garbage disposal

A Few Common Insights About Garbage Disposal Units – Maintenance and More!

Millions of American homes use microwaves, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. The last one makes households’ jobs with leftover food simple. The bulky yet small machine grind scraps to tinier particles to drain them away into the main sewer. Like everything else, this device also requires maintenance. Most people know they must clean it occasionally to eliminate foul smells or food residues. However, one thing still bothers many – should they empty their garbage disposal? Let’s handle this and other concerns around the kitchen tool that makes your daily routine with food waste convenient.

Is there a need to empty a garbage disposal unit?

Those who want to buy a garbage disposal unit often ask whether it gets full and requires emptying. If you plan to add it to your kitchen sink, you must know these machines don’t fill up. They grind leftovers to discharge them smoothly through the drain pipe into the central sewerage. So, you don’t need to worry about emptying your disposal unit. However, cleaning the device is a good practice. If you notice any scraps entangled in it, you can remove them to prevent clogging risks. The device can become clogged due to waste buildup. This issue often happens due to putting the wrong items in it or any problem with the unit. When food items get entangled around the disposal’s impellers, they stop moving. Once you eliminate the obstruction, the device will work smoothly.

Remember, clogging in the disposal can lead to water backup in the sink. You can also smell a foul odor from the device. If you notice these signs, getting down on the task immediately is better. Some people keep Allen’s key at home. You can use the tool to rotate blades. The key should go down the disposal to reach for a small slot. As the key fits there, you can turn it to move blades in a backward and forward movement. The continuous back-and-forth rotation will allow the blade to spin without any interruption. Next, you can start the disposal using running cold water and watch for the noise. Sometimes, the unpleasant smell can still linger. You can clean your disposal with homemade solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and salt. Even citrus peels can help.

The smooth working of the garbage disposal 

Whether you use a batch or continuous feed model, your experience with this unit depends on how well you operate it. People generally opt for continuous feed for convenience. It can churn the waste without stopping. For busy kitchens, this is an invaluable addition. If your home’s drainage system connects with city septic systems, you can easily integrate the device into your kitchen. Since correct installation is the first step, hire a proper technician. Do you plan to do it yourself? It will be better to have some DIY expertise beforehand. The other critical area to consider is what you drain down this disposal unit. Garbage disposals can manage most food waste types, but a few are unhealthy for the machine.

Think of rice, pasta, and others that swell in water. These can be clogging hazards for any unit. Likewise, pasty items such as flour and grains can ruin their ability. One should also be careful with coffee grounds, egg shells, bones, pits, potato skins, and more. Anything sticky, starchy, and fibrous should stay away from it. Even harsh drain cleaners are a risk to the device. While it’s one part, another factor you must consider is the use of cold water. When it grinds leftover food, you must leave the cold water sink tap on to lubricate the system for easy handling and disposal of the tiny particles.

Some householders run hot water, which is risky for the pipes. The PVC piping can get hurt, affecting the garbage disposal. Hence, please avoid this mistake. People generally do this to remove the liquid fat or oil from the drain. It’s not a good thing for your drain and disposal machine. 

The cost of the garbage disposal 

You can visit any nearby home improvement store to purchase one of these items. Average installation charges for this device include USD$ 260. However, you can expect to pay USD$ 150 on the lower side and USD$ 380 on the upper side. Handymen or plumbers typically ask for hundred dollars as a labor fee. You may have to spend an average of about USD $105 in this area. Over and above all this, you can calculate your device’s price to range from USD$ 150 to USD $260.

Is this a DIY-friendly project?

If you wish to save labor charges, using your skills can be the best way. As hinted, you can install a garbage disposal unit at your home quickly with essential knowledge and the proper tools. This type of installation requires different devices, such as pliers, screwdrivers, and plumber’s putty. Plus, you should have adequate time to devote to this work – about a few hours. But trying this thing for the first time can be risky. You can hurt yourself and the device. In that scenario, the right step would be to pay your plumber their labor charges and eliminate all the stress. However, if you replace your bathroom and kitchen sink or clean the shower drain of a nasty clog, you can give it a shot with general knowledge, instructions, and proper tools.

People with back pain or weak legs may want to avoid this task as one has to crouch and access the small area under the sink. Since the installation process is lengthy, it can feel challenging to maintain the same position. You can get tired too soon. 

Nevertheless, some appliances increase the kitchen’s performance and reduce your mental and physical burden. A sink waste disposal exactly does that. You can make your leftover food handling task less hassle for a few hundred dollars. Ensure this device complies with your house’s or apartment’s drainage system before moving. If you have already used one in the same home, you may not need to think twice about adding it.