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How to Select a Garbage Disposer

Contributor
By Trisha Berendt
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Garbage disposers hook up to the drain of a kitchen sink. They grind up food and biodegradable garbage so it can dissolve in waste water sent to a septic tank or sewer line. This helps reduce the amount of trash that ends up in local landfills. There are several different types of garbage disposals from which to choose. Picking the right one for you will be determined by your needs, home life and the state of your kitchen sink.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Sturdy sink
  1. Step 1

    Consider the sink with which you intend to install the garbage disposer. Thin, cheap sinks can't handle heavy-duty garbage disposals because they rattle the sink and counters and may cause damage to the area or the disposal. Use a lighter garbage disposal for inexpensive sinks.

  2. Step 2

    Choose a garbage disposal with horsepower that can handle what you want to grind up. A disposal of 3/4 horsepower is good for most kitchens while 1 horsepower is ideal for those disposing of thicker, larger garbage.

  3. Step 3

    Choose a batch feed garbage disposer for better safety. They can only be turned on when a stopper is applied to the drain, making them ideal for families with small children. They are also best when you plan to use the disposal on a daily basis.

  4. Step 4

    Choose a continuous feed garbage disposer if you want a traditional approach. Rather than using a stopper, these turn on and off with a flick of a switch much like how you turn on a light. Pick a continuous feed disposal with a reverse function to help eliminate jams.

  5. Step 5

    Purchase a commercial garbage disposal for big businesses, such as restaurants and school kitchens. These can handle constant use and larger loads of garbage to grind. They also have a higher horsepower. These aren't typically appropriate for home use as batch feed or continuous feed disposals are sufficient.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always exercise caution when using a garbage disposer. Make sure the drain is clear of unwanted debris before turning it on.
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