If your garbage disposal stops working, you'll need to decide if it makes more sense to repair it or replace it. The first step in making the best decision is determing what's wrong with it. If it's a simple jam that can be fixed fairly easily, then repairing your garbage disposal is likely your best option.
But if you have a burned out motor or leaking ball bearings, then replacing it might be the better option.
Another factor will be the age of the unit. An older garbage disposal that's on its last legs might make more sense to replace than spending any money on repairs.
If it's time to replace your existing garbage disposal, keep in mind that not all garbage disposals are created equal. You can make your disposal last longer by being smarter about what you put down it, but eventually the time will come when replacement is necessary.
When it does, you’ll want to know what features to look for so you can choose the best garbage disposal for your plumbing in Springfield Missouri.
Motor Size
A garbage disposal’s motor is measured in horsepower. Cheaper units typically offer less horsepower. In most cases, you'll want to have at least a ½ hp motor, which provides enough power to shred food waste without overdoing it. A motor with too much horsepower can actually cause water to shoot up out of the other side of the sink, leading to an unnecessary mess.
Chamber Size
Disposals with more powerful motors also tend to have larger chambers, so they can handle grinding up more food at one time.
Easy To Unjam
As with the majority of your plumbing, garbage disposals can jam from time to time. No matter what some garbage disposal manufacturers might claim. Some newer disposals make claims that they cannot jam, even going so far as to exclude the flywheel, which can help free jammed up blades.
Don’t be fooled by such claims. Such disposals still jam, only without the means of being able to easily unjam it yourself. Consider a garbage disposal with a slot at the bottom that allows you to unjam it manually. Otherwise, you'll have to call a plumber in Springfield, Missouri to handle your garbage disposal repairs.
Noise Levels
You may not use your garbage disposal often, but no one enjoys the ear-splitting sound a garbage disposal makes. Thankfully, many garbage disposals manufactured nowadays contain special insulation that keeps their grinding noises down.
There are multiple factors that go into deciding which type of garbage disposal to purchase, but hopefully these tips will help you select the best garbage disposal for your plumbing.
If you have any garbage disposal problems or need on advice on whether it's better to repair or replace your current disposal, give the pros at United Plumbing a call.