Garbage disposals present a very good and healthy way to dispose waste.
Getting rid of food waste and other types of waste cab be challenging at times, however, with garbage disposals, this process is made easier and healthier.
In a typical setting, a garbage disposal will grind your food waste and send it down the drain, all the way into the sewers and in some cases, the waste will be sent into septic tanks.
In purchasing and setting up these garbage disposals, there are some questions that need to be asked.
In particular, questions need to be asked about the installation.
Can you just buy any garbage disposal and install it under your sink?
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Are there any special steps to be taken regards the installation?
In this article, we will be answering the question “are garbage disposals universal?”
Before you go ahead to buy a garbage disposal unit, you need to know if you can just buy any product and install it directly under your sink or if there are certain garbage disposals that go with certain types of sinks.
Types of garbage disposal
In general, there are two types of garbage disposals you will encounter when looking for a suitable garbage disposal for your kitchen sink.
The two types of garbage disposals are continuous-feed garbage disposals and batch-feed garbage disposals.
Continuous-feed garbage disposals
Of the two types of garbage disposals, this is the most common.
They are easier to use and more affordable when compared to batch-feed disposals.
The highlight of this types of garbage disposal is the ability to grind food waste continuously.
Batch-feed garbage disposals
When it comes to safety, this type of garbage disposals come out on top.
They do not work continuously like continuous-feed disposals, instead, they can only be turned on when they fill up.
They are more expensive to buy and they’re not as flexible to use as continuous-feed garbage disposals, however, they are safer to use.
Are they universal?
The answer to this is quite simple – No, they are not.
Garbage disposal units are not universal which means you cannot just buy any garbage disposal and install it under your sink directly. If a garbage disposal unit cannot be used with your sink, you will have to change your sink to one that can accommodate a garbage disposal unit.
The good news is that garbage disposal installations are not really complicated; if you are quite handy, you can handle the installation without having to contact a professional.
If you are not handy, however, you will have to get a professional to handle the installation.
The first thing you have to know is that garbage disposal units are not compatible with all sinks.
This should be the first thing you investigate.
You may have to get a plumber to investigate this, if you don’t know exactly what to look at.
If your sink can be used with a garbage disposal unit, then you can go ahead in your quest to buy one.
In general, garbage disposals connect to sinks in about three different ways; threaded plastic nuts, large hose clamps, and mounting-ring assembly.
If you are replacing your garbage disposal unit, it is advisable to go for one that will fit your existing attachment.
If you are getting a new garbage disposal unit for your kitchen sink, you should look at the attachment so you can know the type of garbage disposal that will fit your sink.
As there is no universal garbage disposal, your disposal system will determine the type of garbage disposal you get.
Typically, it is either you have a septic system or you use the regular system.
There are specific garbage disposal systems that are designed for septic tanks while there are those designed for the regular system.
Another thing you have to look at before you buy a garbage disposal unit is the space you have under your sink.
Garbage disposals come in different sizes and the space available to you will influence the size of garbage disposal you can get.
If you have limited space under your sink, you don’t really have to worry as there are garbage disposals that are small in size.
The more powerful ones are bigger though, however, you will have to make your decision based on the space available to you and the type of waste you usually have.
Choosing your garbage disposal
Buying and installing a garbage disposal is not a very complicated thing to do.
There are some things you should know before you go ahead to choose any garbage disposal.
The first thing you should know are the different types of garbage available on the market.
Once you decide on the type of garbage disposal you want to buy, there are some other things you have to consider.
- Noise
Garbage disposals are loud in general, however, there are several models from different brands that have features that make them quieter. If you won’t be able to cope with high levels of noise, you
- Motor power
There are about four common motor power options; 1/3, ½, ¾, and 1 HP. You should make a decision based on the type and quantity of food waste you usually have.
- Cost
Just like with any other product, you need to make a decision based on your budget. Garbage disposals, range from cheap to very expensive. No matter what your budget is, you will get a fitting garbage disposal that will serve you well
- Additional features
In a bid to make garbage disposal easier, several models feature additional interesting features that you should definitely consider. Some of these additional features include pre-installed electric cord, jam sensor, auto-reverse, and safety cover.
Conclusion
Garbage disposals are not universal, however, this doesn’t mean they are so complicated.
In fact, they are quite easy to install if you are handy enough.
If you are not, you will have to get a plumber to carry out the installation for you.
Some of the things that you need to look out for when you’re choosing a garbage disposal have also been discussed.