blades, or a disk that spins at high velocity. As food enters the disposal chamber, the blades or disk force solid wastes against the wall. The force generated helps to grind the material down to smaller sizes that are then washed through the system by water that enters the unit through holes in the wall.
Types of Garbage Disposals
Currently, there are two main disposal designs available to you. The most common model is referred to as a continuous feed disposal. Once activated, it will run until turned off, allowing you to feed it scraps until it is shut down.
The other design is referred to as a batch feed disposal. These systems will not activate until they are full and a cap is placed on them. This design has popularity in homes with children as they are less dangerous than a continuous feed.
Finding the Right Disposal for You
The first step is to determine the installation process. Most homes now have a 120-volt outlet installed under the sink area for a garbage disposal to plug into, but older homes often lack an outlet in that location and will require the unit to be hard wired to a switch. These products are sold with and without a cord, so matching your requirements is important.
Next, you will need to determine the horsepower of the motor needed. Motors range from 1/3 to 1 H.P. in size. The number of people living in the home and the amount of food thrown away on average will help determine the size of motor needed.
These devices can be noisy when they are on, so a little online research before shopping can help to determine how loud the disposal is. Reading reviews can help in this process, but they shouldn’t be completely depended upon. Noise reductions designs, such as added insulation, are features that manufacturers will list in product descriptions.
Durability is also something to consider when looking at these appliances. Buying a reputable brand with positive reviews may save you from having to pay for repairs or brand new units in just a couple of years. If possible, try to find products that have manufacturer warranties for added security.
An often overlooked feature is safety. As mentioned earlier, batch feed models are safer due to their need for a full chamber and a cap in order to activate. If you have small children then a batch feed setup is worth considering.
Finally, you will need to consider your budget. The prices of garbage disposals vary greatly. Continuous feed models tend to be cheaper. Extra features like noise reduction can add to the price.
Garbage Disposal Repair Cost
Clogs and leaks are common issues and can be fixed by disconnecting the disposal from the drainage pipe and removing obstacles or replacing the sealing ring. Flywheel and motor issues occasionally occur and will require repair services. Other common issues that occur are are humming, leaking, no noise and not draining. Depending on the severity of the problem you may need a major garbage disposal repair or replacement.
How To Free Jammed Garbage Disposal
Coffee grounds are a major cause of clogs and should not be put into your disposal. Grease and oils build up on pipes or components over time and slow drainage. Eggshells, pasta, and potato peels stick to the walls and build into chunks that can freeze impellers and cause clogs. Hard foods like seeds, nuts, and seafood shells should be avoided. When jams occur, use an offset wrench to turn the blade or disk from under the housing. Make sure to disconnect the power first
Garbage Disposal Replacement Cost
Garbage disposals can range from under 100.00 USD to over 700.00 USD. Keep in mind that you will be paying for labor as well as the unit itself. As you can see, this device is simple in design and use. A typical unit will last several years if treated properly. If you run into problems, make sure to contact us so we can get your disposal up and running!