First-Time Homeowner’s Guide to Garbage Disposals

In this guide, the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing provide essential tips for installing a garbage disposal for the first time. Remember, we are the professionals to call when you need garbage disposal replacement.

Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal

Selecting the right garbage disposal involves considering horsepower, material, feed type, noise level, and feed type. For a household of 2-4 people, a 1/2 horsepower motor is recommended for light-to-regular use. A 3/4 horsepower motor is ideal for 3-5+ people or frequent use. You can consult with a qualified plumber when you need expert guidance on choosing the right garbage disposal.

A continuous-feed disposal is the most common type in homes, allowing you to add food while the unit is running. This type boasts a higher capacity to process a constant flow of waste without needing to stop. On the other hand, a batch-feed disposal only runs when the stopper is placed in the drain. It is much safer, quieter, and doesn’t require a wall switch and frequent use. A professional plumbing repair service specializing in garbage disposal services can help you assess your needs and help you select the right disposal for your needs.

What You Can (and Can’t) Put Down the Disposal

One of the most common mistakes new homeowners make is treating the garbage disposal like a trash can. While it’s built to handle food waste, not everything belongs in it. Safe items include:

• Soft food scraps
• Small amounts of cooked vegetables
• Citrus peels (in moderation)

Avoid putting these down your disposal:

• Grease, fats, and oils (they solidify and clog pipes)
• Coffee grounds (they form sludge)
• Eggshells (can create gritty buildup)
• Fibrous foods like celery or corn husks
• Bones or hard items

Using your disposal properly will extend its lifespan and keep your plumbing system in good shape.

Best Practices for Everyday Use

To keep your garbage disposal working efficiently, follow a few simple habits. Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease so it can be chopped up and flushed away rather than coating your pipes.

Feed food waste gradually instead of dumping everything in at once. Overloading the unit can cause jams or strain the motor. Also, let the disposal run for a few seconds after grinding to ensure all debris is cleared from the system. If you notice signs of a problem, contact a local plumbing repair service for professional assistance.

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

Even with proper care, you may run into issues. A humming sound without grinding usually indicates a jam. In many cases, you can turn off the power and use the hex key (often provided with the unit) to manually rotate the motor from underneath.

If your disposal won’t turn on at all, check the reset button located on the bottom of the unit. Persistent clogs, leaks, or electrical issues should be handled by a professional plumber to avoid further damage. Get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing when you need garbage disposal repair.

Do You Need Garbage Disposal Replacement? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today

Most garbage disposals last between 8 and 15 years, depending on maintenance and installation. If yours is over a decade old, it is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced. If you’re in need of garbage disposal replacement service, get in touch with the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our plumbing team has years of experience installing and servicing all types and models of garbage disposals. We adhere to the highest standards of quality and stand behind our installation with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact us now to request garbage disposal replacement service.