Category: Plumbing

What Can I Throw in the Garbage Disposal?

As the name suggests, a garbage disposal is for getting rid of – wait for it – garbage. While that might seem obvious, what’s not as clear is what kind of garbage? You see, not all garbage is created equally and while some items are well-suited for the garbage disposal, other items are not. Before we discuss that, however, let’s take a closer look at what a garbage disposal is and what it actually does.

How a Garbage Disposal Works

A garbage disposal is an electrically powered device that is installed under a kitchen sink and sits between the sink’s drain and the drain trap. When food and other debris goes down into the garbage disposal, it passes through a shredder (some people refer to the teeth of the shredder as blades) that work to grind the food up in pieces that are small enough to continue down the drain and pass through the house’s plumbing system.

Most garbage disposals last around 10 to 12 years, depending on how well you take care of it and more importantly, what you put in it. If you abuse your garbage disposal by repeatedly sending items down into it that you shouldn’t, you not only won’t get as much lifetime use out of it, but you may cause some plumbing issues as well.

Items You Can Throw in the Garbage Disposal

Citrus rinds: It may surprise you to learn that throwing the rinds of oranges and other citrus fruits into your garbage disposal are actually good for it. They not only help to naturally clean your disposal, they also leave it smelling nice and fresh.

Coffee grounds: There are some mixed answers on this one, but we’re okay with you putting small amounts of coffee grounds down your drain. Just don’t put a large amount, however, because it can collect in the pipes and create a clog or backup. This is actually because of the oil that is found in the coffee grounds.

Cooked meat scraps: Leftover meat scraps from dinner are fine to put in the garbage disposal when you’re clearing off the dinnerplates. Once again, no large amounts though or big chunks.

Most fruits and vegetables: Almost all fruits are okay to toss in the garbage disposal and most vegetables are as well. There are a few exceptions to this, which will discuss below.

Small bones: Bones are rather hard on a garbage disposal and we would prefer that you throw them away rather than send them down into the garbage disposal. That being said, if you do happen to drop a small bone down into the garbage disposal, it’s usually no big deal and should grind up without causing any problems.

Wet (canned) cat/dog food: It’s usually not a problem in our house, but if your cat or dog leaves uneaten canned food in their bowl, it’s perfectly find to dump it down the garbage disposal.

Items You Should Not Throw into the Garbage Disposal

Artichokes: The leaves of an artichoke are super tough and can easily get caught in the teeth of the shredder.

Asparagus: One of several fibrous materials that are known to cause jamming problems and can shorten the lifespan of your garbage disposal.

Banana peels: While a banana can pass through a garbage disposal with no problem, a banana peel is super fibrous and can wrap around the grinding teeth causing it to jam.

Corn husks: Another fibrous material that can cause jamming problems, plus they cause your garbage disposal to have to work really hard.

Egg shells: This is another one of those items that people disagree on. While some people think that it helps to sharpen the teeth of the grinder others believe they cause more harm than good. We like to err on the safe side and say that you should just toss them or use them in your compost pile.

Fruit Pits: Think of them like tiny rocks. Best just to throw in the garbage, or better yet, compost them.

Grease: We don’t want you to pour grease or anything else that is super fatty down your drain ever – even if you don’t have a garbage disposal. All grease does is congeal and once it does, it creates a big gooey mess that over time will clog your pipes. If you pour it down into your garbage disposal, it will make the problem worse because all that grease will be coating the grinding chamber and the teeth of the shredder.

Large bones: This will really wear out your garbage disposal in a hurry. Don’t do it.

Nuts: Think about how peanut butter is made. It’s a lot like that only the peanut butter you create will be sticking to the shredder in your garbage disposal, making one big mess.

Onion skins: Just no.

Pasta and rice: You would think that since pasta and rice are so soft, what could possibly be the harm. The problem is that even when they are shredded into smaller pieces pasta and rice will expand. They also become a sticky substance and that can clog your drain.

Potato Peels: They may make it through your garbage disposal okay, but they are really starchy and not good for the drain. Best to toss them or work them into your compost pile.

