Things To Consider When Replacing Your Garbage Disposal
We use our garbage disposals every day, so when it’s time to buy a new one, we have to make sure it’ll be up to the task. No matter how many good reviews you read, or positive recommendations you see, a garbage disposal is a very personal product at the end of the day. Everyone’s needs are going to be different, so what’s perfect for a family of two probably won’t work for a family of six.
To make this decision easier, we’ve compiled some of the key points you should consider when buying a new garbage disposal.
Horsepower, Motors, and Size – and Why Bigger is Sometimes Better
For the layman, all of these terms about horsepower and the right motor may seem very confusing. Instead of going straight for the most powerful product on the market, think about what you need in your home. One of the most important things to consider will be the space you have available to use under your sink. If you need a large garbage disposal, but don’t have the space for it, you might want to think about upgrading your sink and it’s surrounds to suit your needs. Luckily, there are still a lot of options on the market for those strapped for space.
While 1/3 HP models aren’t the most powerful, these are suitable for single-person homes or for light use. They’re also smaller in size, which is a bonus if your home doesn’t have a lot of extra space to spare. 1/2 HP models are most popular in small family homes, but should still be used with only softer foods.
Stepping up a notch on the power scale, 3/4 HP disposals can handle heavier foodstuffs like bones and other hard foods which can grind through without a problem. But, if you’re a homeowner of a full house and you like entertaining, choosing models with motors over 1 HP will be the best option. The stronger the motor, the less chance of jamming and causing issues. And remember: proper garbage disposal care can ensure your disposal lasts upwards of a decade.
Reducing Noise in the Loudest Room in the Home
The kitchen is one of the noisiest rooms in the home. The clanging of pots and pans, running water streaming into the sink, juicers and coffee grinders buzzing throughout the day – with so much already going on, the last thing you’d want is a loud disposal. Fortunately, you can make efforts to reduce the noise.
Sink dampening is a popular way of lowering the decibels coming from your kitchen. This can be achieved by specialized pads or rubber coating sprays combined with some under-sink soundproofing. If you’re undergoing some remodeling in your kitchen, switching to a ceramic sink over a stainless-steel basin will also help quiet the sounds of running water, and you’ll find the disposal runs quieter, too.
Other Options to Consider
Each make and model will boast different ways of being convenient for your home, but the truth is you might not need every feature under the sun in one garbage disposal. Here are some things to look out for when doing your research:
Feed Type
There are two kinds of disposals- batch and continuous. For homes with little hands or safety concerns, batch operated machines may work better for you. These kinds of disposals require a safety stopper to be in place before they can be switched on, meaning you won’t have to worry about safety or food accidentally getting thrown back up through the drain. Continuous feed disposals can be more convenient, as they can run without a cover in place as long as water is flowing through the pipe.Auto-Reverse Functions
At some point, clogs are going to happen. By choosing a garbage disposal with an auto-reverse feature, the chamber can briefly spin in the opposite direction to dislodge any stuck foodstuffs. This saves you time, as well as the hassle of dealing with a jam.Dishwasher Compatibility
Even if you prefer to use a dishwasher, you can still make use of your sink’s garbage disposal. With an attachment linking the dishwasher’s drainage pipe through to your kitchen plumbing, food waste can be disposed of in the same way as your hand-washed dishes.Septic Assist
Some models are equipped to assist with breaking down the food waste further so that it’s suitable to flow into a septic tank.
Although there’s no “best product on the market”, looking at garbage disposal comparisons and coming to your own conclusions will leave you with the best machine for your home. You can always trust our expert technicians for your garbage disposal repair and installation needs. Contact us today at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric about any modifications you’d like made to your kitchen plumbing.
