Kitchen cleanup feels easier when you have a reliable garbage disposal. It keeps food waste under control, prevents unpleasant odors, and helps maintain a cleaner sink. Many households depend on this small but powerful appliance every single day, which makes selecting the right unit an important choice when it comes time for replacement. Do you stick with the same old style or change it up with a more contemporary model?

If you are dealing with clogs, odors, or an outdated system, Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical is here to help. Our team offers garbage disposal repair and installation, drain cleaning, and a host of other plumbing services to keep your home in perfect harmony. Call us today and let us make your kitchen cleanup more convenient.

How Garbage Disposals Work

Many people imagine a set of sharp blades spinning at the bottom of their sink, but that’s a common misconception. Your garbage disposal doesn’t use blades at all. Instead, it uses a spinning plate with small, blunt metal lugs called impellers. 

When you turn the unit on, these impellers rapidly force the food waste against a stationary, serrated ring called a grind ring. This action pulverizes the food scraps into tiny particles, which are then easily flushed away with running water through your plumbing.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal may work hard, but it cannot last forever. When it begins to fail, you will notice several signs that suggest a replacement is in order:

• Frequent Clogs: If you constantly find your disposal or sink backing up, it means the unit is no longer grinding food waste effectively enough to pass through the pipes.
• Persistent Odors: Lingering smells that you can’t eliminate with cleaning are a sign that food particles are trapped and decaying within the unit because it cannot properly process and flush them away.
• Unusual Noises: A healthy disposal has a consistent humming sound, but a loud, metallic grinding or rattling noise often points to a broken part or a motor that is beginning to fail.
• Leaks: Water dripping from the bottom of the unit is a clear signal that seals have worn out or the casing has cracked. This issue can lead to water damage in your cabinet and requires immediate attention.
• It Simply Won’t Turn On: After you check that the unit is plugged in and have tried the reset button, a complete failure to power on usually indicates a burned-out motor.

Types of Garbage Disposals

There are two primary styles of garbage disposals available, each offering a different operational method to suit your personal preference and kitchen habits.

Continuous Feed Disposals

Continuous feed models are the most popular choice for busy households. You simply flip a wall switch to start the motor, then add food waste gradually as the unit runs. This design lets you feed scraps into the disposal while it operates, making cleanup quick and convenient during meal preparation. These units work perfectly for families who generate steady amounts of food waste throughout the day.

You can scrape plates directly into the disposal, add more scraps as needed, and keep the motor running until everything gets ground up. The continuous operation also means you’re not limited by chamber size or batch restrictions. 

Plus, most continuous feed disposals feature safety guards that prevent accidental contact with internal components. However, you’ll want to keep silverware and other objects away from the opening while the unit operates.

Batch Feed Disposals

Batch feed disposals prioritize safety through their unique activation system. Instead of a wall switch, these units only operate when you insert and twist a special stopper into the sink opening. You load food waste into the disposal chamber first, then cover it with the stopper to begin grinding. The unit processes the entire batch at once, automatically stopping when you remove the cover. This approach works well for households with small children or anyone who values extra safety features.

Batch feed models typically handle larger quantities of waste at once, making them ideal for families who prefer to clean up after meals in one session. The controlled operation also tends to produce less noise and splashing during use.

Important Features to Consider When Choosing a Disposal

Shopping for a garbage disposal involves more than just finding the cheapest option. The right unit balances power, durability, and convenience features that match your household’s specific needs. Here are the essential factors that separate good disposals from great ones:

• Horsepower: Units with higher horsepower grind food more effectively, making them suitable for larger families or frequent use.
• Noise Level: Modern disposals have options for sound-dampening insulation and anti-vibration components. If you have an open-concept kitchen or simply value a quiet home, looking for a model with better sound-reducing technology is a smart idea.
• Durability and Material: The grinding components are typically made of galvanized or stainless steel. Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for a longer-lasting, more durable appliance.
• Safety Features: Modern disposals almost always have a manual reset button to help with simple jams. Batch feed models, by their very nature, provide an added layer of safety because they cannot operate unless the drain cover is in place.
• Ease of Maintenance: Units with easy-to-remove splash guards or simple reset functions make upkeep much less stressful.

Protect Your Garbage Disposal Investment With Expert Installation

DIY garbage disposal setup might seem tempting, but these units require specific plumbing and electrical knowledge that goes beyond simply connecting pipes and wires with store-bought tools. Improper mounting can cause leaks, incorrect wiring creates fire hazards, and many manufacturers require professional installation to honor warranty terms.

Our plumbers check your electrical system, verify proper drainage slopes, test all connections, and know local building codes to spot potential issues before they become expensive repairs. Professional installation also includes testing your new garbage disposal unit with various types of food waste. Plus, we’ll show you the best practices for using your new unit and provide maintenance tips that extend its lifespan.

Need a New Garbage Disposal? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical!

When your kitchen needs an upgrade, you deserve service that makes the process easy and stress-free. Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical delivers reliable garbage disposal installation and repair, along with an extensive array of additional plumbing solutions. With a team that treats your home with respect and puts your needs first, you can feel confident choosing us for all of your needs. Call today to schedule your appointment and enjoy a cleaner, more streamlined kitchen!