A Comprehensive Guide to Sink Garbage Disposal in Austin, TX (78717)

Garbage disposals are a must-have for every household, especially if you live in the Austin, TX area (78717). Having a garbage disposal system set up in your kitchen sink allows you to grind up food waste, such as bits of cutlery, fruit peelings, and vegetable scraps, quickly and conveniently. This helps to reduce the amount of trash that needs to be thrown away, as well as eliminating bad odours associated with the decaying of food waste in your trash cans.

However, there are a few important factors that you should consider when installing a garbage disposal unit, such as the type of garbage disposal unit that is best suited for your home, the plumbing considerations and installation process, and the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance. This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of information regarding sink garbage disposal systems in Austin, TX, (78717) so that you can make an informed decision.

Types of Garbage Disposal Units

When choosing the best type of garbage disposal unit for your home, you should first consider what type of sink you have, as certain garbage disposal models are designed to work with specific types of sinks. In general, homeowners may choose between batch and continuous-feed disposals.

Batch-feed disposals are activated when their covers are placed over the grinding chamber, preventing the user from running the unit while their hands are in the sink. While this is generally regarded as the safety-minded option, it is more difficult to install properly, and is usually only found in homes with an independent kitchen sink drain system already in place.

Continuous-feed disposals allow users to continuously feed food waste into the grinding chamber while the unit is running. This is the most commonly installed type of garbage disposal unit, easily installed and operated by a single switch, and it is able to handle larger volumes of food waste more quickly. It can also be installed directly into the sink drain, which makes the installation process much simpler.

Plumbing Considerations

Prior to installing a garbage disposal unit in your kitchen sink, you should consider the type of plumbing already in place in your home. Check to ensure that your plumbing setup meets the requirements of the garbage disposal, including the voltage requirement and a suitable location for the power cord to be plugged in.

You should also call in an experienced plumber to perform a pressure test to check whether your homes' water lines are able to withstand the additional pressure that will be exerted by running the unit each time it is used. This is one reason why it is important to have your garbage disposal unit installed by an experienced professional; they will be able to identify any potential plumbing issues that should be addressed before you install the unit.

Installation Process

Once all of the plumbing considerations have been addressed, you can move on to the installation process. If you are replacing an existing unit, then you will need to make sure that the flange and mounting ring are removed; these parts will be reused when the new garbage disposal unit is installed, and can be easily identified when they are removed from the sink.

Next, the new unit should be placed in the proper position in the sink. Make sure to check the mounting instructions and tighten the three mounting legs as directed. Then the discharge pipe and power cord should be connected as per the provided instructions, and the motor should be wired to the electrical system.

Finally, the unit can be tested to ensure that it is functioning properly. Make sure to also clean the area beneath the unit thoroughly to prevent any leaking of water or food waste onto the counter or floor. If all the components are fitted correctly, your garbage disposal unit can now be used.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your sink garbage disposal will help keep it in working condition for longer. You should make sure to clean all visible parts of the unit with a soft brush and a dab of dishwashing soap on a damp cloth. Don't use abrasive cleaners, or any chemical-based cleaners as these could damage the unit.

Run the unit with cold water and grapefruit halves to help to remove any odours in the grinding chamber. You should also replace the grinding components every few months, as they may become brittle over time and cause malfunctions or unexpected clogging.

Finally, make sure to call in an experienced plumber to inspect the unit a few times a year to catch any potential problems before they become a major issue.

Sink Garbage Disposal

Austin TX

Garbage Disposal Installation