2 Signs You Need a New Garbage Disposal

garbage disposalLike all home appliances, garbage disposals wear out as they age. If yours is getting long in the tooth, some signs indicate it’s time for a replacement. Here are two of them.

Sign #1: The Clogs Keep on Coming

Frequent clogs are a sure sign that your garbage disposal is on its last leg. If you’re spending more time unclogging the disposal than you spend using it, that’s a sure sign a new one is not far down the road. To keep it chugging along a little longer, you could try breaking things up into smaller pieces before putting them down the drain, running cold water when the disposal is on, and keeping sticky, stringy, and hard food out. If you’re doing all these things and still getting frequent clogs, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Sign #2: Leaks Under the Sink

A leaking garbage disposal is the final peg in its coffin. Once a disposal starts leaking, it’s hard to repair effectively. Things like utensils that drop into it and hard fruit pits are enough to cause damage to the interior, causing the unit to crack and then leak. Water damage is no joke, so if you have even a minor leak from your disposal, it’s time to call a plumber to replace it.

It’s hard to imagine a kitchen sink without a disposal, but if yours is on its way out, don’t wait until it goes completely kaput. A professional plumber can give you an estimate on a new unit and installation to get you back in business. Contact the pros at Hill Plumbing and Air today for all your garbage disposal needs.

Which Is the Best Garbage Disposal?

A plumber works on a garbage disposal and other pipes under a sink

Do you know which is the best garbage disposal for your home? Most people don’t give this handy appliance a second thought until they need to buy a new one. And even then, many just buy the first thing they see. However, not all disposals are the same. Here’s what to consider:

Size Really Does Matter

How big is your disposal? Yes, picking the right size is crucial. If the unit is too small, it won’t be able to keep up and may wear out prematurely. Which size do you need? That depends on how many people live in your household. A 1/3 or 1/2 HP motor may be large enough for a 1-3 person household, but if more people live under your roof, a 3/4 or 1 HP motor is a better option.

Feeding Preferences

Garbage disposals “eat” your leftovers, but there are different ways to feed them. Homeowners can choose between continuous feed and batch feed models. Continuous feed disposals let you put scraps down the drain while the motor is still running. Batch feed only lets you put a single batch in at a time. Which is better? It depends on your needs. Continuous models are the most popular and budget-friendly, but batch feed disposals reduce the risk of injury.

Sewer vs. Septic

Most commercial disposals work with both sewer and septic systems. As long as you only send “disposal-approved” scraps down the drain, you shouldn’t have any issues. (Hint: never put bones or trash in the sink.) However, if you do have a septic system, a unit that features an enzyme reservoir may be a better choice.

Disposals are a powerhouse in the kitchen, but they often get overlooked. Upgrading your disposal is an investment that will keep your sink clear for many years to come. Contact Hill Plumbing & Air to pick out the best garbage disposal for your needs.

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For more than 95 years, Hill Plumbing and Air has built a rock solid reputation by providing the highest quality plumbing services in Sumter, Florence and surrounding areas. We're now pleased to offer Heating and Air services to better serve our customers.

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