Garbage Disposals

Whether you call it a garbage disposal or a waste disposer, this kitchen appliance mechanically grinds up biodegradable food and scraps into fine particles that can flow safely down your sink pipes. It is an environmentally friendly way to provide convenient kitchen clean up, reduce food wastes and their associated smells, and increase kitchen sanitation. Units are available in a variety of styles, capacities, motor sizes, corrosion resistance levels, power sources, and warranties--choose the one that is right for your needs.

It is estimated that 40% of American homes have a garbage disposal installed under their kitchen sink--primarily the electric type. Homeowners without a disposal, site the lack of an electrical outlet under the sink (and/or its associated installation costs) or a septic system as the primary reasons for not installing a garbage disposal. Today, there is a non-electric option that can address both of these concerns.

The HydroMaid garbage disposal has a space age design that uses only common water pressure (minimum of 40 P.S.I.) to power its internal mechanics. Its cutting edges can handle non-standard foods such as celery, potato peels, artichokes, banana peels, nuts, etc. and still save your silverware from damage. This unit is quiet, continuous feed, self-cleaning, and can be used with all septic systems. It is safe from electric shock as there is no electrical motor and thus no electrical hook-up needed. Installation is simple and entails mounting the provided water supply valve either above or below the sink. According to national surveys, the average cost of running this unit is just slightly higher than that of an electric powered unit (approximately 30 cents more per year).

Electric residential disposers can be used in homes with a metropolitan/public sewer system. They can be purchased as either continuous-feed or batch-feed units. Continuous feed units require an on/off switch installed either on the wall or under the sink. Batch-feed units are activated when the drain cover (with handle) is inserted and turned. With this model, electrical wiring only needs to reach under the sink.

If you have a septic tank, be sure that your electric unit will comply with the needs and size of your septic tank. There are newer units designed specifically for usage with septic systems that spray an enzyme treatment every time you use the disposal. The enzymes are contained in a replaceable cartridge that needs to be changed about 4 times per year. Used daily, this eliminates the need for monthly septic additives.

In-Sink-Erator can help you choose the right model for you and has information on disposer care and use and troubleshooting. It also has an area specifically for homeowners with septic systems.