Garbage disposals are a convenient and eco-friendly way to get rid of food waste in your kitchen. They can help you reduce the amount of trash you produce, prevent clogs and odors in your sink, and make cleaning easier. But not all garbage disposals are created equal. There are different types, sizes, and features to consider before you buy one. In this blog post, we will explain how to choose the right garbage disposal for your home and why you should hire a professional plumber to install it.
Types of Garbage Disposals
There are two main types of garbage disposals: continuous feed and batch feed. Continuous feed disposals are the most common and popular option. They work by grinding the food waste as long as the power switch is on and the water is running. They are easy to use and can handle large amounts of waste at once. However, they also pose some safety risks, as you have to be careful not to drop anything into the disposal that is not food, such as utensils, jewelry, or fingers.
Batch feed disposals are less common and more expensive than continuous feed disposals. They work by grinding the food waste only when you fill the chamber and close the cover. They are safer and quieter than continuous feed disposals, as they prevent anything from falling into the disposal accidentally. However, they also require more time and effort to use, as you have to load and unload the chamber for each batch of waste.
Size and Power of Garbage Disposals
Another factor to consider when choosing a garbage disposal is the size and power of the motor. The size and power of the motor determine how fast and efficiently the disposal can grind the food waste. The size of the motor is measured in horsepower (HP), and it ranges from 1/3 HP to 1 HP or more. The power of the motor is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), and it ranges from 1,700 RPM to 2,800 RPM or more.
The size and power of the motor depend on your household needs and preferences. Generally speaking, the larger and more powerful the motor, the better the performance and durability of the disposal. However, larger and more powerful motors also cost more and consume more energy. Therefore, you should balance your budget and environmental impact with your usage habits and expectations.
For example, if you have a small household with light or occasional use of the disposal, you may opt for a 1/3 HP or 1/2 HP motor with a low RPM. If you have a large household with heavy or frequent use of the disposal, you may opt for a 3/4 HP or 1 HP motor with a high RPM. If you have a septic system or a small sink space, you may opt for a compact or septic-safe model.
Important Features of Garbage Disposals
The last factor to consider when choosing a garbage disposal is the features that it offers. There are many features that can enhance the functionality and convenience of your disposal, such as:
- Anti-jamming technology: This feature prevents or clears jams in the grinding chamber by reversing the direction of the blades or increasing the torque.
- Noise reduction: This feature reduces the noise level of the disposal by using insulation, rubber mounts, or sound baffles.
- Auto-reverse: This feature reverses the direction of the blades periodically to prevent wear and tear and improve performance.
- Multi-stage grinding: This feature uses two or more stages of grinding to break down the food waste into finer particles that are easier to flush down the drain.
- Stainless steel components: This feature increases the durability and corrosion resistance of the disposal by using stainless steel for the blades, impellers, or grind chamber.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Plumber to Install Your Garbage Disposal
Installing a garbage disposal may seem like a simple DIY project, but it is not. It involves electrical wiring, plumbing connections, mounting hardware, and safety precautions. If you are not experienced or qualified to handle these tasks, you may end up damaging your disposal, your sink, your pipes, or yourself.
That is why you should hire a professional plumber to install your garbage disposal. A professional plumber has the skills, tools, and knowledge to install your disposal correctly and safely. They can also advise you on how to choose the right disposal for your home and how to maintain it properly.
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable plumber in Sarasota Florida who can install your garbage disposal with ease and efficiency, contact Merit Plumbing.
At Merit Plumbing we pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional customer service experience and providing you with multiple options so that you can choose what’s right for your home.