Five Reasons To Buy A New Garbage Disposal
Date: January 6, 2018
ARTICLES
FIVE REASONS TO BUY A NEW GARBAGE DISPOSAL
JAN 05, 2018
Most people do not put much thought into the age or condition of their garbage disposal until something goes seriously wrong with it. But you can save yourself a lot of hassle by getting a new garbage disposal when your old one starts showing signs of wear and tear.
WHY BUY A NEW GARBAGE DISPOSAL?
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to purchase a new garbage disposal, here are few things you should take into consideration.
YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE
Some people who have never had a garbage disposal do not know what they are missing out on. While they are commonplace in newer homes, they were not installed in many new builds until relatively recently. Although the garbage disposal system was invented way back in the 1920s, some cities prohibited them for a time.
Luckily, that is no longer the case and they are used extensively in this country. For such a straightforward device, they offer an enormous amount of convenience. Installing a garbage disposal is a simple, affordable way to significantly increase the functionality of your kitchen.
YOU NEED A BIGGER ONE
The size of garbage disposal required will depend on the number of people in your household, and the amount of use it gets. Ranging from ⅓ horsepower models all the way up to 2 horsepower, we typically do not recommend anyone get less than ½ horsepower — and that is for single people or couples who do not cook extensively (thereby generating more food waste.) As your household expands, the needed power for your garbage disposal will likely grow as well.
Also, as you might guess, the dimensions of the garbage disposal increase with power. So, in some cases, people may decide to get a new garbage disposal with less power in favor of a smaller model. This increases the amount of storage space available under the sink.
Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to install a larger unit with more power, this will reduce the amount of storage space under your sink. A proper installation may require some adjustments to your pipes and fittings as well. These, however, are typically minor.
YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL HAS A FUNKY SMELL THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY
Garbage disposals will smell from time to time, it’s just the nature of their function. If you have tried to crush ice cubes in the disposal and the smell does not go away, it may be time for an upgrade. There are some scents that just won’t go away (you are putting food waste down there after all.) Installing a new garbage disposal will eliminate those pesky, old smells.
YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL IS CONSTANTLY CLOGGED
A garbage disposal that is constantly clogged can be caused by a few different issues. If it is too small (as discussed in an earlier paragraph), that may be causing the issue. Alternatively, you may be putting the wrong things down the garbage disposal. Items like potato peels, coffee grounds, chicken bones and celery should never go down the garbage disposal under any circumstances, lest you get a clogged sink.
If you are confident that your garbage disposal is the right size, have been using it appropriately and you still get clogs, it may not be anything you did. Over time, garbage disposals will start to wear out and clog more easily. With typical use, you should expect a garbage disposal to last 8-10 years. If your garbage disposal is nearing this age, frequent clogs are probably signaling that it is time for a new one.
YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL IS OVERHEATING
Do you find yourself having to reset a garbage disposal that seems to overheat at the drop of a hat? As with most mechanical devices, the motor will wear down over time. Depending on the amount of use it gets, it may happen sooner than the 8-10 year typical lifespan for a garbage disposal. While it may be possible to repair the motor, it is more practical in almost all cases to just get a new one altogether.
Although replacement is the sure way to correct this problem, you should also check the electrical wiring before completely ditching your existing unit. Sometimes overheating can be remedied by simply making sure the wires are all secure and nothing has come loose.
ALWAYS CALL A PROFESSIONAL
These are just a few of the warning signs that signify if your garbage disposal needs to be replaced. It’s always best to have a professional evaluate the situation and help you make the right call. You don’t just want to throw the baby out with the bathwater and replace your disposal if it doesn’t need to be. Conversely, delaying replacement when the situation calls for it, could lead to more costly plumbing repairs down the line.
If any of the previous items apply to you, call us for a consultation. If it turns out that you need a brand new disposal, we can discuss your household situation to help find the perfect model for you. Same-day appointments are available!