Shrimp shells: Not only are they hard on the garbage disposal, shrimp shells can leave behind an unpleasant scent that lingers. Trust us on this

Garbage disposal unit

A garbage disposal unit (also known as a waste disposal unit, garbage disposer, garburator etc.) is a device, usually electrically powered, installed under a kitchen sink between the sink’s drain and the trap

History

The garbage disposal unit was invented in 1927 by John W. Hammes, an architect working in Racine, Wisconsin. He applied for a patent in 1933 that was issued in 1935. His InSinkErator company put his disposer on the market in 1940

In many cities in the United States in the 1930s and the 1940s, the municipal sewage system had regulations prohibiting placing food waste (garbage) into the system. InSinkErator spent considerable effort, and was highly successful in convincing many localities to rescind these prohibitions

Adoption

In the United States, some 50% of homes had disposal units as of 2009, compared with only 6% in the United Kingdom and 3% in Canada. In Sweden, some municipalities encourage the installation of disposers so as to increase the production of biogas. Some local authorities in Britain subsidize the purchase of garbage disposal units in order to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Rationale

Food scraps range from 10% to 20% of household waste, and are a problematic component of municipal waste, creating public health, sanitation and environmental problems at each step, beginning with internal storage and followed by truck-based collection. Burned in waste-to-energy facilities, the high water-content of food scraps means that their heating and burning consumes more energy than it generates; buried in landfills, food scraps decompose and generate methane gas, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER PUT DOWN YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Garbage disposals were invented for a reason: they’re a quick and easy way to clean up the kitchen and dispose of excess materials. Most garbage disposals, however have limits on what they can and cannot dispose of. When it comes to your sink, prevention is the best medicine, and adopting good habits is the best way to keep your sink clean and disposal functioning. Next time you’re cleaning your kitchen, think twice before putting these things down the garbage disposal.

Coffee Grounds

Disposing of your coffee grounds in your garbage disposal should be avoided. While it seems like a quick solution to throw them down the drain, coffee grounds can get stuck in your garbage disposal and cause a costly backup. One pot of coffee per morning down your disposal can cause a back up quickly. To avoid fighting with your sink and annoying backups, compost or throw away your coffee grounds.

Celerey, asparagus, corn husks and the likes

While some vegetables can go down your garbage disposal no problem, others can back it up and cause sizable problems. Vegetables that have long fibers such as celery, asparagus and corn husks all fall into this category. These fibers can get tied up in the blades of your garbage disposal, so throwing them away, or even better composting them, is the best solution.

Egg Shells

When you make your morning omelette, don’t make it a habit to throw your eggshells in the garbage disposal. The inner membrane within egg shells can get wrapped up in the blades of your disposal making it dull and stuck. Enjoy your eggs, but if you don’t like clogs, keep them out of your disposal.

Rice and Pasta

While ideal for stir fries, spaghetti, curry, and more, rice and pasta should be kept out of your garbage disposal. Because both foods expand in water, they can increase in size in your disposal. This causes a gross gooey mess in your sink and can cause your drain. Rather than spending your evening fighting with your sink, enjoy your Chicken Tikka Masala but don’t put the leftover rice down the disposal.

Do’ and Don’ts for Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are an appliance that provides many conveniences to our kitchen. What do you do with that week old, leftover pasta sauce or soup that you found in the back of your fridge? It’s easy to dump liquid foods down the sink just to get rid of it quickly. Unfortunately, improper use of your garbage disposal can often lead to ugly problems. By following a few simple rules you can avoid these problems, like unwanted odors or the garbage disposal not draining properly in your apartment. Here are our do’s and don’ts for your garbage disposal.

The basics

While your specific garbage disposal may be able to grind and dispose of more than just liquid food, it doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. Most cities’ plumbing systems are not built to handle large amounts of food waste. There are some things that should never be put down any garbage disposal because you will run the risk of clogging pipes or other future garbage disposal problems. Proper use and regular cleaning will keep your garbage disposal in working order and keep the plumbing pipes clear and grease-free.

Do’s

Put a slice of citrus fruit down the drain and run the disposal with the water running to eliminate odors. Try a quarter of a lemon, lime or grapefruit—make sure to include the peel.

Use your disposal in moderation. It’s designed for breaking up small food particles, not large amounts of food.

Always run cold water before, during and after use.

Check the drain for fallen items like spoons, bottle caps and other small things before running the disposal. If you find something, use tongs to extract it out of the drain.

Contact your apartment‘s maintenance team if any issues arise.

Don’ts

Don’t put your hand in the garbage disposal to retrieve fall items.

Don’t pour grease or fat from food down the disposal.

Don’t grind anything other than food scraps.

Don’t put coffee grounds, egg shells or potato peels down the disposal.

Don’t run hot water through your disposal as it can cause clogs.

