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While it’s not required to install a garbage disposal, we highly recommend it as it’s an effective way to manage food waste without dealing with bad food smells in your kitchen. We’ll talk about garbage disposals in this article — the advantages of installing them, how to take care of your unit and how to choose the best garbage disposal for your home. If you’re thinking of buying one, please get a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, for installing the unit.

How to Use the Garbage Disposal

Before using the garbage disposal, please ensure that you fully read and understand the manufacturer’s manual. If you haven’t understood, please ask the manufacturer or get a plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, for assistance.

A rule of thumb: Never use the garbage disposal unless you’re confident that you know how to operate it properly. Call a professional if you have further questions.

A garbage disposal can last up to 10 years, depending on how it’s properly maintained. If you want your unit to last longer, you need to do regular maintenance. We also suggest getting a plumbing service in having your unit professionally serviced.

When using the garbage disposal, please follow the recommendations by the manufacturer. Depending on the size of your garbage disposal, it may not be able to process huge food items. It’s a good idea to find out what you can and can’t put in the garbage disposal to avoid problems. The key is to break down large food particles first before putting them in the garbage disposal to prevent issues down the road.

For repairs, please never attempt to do it on your own. Instead, get a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, so that a plumber can help you repair the unit. Also, please don’t ignore minor garbage disposal problems. If you suspect that there might be an issue with the unit, please get a professional plumber in Saginaw, TX, so a plumber can thoroughly inspect the unit, diagnose the problem and provide you with permanent solutions.

Installing the Garbage Disposal

To avoid problems with the manufacturer’s warranty, please get a professional plumbing service to help you install your garbage disposal. Poor installation may lead to equipment malfunction or complete failure of the system. Avoid hiring inexperienced plumbers or installing it by yourself, as it can be dangerous to install a garbage disposal. When you hire unlicensed plumbers who get injured while installing the unit, you will need to pay for their medical expenses as they are not insured. They also can’t get insurance because they don’t have the proper license. To avoid problems with installation, always hire a professional plumbing service.

What Are the Benefits of Installing a Garbage Disposal?

If you struggle with managing your food waste, you might want to consider installing a garbage disposal. Contact a plumber in Saginaw, TX, today if you need help deciding what garbage disposal to purchase. You also need a plumbing service to help you correctly install the unit. Below are some of the advantages of installing a garbage disposal in your kitchen.

Saves Time and Less Trash

Without a garbage disposal, you’ll need to be responsible for how to properly dispose of your food waste. You’ll need to gather all of them and then dispose of them outside — and it can be time-consuming to gather all the food waste and then take out the garbage. When you have a garbage disposal installed, you simply need to grind the food waste to the disposal. You can save time, and there’s less trash in the kitchen. For installing, though, please make sure that you only get professional plumbing service.

Cost-Effective

Having a garbage disposal means there’s no need to buy plastic supplies to store your food waste. Also, you get to reduce drain clogs when you have a device that grinds your food. Without a garbage disposal, some homeowners may be tempted to throw food down the drain, and it can eventually lead to a clog. To avoid costly repairs, consider installing a garbage disposal for your kitchen. For installation, ensure that you only get professional plumbing service for it.

No More Bad Odor

Without a garbage disposal, you’ll need to put your food waste in a garbage bag. If you forget to take it out, you will have a smelly kitchen, and that’s very unsanitary. It can also be bad for your health. To avoid these issues, consider buying a garbage disposal and get professional plumbing service so that a licensed plumber can help you install the unit.

Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of having a garbage disposal installed is the convenience of not having to gather all the food scraps and then take them out. Your garbage disposal can take care of all this — however, you do need to properly care for your unit so that it stays in excellent shape and you can avoid costly repairs.

While installing a garbage disposal is a huge help, we still recommend that homeowners manage their food consumption. Please don’t cook a lot if you have a smaller family as that will only result in food being wasted. Make just enough so you wouldn’t have to keep throwing wasted food.

How to Choose a Garbage Disposal

Are you planning to buy a garbage disposal sooner? If you’re not familiar with garbage disposals, get a professional plumbing service so a plumber can help you make an informed decision on what unit to buy. Use our helpful guide in helping you choose a garbage disposal suitable for your home.

Motor Size – For a typical household, the recommended horsepower for a garbage disposal is about 1/2. It should be enough to take care of all your food waste. Homeowners that want a smoother operation may opt for a bigger horsepower. The only downside about getting a bigger horsepower is that it will consume more energy. You will have higher utility bills when you have a bigger horsepower. The motor size can be a matter of preference — if you need more help deciding, please get professional plumbing so that our plumbers can assist.

