Garbage disposals have become ubiquitous in American households. Discreetly situated under the sink, a disposal system is very helpful. However, a disposal’s performance depends on the quality of the appliance itself. Keep reading to find out more information about how to choose the right disposal for your family and how to hire a plumber to complete your garbage disposal installation in Cypress.
The Ins and Outs of Garbage Disposals
Most people know that the primary function of a garbage disposal is to grind up the remnants of food into small particles. What you may not know is how that works. Essentially, a garbage disposal’s chamber has a spinning disk and two “teeth” for this job. As the food is ground up, the remnants are swept away into water treatment plants.
In this way, a garbage disposal serves two purposes. First, it keeps homes free from the odors of decaying leftovers. Additionally, since the food bits are reduced to such small dimensions, pipes are kept clean.
Cautious homeowners are careful not to introduce the wrong kinds of substances to the disposal. These include metallic materials, grease, large bones, and porous foodstuffs. Eggshells are also harmful to the disposal’s mechanical body. Manufacturers recommend only the following products to be allowed into a garbage disposal:
- Fruit Scraps
- Vegetable Scraps
- Nuts
- Leftovers
- Ice
- Small bones
- Cooked meat
A notable benefit of having a well-functioning garbage disposal is environmental. Studies show that in households across America, food waste is about 20% trash. Methane is produced from food waste, and it is harmful to our atmosphere. Using a garbage disposal keeps that food waste out of the landfill.
Getting the Right Garbage Disposal
Despite their similar overall design, not all garbage disposals are equal in quality. For example, larger households could do with a larger motor and a smaller motor size will suit smaller households.
You also have two options when it comes to the garbage disposal’s chamber: batch feed or continuous feed. A batch feed calls for manually placing food in the chamber before closing. Only then can the grinding begin. A continuous feed disposal starts grinding as soon as you flip the switch.
There are two options for the grind chamber’s construction: stainless steel or galvanized steel. Both are resistant to rust and corrosion. However, galvanized steel is much less durable than stainless steel. If you’re looking for longevity, definitely choose stainless steel.
Garbage disposals also differ in the number of stages they offer. There are garbage disposals that offer up to three stages of grinding. As expected, the more stages available, the finer the end grinds will be.
One stage grinding, while adequate for basic kitchen functionality, is not best for everyone. Like it says, the food is only ground once. The next level is stage two. These types of disposals can grind up more difficult food, so they decrease the chance that a clog will form in your pipes. Stage three grinders are more suitable for kitchens needing to dispense a variety of waste. These disposals can grind up almost any type of food waste.
As a final consideration, research the noise level of garbage disposals. There’s nothing quite as embarrassing as hosting a dinner party and having the whir of the garbage disposal drown out all of your guests’ conversations.
Typical disposals run at approximately 80 decibels. There are options that go all the way down to 25 decibels, however. (Keep in mind that people talk at about 60 decibels.) While many of these have a smaller motor, there are a few high-powered yet quiet options on the market.
There are a number of other special features to consider before deciding on which garbage disposal is the best choice for you. Consider horsepower, warranty options, and the brand’s reputation. A garbage disposal with the right elements can last up to 10 or 15 years.
When to Call In the Professionals
Though well-intentioned, DIY plumbers may damage the machinery on a garbage disposal or, worse yet, harm themselves. As with many home appliances, buyers often fare best when they contact the experts before they purchase or install a garbage disposal. You can trust the experience of a residential plumbing company in Cypress like Cooper Plumbing to handle your garbage disposal job.
During the garbage disposal installation, a seasoned plumber can navigate different obstacles. For instance, is there a dishwasher to be connected? A knowledgeable plumber will make sure waste doesn’t flow into the dishwasher. Cooper Plumbing will also have the tools necessary for such an intricate job. Don’t be fooled: watching YouTube videos does not make up for lack of experience in this situation!
“Trust the experience of a company like Cooper Plumbing to handle your garbage disposal job.”
Call Cooper Plumbing Today!
Don’t hesitate to call Cooper Plumbing if you need help choosing or installing your new garbage disposal. Remember, the cost of trying to do it by yourself will probably be greater than paying a plumber. In the end, your garbage disposal will perform properly with help from the trusted professional plumbing company in Cypress: Cooper Plumbing.
