A Guide to Selecting and Maintaining a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a convenient and essential appliance for any modern kitchen. It helps to keep your sink clear of food scraps and other debris, making it easier to clean and maintain. However, when it comes to selecting a new garbage disposal for your home, there are a few things to consider in order to ensure that you get the right one for your needs. In this article, we will discuss how to select a new garbage disposal for a residential kitchen and how to maintain it, as well as some tricks for removing and avoiding jams in the garbage disposal.

When selecting a new garbage disposal, one of the most important things to consider is the size of the unit. Garbage disposals come in a variety of sizes, with different horsepower ratings. A higher horsepower rating means that the unit is more powerful and can handle more food waste. For a typical residential kitchen, a unit with a horsepower rating of one-half to three-fourths is sufficient.

Another important factor to consider when selecting a new garbage disposal is the type of grinding system it uses. There are two main types of grinding systems: continuous feed and batch feed. Continuous feed units are activated by a switch and will continue to grind as long as the switch is on. Batch feed units, on the other hand, only grind when the cover is in place and the unit is activated. Batch feed units tend to be safer and more convenient, as they only grind when the cover is in place, reducing the risk of injury.

When you've chosen the perfect garbage disposal for you, installation is a crucial step in the process. It's best to hire a professional plumber or electrician to install your new disposal to ensure that it's done correctly and safely. Once your new garbage disposal is installed, it's important to maintain it to ensure that it continues to function properly.

Proper maintenance of your garbage disposal is essential to keep it running smoothly and avoid jams. The first step in maintaining your disposal is to avoid putting certain items down it. Items such as grease, oil, and fibrous foods, like celery and onion skins, can easily clog the disposal and cause jams.

It's also important to run cold water while using the disposal to help flush food scraps and debris through the system. This will also help to prevent the disposal from overheating. Additionally, running a small amount of dish soap through the disposal can help to clean it and freshen it up.

If your garbage disposal does jam, don't panic. First, turn off the power or unplug the unit to prevent injury. Then, use a pair of tongs or a long-handled tool to remove any visible debris from the disposal. You can also use an allen wrench that came with your disposal to free up the blades.

If the jam is not visible and you cannot remove it with tongs or a long-handled tool, you can try using a plunger to push the debris through the system. To do this, fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger, and then place the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down several times. Be sure to run cold water while using the plunger to help flush the debris through the system.

Another trick to avoid jamming is to add a cup of ice cubes and a half cup of rock salt to the disposal, and then turn it on. The ice cubes and salt will help to break up any built-up debris and freshen up the disposal.

In conclusion, selecting a new garbage disposal for a residential kitchen requires some consideration on size and grinding system. Hiring a professional for the installation, and maintaining it by avoiding certain items and running cold water with it can help prevent jams and clogs.