Garbage Disposals
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

Garbage disposals are a convenient accessory to today’s kitchens. They are designed to be a self cleaning, maintenance free, food grinding machine. Generally, garbage disposals run anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on how much horse power you need. Typically, an in-house disposal requires ½ to 1 horsepower.

There are two main types of garbage disposals, continuous feed and batch feed. The only difference between the two is how you turn them on. Generally, garbage disposals differ from one another according to power components, installation, and warranty. The stronger the horsepower, the longer the disposal will last. Key components include the different grinding elements.

Before purchasing a new garbage disposal, make sure to have your plumbing system checked (sewer and other hook-ups) to see what disposal will work best for your set up. First time installation will usually require you to make some small adaptations to your existing plumbing. You will need to hook your disposal up to your dishwasher and possibly install an extra outlet and wall switch.

Additional features are optional on garbage disposals which include self-service wrenches, auto reverse, overload manual reset, corrosion protection shield, sound baffles, and anti-splash baffles. Also, it is also a good idea to pay attention to the materials used. Good materials will make for a longer lasting disposal. Stainless steel is your best option.

Problems related to the functioning and smell of a garbage disposal should be left to the professionals. It is a dangerous appliance to attempt fixing without any prior knowledge and skill. Before purchasing a disposal, pay close attention to the warranty. The longer the warranty, the less you have to worry about how to fix it if something does go wrong.

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