No one really thinks about garbage disposals until they don’t have one. And if you’re like most people, when you do need to think about your garbage disposal, it’s because something isn’t working right. Garbage disposal is one of the best appliances in your kitchen. It’s easy to use and helps keep your kitchen clean and organized.
The following guides will give you all the information you need to select and install new disposal, use your disposal properly, and even troubleshoot problems and make common repairs to your unit.
Here are a few things you should know in case of emergency – or just to be prepared.
1. How a Garbage Disposal Works
Garbage disposal is a device, usually electrically powered, installed beneath a kitchen sink between the sink’s drain and trap. Garbage disposal is used to grind food waste into small pieces that can safely be flushed down the drain. Some garbage disposals also have a built-in dishwasher connection. When activated, the garbage disposal unit spins quickly, using centrifugal force to grind the food waste down into small pieces. The grinding process produces enough friction to generate heat, which helps to break down any grease or oil that may be in the food waste. After the garbage disposal grinds the food waste, it flushes it down the drain with fresh water from the faucet.
2. Things You Should Never Put in a Garbage Disposal
Some of the most common items that should be avoided include coffee grounds, eggshells, grease, and Boneless meat. Coffee grounds can quickly clog the blades of garbage disposal, while eggshells can get stuck in the drain and cause a build-up of bacteria. Grease can also solidify in cold temperatures and cause problems with drainages. Finally, boneless meat can wrap around the blades of garbage disposal and cause it to overheat.
3. Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting
If the noise is a loud grinding sound, this indicates that the disposal is jammed and you will need to use a wrench to loosen it. If the noise is a high-pitched whirring sound, this means that the disposal is overloaded and you will need to turn it off and remove some of the food waste. In both cases, it is best to call a professional for assistance.
4. Repair a Clogged Garbage Disposal
To keep your garbage disposal working properly, it’s important to break up any large pieces of food before putting them down the drain and to avoid putting hard-to-grind items like bones or coffee beans down the disposal. First, try running the garbage disposal with cold water for a few minutes. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plunger to dislodge the clog. If neither of those methods works, you may need to remove the garbage disposal and clear the blockage manually.
5. Selecting a Garbage Disposal
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting garbage disposal.
- The first is the size of the garbage disposal. You will want to make sure that the garbage disposal you select is the right size for your needs.
- The second thing to consider is the type of garbage disposal. There are two main types of garbage disposals: batch feed and continuous feed. Batch feed garbage disposals require you to load them up with garbage and then turn them on, while continuous feed garbage disposals can be turned on, and then the garbage can be added as needed.
- The third thing to think about is the power of garbage disposal.
6. Garbage Disposal Installation
A garbage disposal can help to reduce food waste, and it can also make cleaning up after meals much easier.
- You will need to choose the right model for your kitchen.
- You will need to have a qualified professional install your garbage disposal.
- You will need to take care of your garbage disposal properly in order to prevent clogs and jams
7. Garbage Disposal Removal
In some cases, the garbage disposal may need to be removed entirely. This can be a daunting task, but there are a few simple steps that can help to make the process go more smoothly.
- It is important to disconnect the garbage disposal from the power source.
- Use a wrench to loosen the mounting ring that holds the garbage disposal in place.
- Carefully remove the garbage disposal and dispose of it according to local regulations.
Call Tap 2 Drain Plumbing in Your Area
If you’re in the market for new garbage disposal, be sure to do your research first! Consider the price, size, and horsepower of the disposals available, and think about how you will use the disposal. Once you’ve chosen the best option for your needs, be sure to call Tap 2 Drain Plumbing to help with all your garbage disposal installation. Contact us today for a free estimate!