The garbage disposal is an integral part of your home’s plumbing system, making it easy to discard food scraps while preparing meals and washing dishes. Although this appliance is found in almost every kitchen, many homeowners aren’t familiar with how it works and how to care for it. Use this guide to get up to speed on what you should know.

Common Questions Homeowners Have About Garbage Disposals

How does it work?

This appliance operates sharp blades to shred food particles, then uses an impeller arm and plate to force the waste down the drain and through the plumbing system. The dishwasher drain runs through the unit, so the washer’s particles are also ground before going into the pipes.

Are there different types of disposals?

There are two types of garbage disposals. A continuous-feed unit runs continuously once you activate the switch. This feature is useful if you’re disposing of a lot of food waste. However, it’s important to be careful with this type of appliance, as it’ll grind whatever it encounters, even cutlery and sponges.

A batch-feed model gets rid of waste in batches. This disposal method is generally safer because you need to close the opening before running it. However, it tends to be the costlier of the two models.

What can I run through the disposal?

It’s a common misconception that everything can go down the garbage disposal. However, you should avoid materials that may clog the plumbing pipes or damage the blades, like oil, starches, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous produce.

What do I do if it stops working?

Start by troubleshooting the issue to determine the cause. If the unit isn’t turning on, check that it’s plugged into a working electrical outlet—you can also reset the circuit breaker. If this doesn’t work, call a plumber to assess the problem. Never put your hand down the drain, as you may encounter the blades—always have a professional inspect that area.

 

If you’re experiencing issues with the garbage disposal, turn to A+ Family Plumbing in Onalaska, WI. These professionals will assess the unit, then make any necessary repairs. If a complete replacement is needed, they’ll quickly install a new one to restore the drain’s function as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment, send a message online or call (608) 783-5558.