Cleaning

Cleaning your garbage disposal is probably not something you think of when cleaning your apartment, but it should be! Luckily, there is nothing special that you need to buy to keep your disposal clean—you can use natural, everyday items that you probably already own. Here are a few easy ways to clean your garbage disposal.

KITCHEN GARBAGE DISPOSAL REPAIR: DO’S AND DON’TS

The dispatch line rang and our customer service representative answered, ready to help with any plumbing-related issue. “I need to get an octopus out of the drain,” a voice muttered.

“Okay, we’ll be happy to help,” the representative cheerfully responded and promptly sent a plumbing tech to wrangle the animal and inspect the disposal for damage. is an ocean-lover’s paradise and while that fresh, live octopus will make an amazing calamari dish – the octopus might not agree with your plans.

Garbage Disposer Don’ts

Once upon a time, our grandparents lived without garbage disposals. This is probably more shocking to some than an octopus in the drain.

However, there are some items that should never go down the garbage disposal.

Grease and fats: Often the problem with grease, fats and cooking oil is that they create problems further down the waste disposal system. They solidify, making sludge and create clogs. Do not send grease and other fats down the drain, not even with hot water/soap.

Bones and Fruit Pits: This should be common sense, but it is a frequently seen problem for plumbing service appointments where garbage disposals fail. They can damage the blades or just don’t ever get broken down, creating a mass of items to block the sink drain.

Rice, Pasta and Coffee Grounds: This is one that isn’t as much common sense as others. You might see these “digestible or dissolvable” items. But, what happens in the garbage disposal is detrimental to the appliance. As these mix with water and other foods, it becomes sludge that can jam the blades, slowing or limiting rotation.

Celery, Carrot or Potato Peels: Celery has very long and strong fibers throughout the stalk that can tangle in the motor of the blades. Asparagus and corn husks provide the same risk. The same for carrot or potato peels.

Egg Shells, Shellfish and Fish Scales: There is some debate as to whether egg shells are bad for the garbage disposal, with some people saying there is no harm and the grinding of the shells actually helps sharpen blades. There are other ways to sharpen the blades without having slimy linings potentially stick and clog the shredder.

Do’s for Garbage Disposal Health

Dishwasher Use: Dinner clean up is much easier with a dishwasher. Make sure the dishwasher hookup properly drains into the sink and don’t just let the waste flow down the sink drain. Rinse plates before you put them in the dishwasher to make sure excess food and taboo junk doesn’t make it down the drain (or jam the dishwasher).

Cold Water: Use cool or cold water when running the kitchen faucet and garbage disposal to make sure any grease on plates and dishes isn’t liquefied. You don’t want it to later become a solid deep down in the pipeline of your plumbing and drain system.

Waste Trap: Use a mesh drain strainer that you can buy at your favorite Point Loma, Mission Hills, or and other local San Diego housewares store to collect food, skins, peels, and bones before they go down the drain. Then, throw them out.

Clean the System: Use a homemade drain cleaning solution to help reduce grime, much and sludge build up. A quick DIY utilizes baking soda, vinegar, and lemon to break down sludge and deodorize the appliance. Some folks will actually mix ice cube with the lemon and vinegar to help sharpen blades while cleaning.

Stop and Clear: If you find an octopus or anything else that is the core problem for your sink drain and garbage disposal problem, turn it off, unplug it and work to remove whatever it is that’s blocking or clogging the system. If this isn’t something you are comfortable with, make an appointment with your local plumbing service.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

Few features in the home are used as often as the kitchen sink. And what other home item performs as many different tasks? It could be argued that the selection of a sink is one of the most important kitchen choices you will make — and it’s a decision that will affect your daily life for many years to come. We spoke to designers who belong to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) about how to select the right sink for your kitchen.

A certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer for 30 years, Sharon Flatley has seen the kitchen sink grow wider, deeper and more diverse. “There’s so much more to choose from now,” she says.

These days Flatley, the principal of Flatley & Associates in Dallas, says most of her clients opt for a kitchen sink with a single, deep basin that is 33 to 36 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches deep. “This kind of sink is very versatile,” she says. “It works whether you cook a lot or not much.”

Two basins in your kitchen sink allow you to perform separate tasks, such as cleaning dishes and preparing food, with ease. A 60/40 kitchen sink has one basin that is usually about 18 inches wide and another that is 14 inches wide. The idea is that you can clean up in the large basin and prep in the smaller one. Dual basins also come in handy when you are washing items you don’t want to put in the dishwasher (soap in one basin, rinse water in the other).

