While eating is a pastime that brings people together to exchange stories and share quality time, cleaning up is definitely not the highlight. In an effort to reduce clean-up time and plumbing hassles, many Americans have installed garbage disposals into their sinks. If you are tired of scraping leftover food into the trash, or cleaning out your sink’s trap, and have considered a garbage disposal for your home, Mark Wethington of B&J Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. offers answers to common disposal questions you may have to make your decision easier.
How does it work?
A garbage disposal is an electrically powered device placed under the kitchen sink between the drain and the trap. The disposal has sharp blades that turn and chop food into particles small enough to pass through your plumbing system.
Which should you buy?
While it is respectable that you are trying to save money on home expenses, Wethington recommends that you stay away from the lower-priced garbage disposals. These brands usually have cheap blades and motors that won’t work as intended. Instead, do your research and search customer reviews to find one that is still affordable for you, but has sharper blades. If you buy a cheap disposal, says Wethington, then you are going to find yourself replacing it more often. On the contrary, good disposals will last years, and many come with excellent manufacturer warranties.
Who should install it?
Installing a new garbage disposal should definitely be left to a professional. If not fitted correctly and properly secured, you run the risk of the garbage disposal falling out of the sink. If that occurs, then not only will you then have to call in a professional to fix it, but you will end up with a mess of old food. And, if food is left under your sink, it can lead to hazardous mold and mildew growth. So, save yourself the repair fees and messy cleanup and call your local plumber when you plan on adding a disposal to your kitchen.
What are common problems?
- Pipes under the sink need to be unclogged because of garbage disposal. Most of these issues can be traced back to a blade issues or improper use.
- If you have a home with a septic tank, Wethington discourages you from installing a disposal in your home.
- Switch your piping to PVC pipes if you currently have cast-iron ones. Shredded food can pass through the PVC more easily.
