Opposed to Dispose? That is the Question.

By Billy Aldridge

When it comes to garbage disposals, knowing which one is the right one for your home isn’t all that simple of a decision. First, you need to be aware that some communities prohibit garbage disposals. Some communities actually require a permit in order to have one installed in your home. So before doing anything check with a home inspector to make sure that your community is not opposed to dispose.

Once you are certain that you are permitted to install a disposal, the next step is to find the right garbage disposal for your home.  Going to your nearest Home Depot and grabbing one off the shelf is no simple matter either.  So I hope you find the information below helpful if you’re thinking about buying a new garbage disposal.

HOW COST EFFECTIVE ARE THEY?

Most people are unaware of the costs associated with a disposal.  I’m not just talking about the purchase cost, but rather the cost of operating the unit year in and year out. This is something that a lot of people don’t factor into the equation. On the average a household will use an extra 900 gallons of water per year when operating their garbage disposal.  Now if you take that plus a little over a hundred dollars for the cost of garbage disposal, you need to ask yourself if this is a convenience you don’t want to live without.

TYPES OF GARBAGE DISPOSALS

Choosing the correct type of disposal for your home depends on a couple of things. First you must know the size of your pipes connected to your sink. Most homes and apartments have a standard size but just to be safe you might want measure you’re pipes. If you require an industrial disposal you’ll probably have to change out your pipes so they can handle the waste. There are two types of garbage disposals. The most common is a continuous feed. By flipping your light switch with the water running you can continuously feed the disposal. The other type is a ‘Batch Feed’ that works with a stopper in place where water and waste are added at the same time as in a “batch’.  There is no switch to turn on, so it is easier to install but not nearly as convenient.

POWER

Power is important! If you are someone who uses a garbage disposal on a minimal basis in order to dispose of mostly soft foods,  then a ½ hp or 1/3 hp may be all that you need.  However,  if you plan on using your unit regularly and/or plan on putting more difficult to grind items into the disposal, then I highly suggest a ¾ to 1 hp. These units are equipped to handle a lot more punishment and you will have a lot less risk of clogging.

SUMMARY

So, when it comes to choosing the right disposal for your needs, recognize that this household convenience is going to eat more than just kitchen waste.    For more information and assistance in installing the right disposal for you, feel free to reach out to your plumber, the one person who is never opposed to dispose.

Billy Aldridge is one of the Doctors of Plumbology at Aldridge and Sons Plumbing, in Jacksonville, Florida.  For more helpful plumbing tips, including a number of how-to videos, go to http://plumbers-jacksonville-fl.com