What You Need to Know about Garbage Disposals
Your kitchen is missing something if it does not have a garbage disposal. There are plenty of benefits a home can enjoy with this appliance. Garbage disposals offer an environmentally sound way to dispose of food waste, and they keep odors and pests away.
Here is what you need to know about how they work and how to pick the right one for your home. You will also learn ahead of time how to handle any minor problems that might occur.
How Do Garbage Disposals Work?
These canister-shaped units are installed underneath any ordinary sink. They contain a motor and an impeller. The motor is engaged when the user flips a switch which looks like a light switch.The switch is usually located just above the sink area.
The impeller begins to turn, and any organic debris that is fed into the sink drain is ground up by centrifugal force against a part of the disposal called the grind ring. The waste is then disposed of through the plumbing system’s wastewater pipe. Disposals can be used with running water to help move any debris through the pipes.
How to Choose a Garbage Disposal
Choose your disposal based on its quality and its horsepower. Some are also designed with components that work specifically to move debris to a septic tank in a more sanitary fashion.
Before you start comparing brands, check your plumbing fixtures. Make sure they can accommodate a disposal, and make sure that there is an electrical outlet under the sink.
Next, it is easy to start comparing brands using the Internet. You can also see display models in home improvement stores. If you are completely new to the idea of a garbage disposal this is a great way to get a better idea of what they look like and how they work.
Steel-made models are the most durable. As for motors, a small apartment would do fine with a 1/3- horsepower motor. A single-family home would do better with one that has at least ½- horsepower, if not a full 1-horsepower motor. If you have a dishwasher, make sure to choose a model that has a dishwasher attachment.
Handling Minor Problems
Top makes of garbage disposals come with warranties, yet even the best-made disposals can sometimes experience problems. If your disposal’s motor runs but the impeller blades do not move, you can fix the problem using a special disposal wrench.
This metal tool looks like an S and can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store. With the motor off, simply turn the blades using the wrench and then run your water faucet. This should dislodge any clogs. If you see any leaks, you can often fix them using plumber’s putty to reseal the unit to the drain. If leaks persist, contact a plumber.
Owning a garbage disposal is one of the best conveniences your home can have. You save debris from ending up in landfills, and you get to enjoy a cleaner, more sanitary home.