Hire A Plumber For Garbage Disposals | Oak Ridge, TN
A garbage disposal is a household appliance that is designed to grind food debris into pieces that are small enough to be safely sent down the drain. Garbage disposals installed by a plumber are a convenient way to dispose of food waste in your home in Oak Ridge, TN. Learn everything you need to know about garbage disposals, including how to get a garbage disposal unit installed, how they work, how to properly use them, and how to maintain them.
How Do Garbage Disposals Work?
A garbage disposal consists of a hopper, a grinding chamber, and a motor. The hopper is the opening through which you place the food waste, and it is typically located on the top of the appliance. The grinding chamber is where the food waste is shredded and ground into small pieces, and it is located underneath the hopper. The motor is responsible for turning the grinding chamber and the blades inside it, and it is located at the base of the appliance.
As your plumber can explain, when you activate the garbage disposal, the motor turns the grinding chamber and the blades inside it, which shred the food waste into small pieces. The shredded food waste is then sent through a series of channels and pipes, and it is eventually sent down the drain. Some garbage disposals, including some brands that are installed by My Professional Plumber, also have a built-in air switch that activates the motor when you turn on the faucet.
Proper Use of Garbage Disposals
While garbage disposals installed by a plumber are a convenient way to dispose of food waste, there are certain items that should not be placed in the disposal. These include:
- Large bones: Large bones can damage the blades and the grinding chamber of the disposal.
- Grease and oil: Grease and oil can solidify and clog the drain, so it is best to dispose of these items in the trash.
- Starchy foods: Starchy foods, such as potato peels and rice, can turn into a paste when ground up and clog the drain.
- Fruit pits: Fruit pits are too hard for the disposal to grind and can damage the blades.
- Glass, metal, and plastic: These materials do not break down in the disposal and can damage the blades or clog the drain.
It is also important to use the garbage disposal responsibly by not overloading it and by running cold water while it is in use. This will help to prevent the disposal from overheating and ensure that the food waste is properly ground up and sent down the drain.
Different Kinds of Garbage Disposals
There are several different types of garbage disposals installed by a plumber that are available from My Professional Plumber. Each type has its own unique features and capabilities. Following is a brief overview of the different kinds of garbage disposals that you can choose from:
- Standard garbage disposals: Standard garbage disposals are the most common type of disposal, and they are suitable for most households. These disposals are typically installed under the kitchen sink and are activated by a switch on the wall or countertop. Standard disposals are available in a range of horsepower ratings, which determines their grinding power and ability to handle larger amounts of food waste.
- Continuous feed disposals: Continuous feed disposals, also known as “batch feed” disposals, are activated by a switch on the disposal itself. With a continuous feed disposal, you can add food waste to the hopper as it is running, which makes it convenient for grinding up larger amounts of food waste. However, these disposals do not have a safety mechanism to prevent foreign objects from entering the grinding chamber, so it is important to be careful when using them.
- Septic tank disposals: If you have a septic tank system, you will need to choose a garbage disposal that is specifically designed for use with a septic tank. These disposals are typically lower in horsepower and are designed to grind up food waste into smaller pieces that are easier for the septic system to handle.
- Compact disposals: If you have a small kitchen or limited space under your sink, you may want to consider a compact garbage disposal. These disposals are smaller in size and are designed to take up less space, but they may not be as powerful as larger disposals.
- Portable disposals: Portable disposals are a convenient option for people who want to be able to grind up food waste without installing a permanent disposal under their sink. These disposals are small and lightweight, and they can be plugged into any outlet to use. However, they are not as powerful as larger disposals and are best suited for grinding up small amounts of food waste.
When choosing a garbage disposal for your home in Oak Ridge, TN, keep in mind the size of your household, the amount of food waste you typically generate, and the space you have available for installation by a plumber. You should also consider the horsepower rating of the disposal, as well as any additional features that may be useful, such as a built-in air switch or a continuous feed design.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
To keep your garbage disposal working properly, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Your plumber in Oak Ridge, TN can do all the necessary inspections and maintenance on your garbage disposal.
A garbage disposal is a convenient appliance that can help you dispose of food waste in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner. However, it is important to use the disposal responsibly and to perform regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your garbage disposal is a valuable addition to your home and not a source of frustration. Contact My Professional Plumber today to install a new garbage disposal in your home, or to inspect or repair an existing garbage disposal.
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