Frequently Asked Questions About Sink Garbage Disposal

When it comes to garbage disposal issues in Austin, Texas and surrounding areas, property owners need to make sure they are up to date on the latest news and laws governing the disposal of kitchen waste. Typically, after extended use of a garbage disposal, problems may arise, such as clogging, and property owners may need to replace the disposal unit. It is important to know the process for properly replacing and disposing of the old unit. Additionally, property owners should be aware of the most common garbage disposal-related questions to help with any issues along the way.

In this article, we will cover some of the most frequently asked questions about sink garbage disposal units and the answers to each to ensure property owners have access to the correct information.

What Types of Garbage Disposal Units are There?

The most common type of garbage disposal unit is a waste disposer simply known as a "garbage disposal." This is a light-duty unit that is designed to be operated periodically rather than continuously. Other types of disposal units, such as macerators or grinding units, can be used for more demanding tasks. A macerator is used to grind large food waste into small particles, while a grinding unit is used to cut up tough foods like nuts, bones, and other hard materials that a traditional garbage disposal may struggle to handle. Additionally, some manufactures also offer garbage disposal units designed specifically for commercial use, which may be necessary in instances where large amounts of food waste need to be disposed of on a regular basis.

What Maintenance Do Garbage Disposals Require?

It is important to regularly check and maintain your garbage disposal unit for optimum performance as well as for safety purposes. To extend the life of your unit, it is recommended to always add cold water before and after each use of the disposal. This will help to flush out any food waste that may be in the unit itself as well as decrease the risk of jamming. Additionally, it's also a good idea to run the disposal for a few seconds after each use to ensure food particles left in the unit are completely broken down.

To help reduce any odors that may arise from food waste, you can add a cup of baking soda or a lemon juice mixture to the disposal. If the odor persists, it may be a sign of a more serious issue. In this case, it is recommended to call a licensed plumber who can properly diagnose the problem and provide the necessary repairs.

When Should I Replace My Garbage Disposal?

It is best to properly maintain your garbage disposal unit and address any signs of damage as quickly as possible to prevent the unit from requiring a complete replacement. If the unit has become jammed, leaking, or it produces an unpleasant odor, these are all signs that the unit may need to be replaced. Additionally, if your unit is more than 10 years old, it is likely time to replace it as newer models are more energy-efficient and feature a variety of modern technical advancements.

How Do I Dispose of my Old Garbage Disposal?

If you decide to replace your old garbage disposal unit, the first step is to disconnect it from the plumbing. To ensure the job is done safely, it is best to call a professional plumbing service to handle the disposal of the unit. Once the unit has been disconnected, it can be taken to a local scrap metal recycling facility or a hazardous waste facility.

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