A garbage disposal allows busy homeowners to scrape dirty dishes directly into the kitchen sink without having to worry about food debris clogging pipes. Invented by John W. Hammes in 1927, the garbage disposal has become a nearly universal fixture in American homes.
Weigh the pros and cons
Many homeowners simply cannot imagine living without the convenience of a garbage disposal. If you are considering installing a garbage disposal or replacing your existing unit, there are several pros and cons to consider.
advantage:
1. Convenience: With a garbage disposal, small amounts of food scraps can be scraped directly into the kitchen sink instead of the trash can. This makes cleaning up after cooking and meals faster and easier.
2. Reduce Landfill Waste:** Food waste is estimated to make up approximately 20% of all household waste in the United States. When food is buried in landfills, it cannot decompose properly and becomes a significant source of methane. By using waste disposal and composting, the amount of waste sent to landfill can be significantly reduced.
3. Protect kitchen drains: Garbage disposers use impellers to break down food debris into small particles, liquefy them, and then flush them freely into the pipes. Without a garbage disposal, small amounts of food debris can accumulate inside your kitchen pipes and cause messy clogs and blockages.
4. Cheap: A 3/4 HP processor is ideal for the average home cost between $125 and $300. For around $200, a model with high torque and a powerful motor can handle most types of household food waste. Most garbage disposals have a lifespan of about 10 years if properly installed and maintained.
5. Ease of maintenance and operation: Garbage disposers are relatively easy to use and maintain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once everyone in the household understands how to operate the garbage disposal properly, problems rarely arise.
shortcoming:
1. Proper use required: Despite the name, a garbage disposal is not a trash can. There are many things that should not be thrown away, including:
- Fatty foods (cooking oils, greases, butter and cream sauces)
- Starchy foods (rice, pasta and beans)
- Fiber foods (banana peels, potato peels, celery and carrots)
- Hard materials (bones, fruit cores and seafood shells)
- Non-food items
2. Clogs and Blockages: Only small food particles and non-greasy liquids should be placed in the disposer. If too many food scraps are stuffed into the disposer at once, the disposer is likely to become clogged. Usually just pressing the reset button will make the disposer work again. If used improperly, more serious clogs and blockages may occur.
3. Safety: Teaching everyone how to use a processor properly can help prevent injuries, but young children should not handle the processor at all. Homeowners can also help prevent hazardous situations by purchasing a batch-feed garbage disposal instead of a continuous-feed unit.
4. Odor: Garbage disposers can sometimes produce unpleasant odors. This usually happens when food particles become trapped somewhere in the disposal or drainage pipes. Using plenty of cold water when operating the disposer will help flush food debris through the drain and prevent odors. Cleaning your litter regularly with a simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also eliminate odors.
5. Repairs are expensive: When a garbage disposal starts to fail, it’s often cheaper to replace the unit than to repair it. Leaks, rust, and motor burnout can all occur with age or improper use. Garbage disposals performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions will usually last at least 10 years.
6. Septic Tank: Some experts believe that installing a garbage disposal is a bad idea if you have a septic system because it introduces a lot of extra waste into the septic tank. Others believe that with a well-maintained septic system, waste disposal is not an issue. Homeowners with septic systems should consult a septic tank maintenance company or professional plumber for advice on adding or replacing a garbage disposal.
All in all, a garbage disposal is a practical convenience for those who like to spend as little time as possible cleaning up after cooking. A new disposal is a relatively low-cost kitchen upgrade and can increase the perceived value of your home at resale. If used properly, a garbage disposal can last for many years with little to no maintenance.
Garbage disposal type:
There are two main types of garbage disposals: continuous and batch, and two main materials used to build garbage disposals: aluminum and stainless steel. Each treatment method has advantages and disadvantages.
Post time: Nov-03-2023