Tips for Buying a New Garbage Disposal for Your Kitchen
Garbage disposals are incredibly useful for grinding up and getting rid of cooking waste with just the flip of a switch. This modern convenience allows us to get rid of food scraps without clogging our drains or stinking up our trash cans. But if you’re in the market for a new garbage disposal, there are many things to think about before you buy.
Here are a few tips about what to look for in food waste disposals and kitchen garbage disposal features to look for as you shop.
Learn About Types of Garbage Disposals
Before you buy garbage disposal, it’s important to learn about the different types to choose the one that best suits your needs. Continuous feed models are easy to use because you can continue putting in food waste as old waste is ground up. However, these models can be more dangerous if you have children operating the garbage disposal.
The other main type is the batch feed disposal, which is typically safer for kids, but can cost more and take more time to install. Batch feed disposals require loading before manually activating to dispose of food scraps. There are also many features offered in modern food waste disposals, such as electric cords, auto-reverse modes to clear jams, safety covers, and warranty protection.
Ask About Local and Municipal Requirements
Depending on where you live, there may be specific legal requirements involved in installing a new garbage disposal. This is especially true if you utilize a municipal sewer system. To be on the safe side, call your local sewer authority to ask if there are any requirements that you need to be aware of. Some municipalities discourage their use due to water consumption or require a permit.
Assess Your Septic System
Another consideration is whether your sewer tank is large enough to accommodate food waste from a garbage disposal. If your tank is not large enough, you may need to empty it out more frequently or look into upgrading it. A local building inspector or environmental health officer may be able to help you make this determination.
Upgrade Faulty Plumbing Fixtures First
Another often-overlooked aspect of bathroom remodeling is ventilation, but this is your best line of defense against mold and mildew. The size of the vent fan in your bathroom should be determined the size of the room, so you may need a larger one than you currently have to reduce excess moisture. Take a walk around a bathroom fixture showroom to learn how stylish and how much quieter these fans have become lately.
Central Plumbing Specialties has a wide range of high-quality plumbing supplies to help get your kitchen functioning properly before installing a new garbage disposal. We have five decorative plumbing fixture and accessory showrooms in NYC, Yonkers, and Rockland County to help you choose the fixtures you need and that go with the style of your kitchen.
Consider Water Usage
Droughts have affected many parts of the country in recent years, so it’s important to understand how installing a garbage disposal can increase your household water usage. Most faucets put out about 2.5 gallons of water per minute, which adds up to about 900 gallons per year. Drought-affected areas may have limits on water consumption, and increased water use could make your utility bills increase as well.
Learn About Noise Levels
Many of us think of garbage disposals as being noisy contraptions; however, manufacturers have used modern technology to create models that reduce noise output. As a general rule, large and heavy garbage disposals are quieter. However, you’ll need to take measurements to ensure that a disposal will fit under your sink properly. When browsing quiet models, look for blades made from stainless steel and grinding chambers made with nylon, insulation, and that are corrosion-proof.