How does a garbage disposal work? Are garbage disposals worth it?
When it comes to garbage disposals, there are many questions that you might have. Can any sink have a garbage disposal? What type of garbage disposal should I get? How do I clean and maintain my garbage disposal? And what do I do when my garbage disposal stops working?
You’re not alone, so we have compiled some FAQs to answer in this article. Let’s get started at the beginning.
How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?
A garbage disposal is an electrical device that helps to break down food waste in the kitchen. It uses a grinding action to turn your kitchen scraps into tiny particles, which can then be flushed away through the plumbing system. The main components of a garbage disposal are an electric motor, a grinding ring (or blades), and a rotating impeller.
The motor powers the disposer and drives the impeller at high speed, so it chops up food waste as it passes through it. As the impeller turns, its teeth fling pieces of food against the grinding ring, breaking them down further into tiny bits. These particles are then funneled out of the bottom of the disposal, where they’re washed away by water from running taps or flushed out through the drainage system.
Because of their high speed and powerful grinding action, garbage disposals can break down almost any type of food waste, including vegetable scraps, egg shells, and meat bones. They can also grind up fibrous materials like corn husks and celery stalks. However, it’s important not to overload your disposer or put in items that cannot be easily ground, such as metal objects, paper towels, and cooking oils.
Garbage disposals are a convenient way to get rid of food waste quickly and without taking out the trash every night. Not only do they make cleaning up easier, but they also reduce the amount of organic matter going into landfills.
If you’re thinking of installing a garbage disposal in your home, make sure you pick the right size for your kitchen needs and ensure it has enough power to handle the types of food waste you plan to put into it. With regular maintenance and proper use, your garbage disposal should last for many years.
Can Any Sink Have a Garbage Disposal?
Yes, any sink can have a garbage disposal. However, there are some things you should consider when installing a garbage disposal in an existing sink. Before purchasing a garbage disposal, you should check whether there is enough space under the sink for it to fit and if the existing pipes can support the added weight from the disposer.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure the power source can support the electrical needs of the disposer. If your sink cannot meet these criteria, you may need to upgrade your plumbing or install a new sink before installing a garbage disposal.
Once all necessary upgrades have been made, installation is relatively simple and can be completed in a few hours.
What Type of Garbage Disposal Should I Get?
When it comes to garbage disposals, there are a few key features to consider: size, power, noise level, and price.
Size is an important factor to consider when choosing a garbage disposal. A larger disposal can handle more waste, while smaller disposals are preferable when space is limited. The motor’s horsepower will determine the amount of waste it can handle. This is usually measured in amps; more powerful motors can grind tougher food particles more effectively.
Noise level is another important factor when choosing a garbage disposal. Look for disposal with noise insulation or sound-dampening technology designed to reduce the noise from grinding food particles.
Price is also an important consideration when selecting a disposal. More expensive disposals are generally sturdier and better at grinding food particles than less expensive models. With so many different types of garbage disposals available, choosing the right kind of garbage is essential to ensure that it meets your needs.
How Do I Clean and Maintain My Garbage Disposal?
A clean garbage disposal is an efficient one. As far as cleaning your garbage disposal goes, you should use caution when using any type of chemical cleaner, abrasive cleanser, or other harsh chemicals that could damage the blades and internal components of your garbage disposal.
Instead, opt for natural methods such as vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda to clean your garbage disposal safely.
What Do I Do When My Garbage Disposal Stops Working?
Your garbage disposal not working can be frustrating. If your garbage disposal stops working suddenly, there are a few things you can do to try and get it running again. The first step is to check the circuit breaker and ensure power goes to the switch. If it’s still not working, the next step is to check for any blockages and ensure it’s properly attached to the sink.
If none of these solutions solve the problem, you may need to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix your garbage disposal issues.
Are Garbage Disposals Worth It?
The complexities of garbage disposal can be offputting. So are garbage disposals worth it? Using a garbage disposal has several advantages, including reducing the time needed to scrub pans and prep dishes for washing.
A garbage disposal also makes managing large amounts of food waste easier, especially during meal preparation. In addition, using a garbage disposal cuts down on the number of plastic bags used for disposing of kitchen waste.
However, installing garbage disposal is costly, and there are also a few drawbacks to consider. First, some garbage disposals can be loud when in operation. This might disturb people who live in close quarters with others or have thin walls between their kitchen and other living spaces.
Another consideration is that garbage disposals can require frequent maintenance. Food particles and debris accumulate over time, leading to clogs and bad odors. If not cleaned regularly, these issues can cause expensive problems for homeowners down the line.
While installing garbage disposal may require an upfront expense, they are worth it in the long run if appropriately managed. With regular cleaning and maintenance, homeowners can enjoy the convenience of having one installed without dealing with any risks.
Quick Quality Plumbing
At Quick Quality Plumbing, we strive to provide our customers with top-quality plumbing services and reliable solutions. Our team of experienced professionals has over 40 years of combined experience and a passion for what they do.
We are committed to delivering outstanding results and positively impacting our community by providing excellence with honesty and dependability. If you need reliable, efficient plumbing services in Utah County, send us a message or call us today at (801) 763-7835!
