Common Questions About Sink Garbage Disposals Answered

Every household has to deal with a sink garbage disposal at some point or another - both at the installation stage and during maintenance. It could be quite challenging to understand the nitty-gritty details related to sink garbage disposals, especially if you live in 78723, Austin-Texas. Fortunately, Abacus residential and commercial Plumbing services have put together a list of all the most frequently asked questions related to sink garbage disposals to help you have an overview of the topic.

What Is a Sink Garbage Disposal?

A sink garbage disposal refers to a unit that is typically placed below kitchen sinks and connected to the sewer line. It consists of two components: a grinding chamber and a motor. The motor is usually powered by electricity and the grinding chamber is the main component that holds the food scraps which it grinds until fine particles. The fine particles are then flushed down the sewage pipe.

What Is the Purpose of a Sink Garbage Disposal?

The main purpose of a sink garbage disposal is to help minimize the amount of food waste that usually accumulates when people are cooking. Food particles and scraps can quickly build up and cause unpleasant odors and a buildup of bacteria. Additionally, having the sink garbage disposal installed reduces the burden brought about by manual grinding of food particles and scraps.

What Can and Cannot Be Put Into the Garbage Disposal?

The items you can put into the garbage disposal are vegetable peels and scraps, meat, small bones, and other soft foods. On the other hand, some of the items that shouldn't pass into the sink garbage disposal are grease, glass, plastic, paper, metals, and starchy foods such as rice, potato peels, and bakery products among others.

How Often Should I Clean My Sink Garbage Disposal?

You should clean your sink garbage disposal on a regular basis in order to prevent the accumulation of food particles. Generally, cleaning should take place around twice monthly or weekly depending on the amount of food waste the disposal handles. During cleaning, make sure to use a soft brush to scrub and flush the disposal.

What Should I Do If The Sink Garbage Disposal Is Stuck?

If the sink garbage disposal is stuck, turn off the power source and check the interior part for any large particles or object that may be preventing its operation. If nothing is found, use a plunger to try and push the particle free. But if the plunger doesn't work, you should call a professional plumber to inspect the sink garbage disposal.

Can I Install the Sink Garbage Disposal Myself?

You can do some installation work yourself, such as mounting the sink, but it's not recommended that you do the wiring or plumbing yourself due to the danger it can present. Additionally, a professional should inspect the unit after installation to make sure it is correctly installed and that all the required safety measures are in place.

The bottomline

Having a sink garbage disposal installed and maintained properly is essential to ensuring the efficient performance of your kitchen. This article provides answers to some of the top questions related to sink garbage disposals, but if you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact a licensed plumber like Abacus for assistance.

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