Table of Contents
- Understanding the Two Main Types of Garbage Disposals
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Garbage Disposal
- Recommended Garbage Disposal Brands and Models
- Installation Costs and Considerations in Seattle
- Aligning with Seattle’s Waste Management Practices
- Essential Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Garbage Disposal’s Life
- Final Thoughts
Understanding the Two Main Types of Garbage Disposals
There are two primary types of garbage disposals: continuous feed and batch feed. Understanding the differences is the first step in making the right choice.
- Continuous Feed:
- Description: These disposals are activated by a wall switch and allow you to continuously add food waste while the unit is running.
- Pros: This type is highly convenient for handling large volumes of food scraps, making them ideal for busy kitchens.
- Cons: Because they are open during operation, extra caution is needed to prevent non-food items (like utensils) or hands from accidentally entering the disposal.
- Batch Feed:
- Description: Batch feed disposals operate only when a special stopper or cover is securely in place. This design means you add a batch of waste, secure the cover, and then turn it on.
- Pros: The primary advantage is safety. The cover prevents accidental operation and keeps foreign objects out.
- Cons: These models are generally less convenient for processing large amounts of waste, as you need to work in smaller batches.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Garbage Disposal
Several factors are critical for Seattle homeowners when selecting a garbage disposal. These include horsepower, noise level, and the physical size of the unit.
- Horsepower:
- 1/3 HP: Best suited for individuals or small households that generate minimal food waste. They can handle soft foods but may struggle with tougher scraps.
- 1/2 HP: A popular choice for small families (2-3 people) and can handle most common food scraps, including vegetable peels and small bones.
- 3/4 HP and 1 HP: These are powerhouses, ideal for larger families or those who cook frequently and generate a lot of food waste. They can handle tougher items like fruit pits, larger bones, and fibrous vegetables.
- Noise Level:Garbage disposals can be noisy. Look for models with sound insulation features for quieter operation. This is particularly important in Seattle, where noise ordinances can impact your choice. A quieter model contributes to a more peaceful home environment.
- Size:
- The physical size of the unit matters. Consider the available space under your sink and your household’s typical waste generation.
- Ensure there’s adequate space for installation. Generally, larger units correspond to higher horsepower and greater capacity.
Recommended Garbage Disposal Brands and Models
Choosing a reputable brand known for quality and durability is essential. Here are some top recommendations:
- InSinkErator:
- InSinkErator is a leading brand known for its durable construction and powerful motors.
- Their Evolution Series is particularly noteworthy for its advanced grinding technology and noise reduction features.
- The Badger Line offers reliable performance at a more budget-friendly price point.
- Waste King:
- Waste King disposals are recognized for their high-speed motors and jam-resistant designs.
- They often provide a good balance of performance and affordability.
- American Standard:
- Particularly their slimline models, noted for ease of installation and effective waste processing.
Installation Costs and Considerations in Seattle
Understanding installation costs is crucial for budgeting. Several factors influence the final price.
- Installation Costs:The cost of garbage disposal installation in Seattle can vary. It’s always recommended to get a personalized estimate from a qualified plumber, like Falcon Plumbing.
- DIY vs. Professional Installation:
- DIY: While a DIY installation might seem tempting to save on labor costs, it carries risks. Improper installation can lead to leaks, electrical hazards, or even damage to your disposal.
- Professional: Hiring a professional plumber ensures compliance with Seattle’s plumbing codes. It guarantees proper connections to both your electrical and plumbing systems, minimizing the risk of leaks, electrical hazards, and potential warranty issues. Falcon Plumbing’s experienced technicians can provide a safe and reliable installation.
Aligning with Seattle’s Waste Management Practices
It’s important to understand how a garbage disposal fits into Seattle’s overall waste management system.
- Waste Disposal Information:Seattle offers comprehensive waste management services, including garbage, recycling, and food & yard waste collection.
- Reducing Waste Strategy:
- Using a garbage disposal correctly can significantly reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills.
- Seattle’s “pay-as-you-throw” system means that reducing your garbage volume can directly lower your utility bills. A garbage disposal helps you manage food waste efficiently, contributing to this cost savings.
Essential Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Garbage Disposal’s Life
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your garbage disposal’s longevity and optimal performance.
- Regular Use: Run your disposal regularly, even if you don’t have a lot of food waste. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.
- Cold Water: Always use cold water when running your disposal. Cold water solidifies grease and fats, allowing them to be chopped up and flushed away more effectively. Hot water can melt these substances, leading to clogs further down the drain line.
- Avoid Problematic Items: Never put fibrous foods (like celery stalks or banana peels), large bones, fats, oil, grease, or non-food items into your disposal. These can cause jams, damage the motor, or create plumbing problems.
- Cleaning:
- Grind ice cubes (optionally with lemon or orange peels) to sharpen the blades and freshen the disposal. The ice helps dislodge debris, while the citrus peels provide a natural cleaning agent.
- Pour in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for a natural way to neutralize odors. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with cold water.
- Troubleshooting:
- If your disposal stops working, check the reset button, usually on the bottom of the unit. This is a safety feature if the motor overheats.
- If the disposal is jammed, use a specialized wrench (often provided with the unit) to manually turn the motor and dislodge the obstruction. Always turn off the power to the disposal at the breaker box before attempting this. If you are uncomfortable performing either of these steps, consider calling for garbage disposal repair.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right garbage disposal involves considering various factors, including the type of disposal, horsepower, noise level, size, and installation costs. For Seattle residents, it’s also crucial to align with the city’s waste management practices and noise ordinances. By understanding these considerations and following proper maintenance tips, you can ensure your garbage disposal provides years of reliable service.
For expert advice, professional installation, or any garbage disposal repair needs, contact Falcon Plumbing. Our team is ready to help you make the best choice for your kitchen and ensure your disposal system runs smoothly. Schedule a consultation today!
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Reference List
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- ShouldIt. (2025). The Best Garbage Disposals of 2025 – Tested & Reviewed by Shouldit. Retrieved from https://shouldit.com/garbage-disposals/reviews/best/
- Ralph’s Way. (2023). American Standard Garbage Disposal Review: Is It Worth It?. Retrieved from https://ralphsway.com/american-standard-garbage-disposal/
- Seattle.gov. Garbage – Utilities. Retrieved from https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/garbage
- Seattle.gov. Garbage – Utilities. Retrieved from https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/garbage
- The Spruce. (2023). 7 Tips for Garbage Disposal Maintenance. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/garbage-disposal-maintenance-5222594
- Roto-Rooter Blog. (2023). 5 Easy Tips for Maintaining the Garbage Disposal. Retrieved from https://www.rotorooter.com/blog/garbage-disposal/5-easy-tips-for-maintaining-the-garbage-disposal/
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- The Home Depot. (2023). How to Clean a Garbage Disposal. Retrieved from https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-clean-a-garbage-disposal/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90b93e46d3
- Cabrillo. (2023). 10 Garbage Disposal Tips to Keep Your Unit Running Smoothly. Retrieved from https://discovercabrillo.com/blog/10-garbage-disposal-tips-to-keep-your-unit-running-smoothly/
- InSinkErator Support. (2023). Fixing a Jammed Garbage Disposal. Retrieved from https://support.insinkerator.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/515/~/fixing-a-jammed-garbage-disposal