Garbage disposals provide an easy and convenient way to get rid of daily kitchen scraps. They are a great appliance in the homes of families, avid cooks, and anyone else who does not want to deal with handling food waste in other ways. Garbage disposals are very useful when used correctly. There are a number of different types available, but improper use frequently ends with a call to garbage disposal repair services. To avoid garbage disposal repair, be sure to purchase the proper unit, and learn how to use it correctly to prevent breakdowns.
How In-Sink Garbage Disposals Work
All in-sink garbage disposals work in basically the same way. A disposal unit is connected to the sink drain line so water and anything put into the disposal passes through the unit and continues on into the drain pipe. Inside the disposal are steel plates outfitted with blades and teeth which grind food up when the unit is turned on. Food is put into the sink drain and ground inside the disposal unit, where it then passes into the drain pipe and continues on to the septic system. In-sink disposals are extremely useful for making mealtime cleanup faster and easier since food does not need to be caught in a drain catch and removed to the trash. It also prevents the problems associated with food scraps in the trash, such as the accompanying odors and added mess.
Different Types of Garbage Disposals
Although all garbage disposals work in the same basic way, there are a few different types to consider as follows:
- Continuous Feed In-Sink - Continuous feed garbage disposals work when the unit is turned on. Food scraps are slowly fed into the unit while the interior blades and grinders are spinning. There is a rubber guard at the bottom of the sink drain that permits water through, but prevents food particles from escaping while the unit is running. Continuous feed disposals grind larger amounts of scraps very quickly, making it easier for them to pass through the drain. Unfortunately, these units can easily become damaged if a utensil, or something else unfit falls in - requiring a garbage disposal repair. Additionally, they continue to spin until turned off, creating a possible safety hazard.
- Batch Feed In-Sink - A batch feed disposal operates just like a continuous feed unit, but it is turned on by a special stopper that activates it. To use the disposal, food scraps must be put in first, and the stopper placed on top. The main drawback with batch feed disposals is they must be run in batches, so grinding large amounts of scraps can take longer. Yet because they only activate when the stopper is placed, these units are guard against items being accidentally dropped in, meaning there is less of a chance of needing garbage disposal repair services.
- Dishwasher Food Disposal - Today, some dishwashers come with food macerators built in, which makes cleanup even easier, and even allows the kids to help out. It is not necessary to rinse dishes with these units, as any acceptable foods left on the plates will be rinsed off and ground up in the internal disposal and washed down the drainpipe. Sometimes, it is also possible to connect a dishwasher’s drain line into certain in-sink garbage disposals to grind up food that way.
Choosing the right garbage disposal is important since they are useful, but sometimes delicate appliances. Putting the wrong items into a garbage disposal can easily damage it to the point that it needs garbage disposal repair. Homes with children in particular may want to consider the batch feed disposal, or a dishwasher with a built in food macerator to avoid injuries, and improper use. For more information about the installation and use of garbage disposals and which are the best options, homeowners can discuss their needs with reputable, local appliance and garbage disposal repair services.
