What Is Garbage Disposal?

According to the 2007 American Housing Survey, 50% of US households use a garbage disposal. 

Half of Americans trust Garbage Disposal to manage food waste in their kitchens. If you are the next one to modernize your kitchen and save the environment, you should have a garbage disposal. 

This guide will break down everything you need to know about food waste disposal, including: 

• What is garbage disposal?
• How does a garbage disposal work?
• Benefits of garbage disposal 
• Garbage Disposal Installation
• Garbage Disposal Maintenance 
• And lot

In short, you can get a complete overview of garbage disposal to clear your hesitations (if you have). 

In This Article:

• What Is Garbage Disposal?
• How Does A Garbage Disposal Work?
• What Is Garbage Disposal Used For? 
• What Are The Do’s And Don’ts Of Using A Garbage Disposal Unit Effectively?
  • Garbage Disposal Dos 
  • Garbage Disposal Don’ts
• What Are The Steps Involved In Installing A Garbage Disposal?   
• How To Maintain Garbage Disposal For Optimal Performance? 
• Garbage Disposal Problems   
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What Is Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal is a kitchen appliance that shreds food waste into small pieces and makes them ready to flush away through the plumbing system.  Garbage disposal typically comprises a motorized unit with blades or impellers that grind up food waste. 

Garbage disposals go underneath the sink’s drain and are attached to an electric power source. When you turn on the disposal unit, the impeller starts spinning and cuts the food waste into tiny parts. Then, water washes those food particles through holes in the chamber wall.  

John W. Hammes is the inventor of garbage disposal, who invented garbage disposal in 1927. Read this article to learn the history of garbage disposal.

Two different types of garbage disposals are available in the market, including: 

• Continuous feed garbage disposal: A continuous feed garbage disposal is a disposal unit that feeds food waste into the disposal continuously. It has a switch or button that requires you to turn on to activate the unit. This type of garbage disposal is a great fit for large families or those who cook & entertain a lot.  

• Batch feed garbage disposal: Batch feed disposals require to load the disposal chamber with food waste and cover it with a lid before activating the unit. It will be best for families with children. 

How Does A Garbage Disposal Work?

Let’s check how a garbage disposal works.

Garburator or garbage disposals have impellers, instead of spinning blades,  mounted on a spinning plate. When you turn on the disposal unit, the plate starts spinning and creates a centrifugal force, which pushes food against the stationary grind ring. Then, the food is ground into very small particles, which flow easily down the drain. 

Most homeowners believe in myth about garbage disposal that the disposal has a spinning blade like a blender, which chops and breaks down the food waste. But you now learn it works differently in reality.  

Before using the food waste disposal, verify that the water is running at a moderate flow rate. It helps in flushing down the food waste down the drain and aids in the disposal process. 

After successfully disposing the food waste, continue to run water for a few seconds as it will help remove remaining food particles. It’s not a bad idea to run the disposal for extra seconds after the grinding stops to ensure all the particles are flushed away from the unit. 

What Is Garbage Disposal Used For?

The purpose of using a garbage disposal is to dispose of food waste in residential or commercial kitchens. 

A garbage or waste disposal grinds up food waste into small particles.  So, you don’t need to throw away the food scraps into the bin. Instead, the food particles, ground up by disposal, are flushed down the drain, which ultimately reaches the sewer or septic system. 

Using a garbage disposal, you can easily dispose of common types of food waste, including: 

• Vegetable peels
• Fruit scraps
• Leftover cooked food
• Small bones
• Biodegradable kitchen waste

Waste disposals (the other name of garbage disposal) help reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, minimize odors, and contribute to environmental sustainability.  

Here are some benefits of using a garbage disposal: 

• It saves both time and effort in managing kitchen waste as the garbage disposal disposes of food waste down the drain. In other words, you don’t need to collect food waste into a separate trash bin and take it out to the trash. 

• Eliminate foul odors from the kitchen as the disposal breaks down the food waste and flush it away. 

