Home Repair Services: Benefits of a Garbage Disposal for the Kitchen

The garbage disposer was invented in 1927, so it’s not even 100 years old. Although it came on the market in the 1940s, many municipalities banned the use of disposers because it was thought that the disposer threatened the city’s sewer system by putting food waste through the plumbing. Today, more homes are installing disposers to reduce the food waste going into landfills. It’s estimated that between 10 to 20% of a home’s garbage is food. The garbage disposer uses metal blades to grind food into very small particles that can go through the drain. Handyman Connection offers home repair services in Vaughan to replace or install a garbage disposer in your kitchen.

Reasons You Should Install and Use a Garbage Disposer

Installing a garbage disposer may be a tough decision. Here are eight reasons to invest in one.

1. Less food waste going out in your trash.
2. Reduced kitchen odours, because food isn’t left in the garbage can to rot.
3. Save time by disposing of kitchen waste down the sink.
4. Less pressure on drainage pipes so you have fewer leaks.
5. Fewer food scraps going down your drain, so you won’t be spending money on the plumber as often. You may use fewer trash bags, too.
6. Most garbage disposers last 8 to 10 years, with higher-end units lasting a decade or more. It’s an appliance you may use daily. You’ll get your money’s worth out of it.
7. Garbage disposers are eco-friendly. They don’t use much electricity, but they do keep food waste out of the environment.
8. More features are available on today’s models. Nylon-coated grinding parts lessen the noise of the disposer. Anti-jamming features can reverse the grind table to prevent jams. Quick-mount features allow for easier installation. Multiple grind options let you pulverize even hard foods.

The garbage disposers you see on the market today are much different from the earlier models. Some are designed to work more effectively with septic tanks. You may want to talk to your plumber about the size and age of your septic tank before installing a disposer. Also, make sure your pipes are up to the task. Older cast-iron pipes tend to clog more often when food waste goes down the drain. If you are dealing with many clogs in your home, you may want to take care of that problem before installing a garbage disposer. 

Choose the Right-Sized Disposer

The motor size of the disposer is the most important factor when selecting a disposer for your kitchen. The cheapest units are 1/3 horsepower. If you are installing a disposer in a vacation home, you might be able to use this style, but for regular use, you want a sturdier, stronger unit. The smallest size you probably want for your home is a 1/2 horsepower unit. If you have a tight space, this may be your only option. Look for a disposer with stainless steel grind components.

The 3/4 horsepower garbage disposer can handle plenty of waste, sometimes even potato peels and celery rinds, making it the ideal size. These units run quieter than smaller units and may come with more features, but you will pay more. Top-of-the-line garbage disposers are 1 horsepower. They will even grind chicken bones and coffee grinds. If you have room and money, you may want to invest in this size.

Garbage Disposer Installation

If your kitchen has never had a garbage disposer, it may need to be plumbed and wired to accept this new appliance. The professionals with Handyman Connection have the skills to perform this work to ensure your garbage disposer is installed correctly. Even if the wiring and plumbing are already installed, having a professional install the new disposer can save you time, stress, and money.
Contact Handyman Connection for home repair services in Vaughan.