James
Garbage disposal units are a great way to make kitchen cleanup easier and more efficient. They help reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills by grinding up food waste and other organic matter, making it easier to dispose of. However, with so many different models and features available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which garbage disposal best fits your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss choosing the best garbage disposal for your home.
Understanding Garbage Disposals
Before we delve into the details of choosing the best garbage disposal for your needs, it’s important to understand how they work. A garbage disposal is installed beneath your sink, and it uses a motor to grind food waste into small particles that can be easily flushed down the drain. Most garbage disposals are connected to your home’s electrical system, requiring a standard 120-volt outlet to operate.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garbage Disposal
When shopping for garbage disposal, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important considerations:
Horsepower
The horsepower of garbage disposal is an important factor to consider. The more horsepower a unit has, the more powerful it is and the more food waste it can handle. Most garbage disposals range in horsepower from 1/3 to 1 horsepower. For most households, a 1/2 or 3/4 horsepower unit will be sufficient.
Size
Garbage disposals come in different sizes, and choosing a unit that will fit comfortably beneath your sink is important. Measure the space beneath your sink before purchasing a unit to ensure it fits properly.
Noise Level
Garbage disposals can be noisy, so choosing a unit that operates quietly is important. Look for models that feature sound insulation or noise-reducing technology.
Grinding Ability
The garbage disposal’s ability to grind food waste is another important consideration. Look for models with stainless steel grinding components, as these are more durable and effective at grinding food waste.
Brand and Price
Brand and price are also important factors when choosing a garbage disposal. Look for a reputable brand that offers a warranty and good customer support. Prices vary widely but expect to spend between $100 and $300 for a quality unit.
Installing a Garbage Disposal
Once you’ve chosen the best garbage disposal, it’s time to install it. Installing a garbage disposal can be tricky, so following the manufacturer’s instructions is important. Here are the basic steps involved in installing garbage disposal:
- Turn off power to the disposal at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the old disposal, if necessary.
- Install the mounting assembly on the sink drain.
- Install the disposal onto the mounting assembly.
- Connect the electrical wiring to the disposal.
- Connect the drain pipes to the disposal.
- Please turn on the power to the disposal and test it.
Conclusion
Choosing the best garbage disposal for your home can seem overwhelming. Still, you can find the unit that best meets your needs by considering factors such as horsepower, size, noise level, grinding ability, and brand. And once you’ve chosen garbage disposal, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing it.
FAQs
What is the lifespan of a garbage disposal?
The lifespan of a garbage disposal can vary widely depending on the brand and model, but most units last between 8 and 15 years.
Can I put anything down at the garbage disposal?
No, you should only put food waste down at the garbage disposal. Non-food items can damage the unit and cause clogs in your plumbing.
How do I clean my garbage disposal?
To clean your garbage disposal, run cold water and turn on the unit. Add a few ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt, then let the unit run for a minute or two. This will help clean the blades and remove any buildup in the unit.
Can I install a garbage disposal myself?
Installing a garbage disposal can be tricky, so it’s best to hire a professional plumber to ensure it is installed correctly.
What should I do if my garbage disposal stops working?
If your garbage disposal stops working, try resetting it by pressing the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If this doesn’t work, check to ensure the unit is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped. If the unit still isn’t working, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
In conclusion, choosing the best garbage disposal for your home is an important decision that requires careful consideration of horsepower, size, noise level, grinding ability, and brand. Once you’ve chosen a unit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing it and maintain it properly to ensure a long lifespan and trouble-free operation.
The most common types of disposals come with a horsepower rating ranging from a quarter to one horsepower. The number of horsepowers that you need depends on how often you plan to use the disposal and what types of waste you plan to dispose of. You should choose garbage disposal with a 3/4hp to a one-horsepower rating if you regularly cook large meals and rarely cook smaller ones. For those who cook only occasionally, lower horsepower disposal is fine.
Power rating
The horsepower of garbage disposal is a key consideration when purchasing one. The higher the horsepower, the less likely it is to jam and produce a clog. Higher horsepower disposals can handle more garbage and put less stress on your water waste system. For homes that use garbage disposal frequently, a 1 hp model is a good choice. But keep in mind that higher horsepower does not necessarily mean better performance.
The amount of watts garbage disposal uses depends on the horsepower. There are several categories of horsepower, including 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4. Half-horsepower garbage disposals draw 373 Watts, whereas 3/4-horsepower disposal draws 559 Watts. Look for the horsepower rating on the garbage disposal’s body or in the reader’s manual. When purchasing disposal, be sure to check the rating of the motor and the number of blades.
Stainless steel blades
Stainless steel blades in garbage disposals are the most durable among the different materials used for this purpose. You should avoid placing rough or tough objects in the disposal, as they can damage the blades. When chromium and oxygen combine, they form a protective layer. A slight scratch can even cause this protective layer to come back. However, if you want to be sure, you should use a warranty provided by the manufacturer.
Another reason for choosing a stainless steel garbage disposal is its anti-corrosion feature. The high chromium content of this material creates a layer of chromium oxide that protects the blades from rust. But even this layer can easily be scratched, and that can cause the blades to rust. If you’re concerned about the noise produced by the garbage disposal, you can always buy a high-quality one that comes with noise-canceling technologies to reduce the noise made by the grinder.
Auto-reverse
When it comes to garbage disposals, you may want to consider an auto-reverse model for your home. The automatic mechanism in these units detects clogs and reverses the motor’s movement. This feature not only helps prevent jamming but will also decrease the noise generated by the motor. Noisy garbage disposal is not a pleasant sound to be in, and this feature may be a perfect solution.
One way to clean the grinding chamber is to grind hard materials in a container. Doing so can help dislodge potential remains from the grind ring or the impellers. In addition, ice will help solidify some substances, making them easier to flush out with water. These are just a few of the ways to clean garbage disposal. Taking care of garbage disposals is essential if you want to ensure that they last a long time.
Noise reduction
When buying a garbage disposal, the most important consideration should be noise reduction. The average decibel level produced by a garbage disposal is 48 decibels, much louder than a normal conversation. Although there is no straight line between the decibel level of garbage disposal and that of a vacuum cleaner, the scale does follow a logarithmic pattern. This means that if machine A makes 20 dB, it is only twice as loud as machine B. However, a 20 dB increase means the sound energy is multiplied by 100.
Although noise reduction is extremely important, it’s not easy to find a garbage disposal that is quiet enough. The noise level of disposal depends on several factors, including the type of motor, insulation, and splash guard. Most companies have soundproofing technology and other features that reduce noise, and some even have patented sound reduction systems, such as the exclusive Silencer Technology. It’s a good idea to ask your sales representative about the available options when shopping for disposal, as these features vary from one model to another.
Warranty
Buying a warranty for your disposal is a great way to protect yourself from unforeseen problems. While most manufacturers offer some sort of warranty, the warranty will not cover normal wear and tear. The decision to purchase a warranty will likely be dictated by the price of the disposal unit. If it costs less than $50, you might not need it, and it may not even be worth the cost of the unit. However, if you plan to use the disposal for many years, purchasing a warranty is a smart choice.
In addition to covering parts, warranties also cover the entire appliance, including the parts. Most home warranties cover all or part of the appliance, including garbage disposals. Some cover parts and modules while others cover the entire system. Getting a warranty for your garbage disposal is an excellent way to protect yourself against unexpected costs, including repair bills. If your disposal breaks down due to normal wear and tear, you’ll be able to call your warranty company for assistance.