How to Choose a Garbage Disposal

Although most of us take garbage disposals for granted, their use and installation is strictly regulated in some areas. Before buying, check local laws and be sure your sewer system can handle a disposal.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garbage Disposals
• Instruction Booklets
• Product Brochures

1. Have your plumbing system checked to see what kind of garbage disposal unit is compatible with your sewer and other plumbing hookups.

2. Choose the amount of horsepower you need in your disposer. Usually, in-home disposals have 1/2 or 1 horsepower. The former is fine for a small family with moderate disposal use, while the 1-horsepower disposal is designed for bigger and tougher jobs.

3. Be sure the disposal has a dishwasher drain connection. This will allow food from the dishwasher to be ground up and flushed out through the disposal system.

4. Look for special features such as overload manual reset, corrosion protection shield, sound baffles, self-service wrenches and anti-splash baffles. Ask specifically about noise level, a key factor for many people.

5. Check warranties carefully.

Tips & Warnings

• Check local regulations regarding garbage disposals. In some areas, disposals are not allowed.
• Garbage disposal installation requires some knowledge of plumbing as well as electrical work. If you are not sure of your abilities, a plumber can install it for you.
• If you have a septic tank, do not put in a garbage disposal before checking local laws and plumbing regulations.