A kitchen garbage disposal is a handy appliance that is installed underneath your kitchen sink and is designed to shred food waste so that it can be safely disposed of through your home’s plumbing system.
What a Kitchen Garbage Disposal Is
A kitchen garbage disposal is an electrically-powered device installed under the kitchen sink that grinds up food waste so that it can be easily washed away with water through the drain pipes. It is also known as a food waste disposer or a waste disposal unit.
Garbage disposals are typically cylindrical in shape, with a spinning plate or impeller that grinds up the food waste into small particles. They are powered by an electric motor and are usually operated with a switch mounted on the wall or the sink. Let’s take a closer look at what a kitchen garbage disposal is, how it works, and some of the benefits and drawbacks of using one in your home.
How Does A Garbage Disposal Work
The disposal unit is made up of a motor and a grinding chamber, which is located just beneath the sink. When you turn on the unit, the motor spins the chamber’s blades at high speeds, grinding up the food waste and flushing it down the drain.
Benefit – Cleanup
One of the most significant benefits of having a garbage disposal is that it can make clean-up in the kitchen much easier. Instead of having to scrape leftover food into the trash and worry about odors and mess, you can simply rinse plates and scraps down the drain. This can also help reduce the amount of waste that you send to landfills, as food scraps can be composted and used for gardening or other purposes.
If you follow regular maintenance tips, you can keep your garbage disposal in working order.
Benefit – Less Trash
Another benefit of a garbage disposal is that it can help keep your kitchen clean and odor-free. Without a disposal, food scraps can build up in the garbage can, leading to unpleasant smells and potential pest problems. A disposal can help keep your kitchen cleaner and more sanitary, and it can also reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning up after meals.
Drawbacks
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using a kitchen garbage disposal. For one, not all food scraps can be disposed of in a disposal unit. Certain items, such as bones, grease, and fibrous vegetables like celery, can damage the unit or clog the plumbing. Learn more about What You Can Throw Into the Garbage Disposal.
Additionally, using a garbage disposal can increase the amount of water you use in the kitchen, which can be a concern for those who are trying to conserve water.
Also, garbage disposals are loud, even during normal usage. Sometimes, things go wrong and the garbage disposal makes weird noises. If your garbage disposal isn’t working correctly and you’ve tried the steps to unclog it, there may be something more serious going on, such as an electrical issue or the motor may have even gone out. If that’s the case, and you need to replace the garbage disposal.
Garbage Disposal: Install, Diagnose, & Replace
Despite these potential drawbacks, many homeowners find that a kitchen garbage disposal is a useful and convenient appliance to have in the kitchen. If you’re considering installing a garbage disposal in your home, be sure to work with a professional plumber to ensure that the unit is installed correctly and to learn more about the proper use and maintenance of the appliance.
Need to replace your garbage disposal? Contact Trinity Plumbing to install, replace, or diagnose your garbage disposal.