Garbage disposal replacement
Garbage disposals are a needed convenience for your household,
especially if you hate clogged sinks and plumbing fixtures. No matter how carefully you are using yours (you can
find few tips about that below), the useful life of the garbage disposal can be anywhere between 5 and 10 years.
How to know if you need a new one?
Garbage disposals are prone to problems and
some of them can be fixed relatively quickly. Some types of garbage can clog the grinding
chamber, preventing the water from draining out of the sink or even fully jam it to the point where the grinding
plates can’t move. Caused by misuse, mechanical damage, electrical problem, or aging of the materials or
fixtures, there are symptoms that will clearly tell you that it’s time to call a plumbing
specialist:
- Garbage disposal is not working at all
- It’s making loud or unusual noises
- The kitchen sink is clogged and full of water
- The garbage disposal is leaking
Why call a pro?
Due to the nature of the garbage disposal, the repair or
replacement should be done by a technician experienced in dealing with plumbing
and electrical systems. Both need to be handled with care for the safe installation of your garbage disposal.
Needless to say, you should not try any DIY tricks if you are not trained and licensed to do
that. If the reset button doesn’t help, call a pro.
Besides being dangerous, attempts to fix it yourself may take you a whole day only to discover that your new
garbage disposal is not compatible with your current fixtures or can’t fit the area under the sink. Some
installations require additional parts or replacement of connectors, fittings or mounting hardware; leveling and
securing that require equipment, planning and experience.
A professional plumber can also consult with you when choosing your
new garbage disposal. Important criteria when buying a new one are: power
options (we would recommend 3/4-hp instead of 1/2-hp), noise reduction,
warranty period, price, material (aluminum or stainless steel),
auto-reversing starts (reduces the chance of jamming), etc.
Tips: How to keep your garbage disposal working longer
Run the water before AND after turning on the garbage disposal to
help it grind the food and flush it down the drain. Feed the disposal with small amounts of garbage at a time.
Ones a month put down ice and grind, running water. Ice helps
clean the machine inside and sharp the blades. Also, small amount of lemon or orange peels can eliminate the
odor and kill the bacteria inside
Don’t try to grind:
- Non-food items like bones, plastic, wood or paper
- Fat, grease or oils
- Potato skins
- Pasta or rice
- Seeds and shells
- Meat or skin
- Fibrous foods like celery, bananas or similar