• Rotten food waste in the trash bin can attract pests. But disposing of food waste using a garbage disposal will help control pests and prevent pest infestations. 

• Having a garbage disposal in your kitchen means you will use less trash bags, which will save money and be better for the environment. 

• Reduce methane as the garbage disposal sends the food waste in the sewer instead of sending it to the landfills. 

Read Also: Garbage Disposal: Pros and Cons

What Are The Do’s And Don’ts Of Using A Garbage Disposal Unit Effectively?

This chapter explains what you can do and what you can’t with a garbage disposal. 

Garbage Disposal Dos

• Run water before, during, and after the use of a garbage disposal. The running water will help flush the food waste down the drain and keep the unit’s mechanism cool.

• Use cold water as it solidifies grease or oil in the disposal and makes them easy to break down and prevents clog. 

• Instead of overloading the waste disposal, feed the garbage disposal gradually for ensuring efficient grinding up. 

• Grind up citrus peels or ice cubes as they help clean the disposal systems and freshen the unit by eliminating foul odors. 

Garbage Disposal Don’ts

• According to What Not Put In A Garbage Disposal, you should never put fibrous foods like corn husks, celery, or onion or garlic skins down the disposal. The fibers of those food waste can wrap around the blade and cause a clog. 

• Non-food materials like glass, plastic, or paper should never go down the garbage disposal. 

• FOG or fats, oil, and grease shouldn’t go down the waste disposal as they can solidify and restrict the disposal over time.  

• Don’t overload the disposal with food waste. 

• Don’t put hard items like eggshells or fruit pits as they can dull the blade or even break down the unit. 

• Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste. However, you can drain water into the disposal between the grinding periods. 

• Don’t turn off your garbage disposal until grinding is completed and only the sound of the motor and water is heard. 

What Are The Steps Involved In Installing A Garbage Disposal?

Here are the steps you can follow to install a garbage disposal like a professional: 

• Remove the old garbage disposal
• Install flange into sink hole
• Attach mounting assembly
• Connect disposal to electrical supply
• Connect disposal to the mounting assembly
• Reconnect plumbing and test for leaks

Following these simple steps, anyone with less plumbing and electric skills can install a garbage disposal. To learn the detailed guideline on installation, read this article: how to install a garbage disposal. 

Read: Garbage Disposal Installation

How To Maintain Garbage Disposal For Optimal Performance?

Maintaining the garbage disposal regularly is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the unit. Here are some garbage disposal maintenance tips to keep the disposal in tip-top condition: 

• Run cold water: Turn on cold water before, during, after using the garbage disposal. The cold water solidifies the food waste and makes the waste easy to flush away. 

• Consider what you put in: You can’t put everything in the disposal. Fibrous, stringy, FOGs, Coffee Grounds, and Pasta & Rich should never go down the garbage disposal. Read this article to check the list of what not to put in a garbage disposal. 

• Operate the unit regularly: Run your garbage disposal regularly even though there is no food waste to dispose of. It will help avoid rust or corrosion to occur. Simply run cold water and turn on the disposal to flush the drain. 

• Clean the disposal: Food particles may accumulate in the disposal and cause buildup. An unpleasant odor from the disposal indicates that there is buildup in the unit. To remove buildup and odor, you should clean the disposal. Regarding this, fill the sink halfway and mix ¼ baking soda with water. Then, remove the stopper and turn on the disposal to wash away loose particles. 

• Grind citrus peels: Put citrus peels like lemon or orange in the disposal and turn on the unit to freshen up the unit as it removes the unpleasant smell. 

Garbage Disposal Problems

Here are some common problems with garbage disposals: 

• Jammed Garbage Disposal: According to RepairFAQ.ORG, jam is the most common problem with garbage disposals. When the disposal gets clogged, the unit only hums- but its blade won’t spin. 

