Dinner is over, your guests are full, you’ve just crammed the remnants of a three-course meal into your garbage disposal. You eagerly hit the switch… and boom. Fail.
Is it time for a replacement? Maybe. First, check the reset button. This is a small button on the bottom of most disposals that simply resets the motor in the case of overloading. Sometimes it’s just that simple. You shut the disposal off, reset the button, and try the disposal again.
These are signs that you need a replacement:
- You get frequent clogs
- You reset it often
- The odorsare persistent
- The blades aren’t chopping efficiently
What Garbage Disposal is Best for You?
There are two types of garbage disposals to choose from: the continuous feed and the batch feed. Both get the job done; however, the continuous feed disposals are the easiest to use. The batch feed disposal requires that you place your food waste into the chamber and close the stopper lid to activate the food grinder inside.
How to Pick a New Garbage Disposal
It’s easy to know which garbage disposal to buy if you consider how important the following factors are to you:
- Motor Size
You can buy anything from 1/3 horsepower to 1 full horsepower. A one-third horsepower (HP) motor is perfect for a single homeowner occasionally grinding soft vegetables. A 1 HP motor is much more suited to a large family that often eats at home and will provide smoother operation, finer pulverization and less jams — which equals less stress on your waste water system.
- Grinding Chamber Size And Material
Chambers in disposals with more HP will be larger, since their motors can handle more food. And chambers and blades made of stainless steel will last longer, be more efficient, are the easiest to clean and won’t rust.
- Extra Features
A garbage disposal is going to make noise. Better quality units, however, tend to have better insulated grinding chambers, so there’s a marked difference in the noise level. Similarly, some models offer additional features, such as sound baffles (to lower the decibel level of the unit), anti-splash baffles (to keep your sink cleaner) and corrosion protection shields.
- Are You on a Septic System?
We are often asked if it is possible to have a garbage disposal on a septic system. Some people believe you can’t because it will mess up the balance of good bacteria that makes a tank work. This is not true. With everything that goes into a septic tank, ground up food is the least of your worries. If your home has a septic system, consider buying a garbage disposal with an enzyme reservoir, to help break down the food scraps.
Feeling overwhelmed? We’re here for you. We can recommend the right garbage disposal for your household needs and install it for you….. and we’ll never charge you overtime fees. Even if it’s a weekend. Even if it’s a holiday. Never, ever. Contact us here or call us at 1-866-314-4443.