Feed Type – You can choose from two garbage disposal feeds: continuous feed and batch feed. If you want something easy to operate, then we recommend that you go with continuous feed. It only has turned on and off the switch. A batch feed is more expensive and also not commonly used. You also need a stopper lid to activate the unit. Do you need more information? Get professional plumbing service so our plumbers can help.

Grinding Chamber – If you choose a garbage disposal with a smaller motor size, it will also have a smaller grinding chamber. Avoid putting large food waste as it may not be able to grind it effectively. The higher-end models usually come with stainless steel chambers, making them easier to clean than the other models. Still can’t decide what to purchase? Please get professional plumbing service so our plumbers can assist.

Noise – Do you prefer less noisy garbage disposal? Then consider buying higher-end models as they have more insulation around the chambers, emitting less noise. On the other hand, if you don’t mind the noise, go with a more affordable option that’s just as effective as grinding food. For further assistance, get professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, so that our team of licensed plumbers can help.

How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

Like all the appliances in your home, the garbage disposal doesn’t last forever. You can keep it for several years before buying a new one. To extend your unit’s lifespan and ensure it stays efficient, please follow our helpful tips below.

Use Plenty of Water

When using the garbage disposal, we recommend that you use a lot of cold water. While using hot water won’t damage the unit, it’s going to cost you more. Also, hot water can liquefy grease and fats, converting them into liquid form, and that it may build up on your unit’s blades. Run plenty of cold water, and then let it run even after everything has been grind down. Continue running the cold water for about 30 seconds until all the remaining food has been flushed out.

Break Down Large Food Particles

Never put large food particles in the garbage disposal as it can eventually damage the motor. Instead, chop them up first to reduce the risks of system breakdowns or repairs. Also, please ensure that you never put hard food down in the garbage disposal. You need to avoid bones and seeds and popcorn kernels, as they can damage the blades. To avoid costly repairs, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the garbage disposal. If you need more assistance, please get a professional plumbing service so our team can help.

Regularly Clean the Garbage Disposal

To avoid unpleasant smells coming from your garbage disposal, please make sure to clean it regularly. After using the unit, consider grinding some orange peels and lemon so that the garbage disposal stays clean and fresh. Over time, dirt may also start building up on the garbage disposal’s blades. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning; use soda and vinegar instead. Also, always turn off the garbage disposal when cleaning to avoid accidents.

If something gets stuck in the garbage disposal, consider getting a professional plumbing service so that a plumber can inspect it for you. And please avoid chemical-based drain cleaners for clearing out clogs. These types of cleaners can severely damage our pipes and also pose health risks. Get professional plumbing service if you need more help.

Is it Time to Replace the Garbage Disposal?

If you think there might be issues with the garbage disposal, please get professional plumbing service right away. Below are some of the most common problems you may encounter with the garbage disposal.

Jammed Garbage Disposal – You will most likely hear humming sounds when the garbage disposal is jammed. Some of the most common culprits include eggshells, bones, non-food items, or stringy vegetables. Please be careful about what to put on the garbage disposal to avoid problems.

Leaks – A leaky garbage disposal is usually due to the O-ring, which needs replacing. You may need to also tighten some parts of your garbage disposal. Contact a plumber in your area for an inspection. A reliable plumber can help you determine if it’s time to get repairs or a new replacement for your unit.

Unpleasant Smells – Food particles that get stuck in the unit’s blade can cause unpleasant or pungent smells. To avoid this, please run cold water after using the garbage disposal. It’s also a must to regularly clean the unit to keep it smelling fresh and clean.

Smoke Coming from the Garbage Disposal – Contact a plumber immediately so they can inspect your unit. Smoke coming from the unit isn’t a good sign. It may be time to get a new garbage disposal, especially when yours is an old unit.

Noisy Garbage Disposal – Something may be stuck in the garbage disposal’s blades. Check the garbage disposal or call a plumber for assistance.

Frequent Resets – The reset button is used when the garbage disposal suddenly malfunctions. Pressing the reset button can usually correct the problem, but you shouldn’t regularly push the reset button. There might be a bigger problem with the garbage disposal when you keep pressing the reset button. Consider calling a plumber so they can check this — it may be time to get a new one.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Are you planning to install a new garbage disposal? Please reach out to us today! Our plumbers are highly experienced with garbage disposal repairs or installations. Let us know if you need plumbing service for your home in Saginaw, TX, and we are more than happy to help! Call us, and we’ll quickly dispatch a licensed professional to your home or business.