• Leaking Disposal: A leaking disposal is not desirable. The garbage disposal starts leaking when the seals inside the unit get worn out. Due to a leak in the upper seal, water can enter the motor housing and damage the bearings.

• Faulty Motor: Though garbage disposal runs a few seconds in a day, its motor can get defective due to shorted windings or defective rotors

• Garbage Disposal Reset Button Keeps Popping Out: The reset button is a safety device. If the unit draws too much current due to shortened windings or tight bearings, it will trip the reset button. 

FAQs

How can I fix a jammed garbage disposal?

You can fix a jammed garbage disposal by rotating the impellers manually. Just slide a hex wrench into the slot at the bottom of your disposal unit. Then, work the wrench back & forth until the blockage breaks free. You can either use a broom and put it into the grinding chamber to turn the impellers to break the restriction. Once you free up the impellers, use long-handled pliers to remove the residue.

Why does my garbage disposal smell bad?

Garbage disposal smells bad if food particles get stuck in the impellers or pipes and decompose. Cleaning the disposal with baking soda, vinegar, and citrus peels can remove the unpleasant odor. 

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners in a garbage disposal?

No, using chemical drain cleaners to clean the garbage disposal is not safe because they can damage the piping or metal components by corroding. Instead, you can use natural methods to clean the disposal unit. 

How long do garbage disposals typically last?

A garbage disposal can last around 10 to 15 years if you maintain the food waste disposal according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Can I install a garbage disposal myself?

Yes, you can DIY-install the garbage disposal with a little plumbing skill and the right tools at your fingertips. However, I highly suggest you hire a certified plumber to install the disposal unit properly and safely.

What should I do if my garbage disposal is making a humming noise but not working?

A humming noise from the disposal unit indicates the motor is running while the impellers get stuck. In this situation, unplug the disposal and clear the obstruction to let the impellers rotate freely.

Can garbage disposals handle all types of food waste?

No, garbage disposal can only handle certain types of food waste, and you should avoid these items, including fibrous foods, grease, oil, and non-food items. 

Is it environmentally friendly to use a garbage disposal?

Yes, using a garbage disposal is environmentally friendly because it reduces landfill waste. However, the disposal unit can put strain on sewage systems. 

Do garbage disposals require any special cleaning products?

No, garbage disposal requires no special cleaning products to clean. You can use regular household products like ice, vinegar, and baking soda to clean the food waste disposal. 

Why is my garbage disposal leaking?

Garbage disposal leaks from the sink flange, the top, or the bottom due to worn-out plumber’s putty, loose connections, and damaged gaskets. To fix the leak, you should first detect the source of the leak.

Can I run my dishwasher if my garbage disposal is broken?

It depends. For example, if the garbage disposal doesn’t leak or get clogged, you can run the dishwasher even though the disposal is broken. Otherwise, I highly suggest you repair your garbage disposal first. 

Can a garbage disposal affect my plumbing?

Yes, improper installation or use of the garbage disposal can lead to clogs or plumbing issues. To avoid such problems, install the disposal properly and maintain good usage. 

How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal?

The replacement cost of garbage disposal can vary based on whether you hire a professional. On average, it will cost you between $150 and $400 to replace a garbage disposal, including the installation. 

What are the signs that I need to replace my garbage disposal?

Frequent jams, persistent odors, excessive noise, or leaks are some signs that indicate you need to replace your garbage disposal. 

Conclusion

A garbage disposal is a modern addition to your kitchen. You can now smartly yet efficiently dispose of food waste through the plumbing. 

Two types of garbage disposal are available in the market, including continuous and batch-feed garbage disposal. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. 

It doesn’t matter what type of garbage disposal you choose. What matters most is- how properly you use and maintain the garbage disposal. 

Feel free to leave a comment below to ask me anything about garbage disposal. I am here to help you. 

Read: How To Replace Garbage Disposal Splash Guard?

Resource Link: 

1. https://www.repairfaq.org/sam/appfaq.htm#afgarbage
2. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2008/demo/h150-07.pdf