Farmhouse sink.

Pros: Many farmhouse sinks are simply single, large basins. The difference is their distinctive apron front, which has a vintage vibe many homeowners love. For a typical sink, the basin can be 4 inches away from the edge of the countertop, but this sink can sit a bit beyond the counter line. For people of shorter stature and kids, a farmhouse sink can be more accessible. If you choose a porcelain or ceramic farmhouse sink, there are a wealth of color options.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink and Faucet

Sink Options

Kitchen sinks are typically made from stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, solid surfaces and composites. For clients who choose solid surface counters like granite or engineered stone, Isley recommends a stainless steel sink because of its undermount capability. Also if homeowners tend to be hard on sinks (Isley asks clients if they’re prone to throwing things into their sink), stainless is often the best choice. When shopping for a sink, keep in mind that lower-gauge stainless steel makes for a better quality sink. Some people find stainless steel sinks noisy, but that’s a problem that can be addressed by choosing a design featuring sound-absorption technology.

Once the standard in kitchen sinks, enamel-coated cast iron still has a place in today’s kitchen. “They’re probably the prettiest of all the sinks on the market today,” Isley says. However, he cautions that enamel can scratch and wear over time, which may not make this sink the best choice for people who are tough on sinks

Number of Sinks

Traditionally, most kitchens feature a double-bowl sink. “Obviously, double bowls — especially two equal size bowls — were made for washing dishes. We really don’t wash dishes much in the kitchen,” Isley says.

Faucets that Function

With the great number of faucets on the market, there is a design for everyone. “Style is strictly a personal taste issue,” Isley says. He doesn’t dictate what clients choose design-wise — people like what they like, after all — but he does guide them when it comes to function and finishes. Most faucets use cartridge, ball or ceramic disc valves. A faucet with a ceramic disk valve and solid brass base materials will be the most durable. Though many attractive faucets have two handles, Isley always pushes for single-lever faucets in the kitchen. He also suggests clients include a spray arm for filling pots with water or rinsing the sink, whether it’s part of the spout or a separate piece. Consider other convenient extras, like a garbage disposal and hot water dispenser.

Isley steers clients away from brass finishes. “[Brass] works well for a low-use area, but in a high-use area like a kitchen, I’d rather use chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel or pewter. The new bronze finish is also very popular,” he says.

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink, According to Science

This includes the type, size, number of bowls, material, faucet fitting, and more. If you’re remodeling your kitchen from scratch, choosing a customized kitchen sink is more apt. Something that fits well with the ambience and color palette of the kitchen décor.

Choosing a new kitchen sink, as a homeowner, doesn’t have to be a price-based decision. You can easily narrow down your options based on the different styles and sizes of kitchen sinks. This guide will help you learn about the basics of kitchen sink and what makes it do functional and versatile in your home.

Looking At Different Sink Types

This is the simplest rundown for the common kitchen sinks types available on the market. You can opt for either on while modelling your kitchen or during renovating. Each kitchen sink type has its pros and cons, so it’s best to read through them all to find your most ideal fit.

Top Mount (Drop-In)

As the name suggests, a top mount kitchen sink looks like it has been dropped-in from above. It fits comfortably on the kitchen platform with a rim or lip that holds it in place from the edge. This is probably one of the neatest kitchen sinks, requiring minimal installation and service

Undermount

The installation of an undermount sink is completely reversed to that of a top mount sink. While a top mount sink is dropped in from above, an undermount sink is fitted from below the kitchen counter.  The lips of the sink are in level with the kitchen counter, which makes it look sleeker and polished.

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink

Your kitchen sink is probably not the place where you’d choose to spend your time, but it’s a necessity—and having the right one can make all those minutes spent scrubbing and rinsing easier and more efficient. Learn about the different materials, types of sinks, and factors to consider as you discover how to select a kitchen sink that fits your needs.

Types of Kitchen Sinks: Materials

Kitchen sinks come in many different materials, including metal and stone. The best kitchen sink material for you depends on how much money you want to spend, your cleaning routine preferences, and what material goes best with your kitchen’s style

Stainless-steel kitchen sinks are one of the most popular options and the material continues to be improved and upgraded. The newer 16- and 18-gauge sinks are thicker and less noisy than their less-expensive predecessors. Stainless-steel sinks contain a percentage of chromium and nickel, which is indicated by numbers such as 18/10 (18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel). The metal imparts a rich glow and adds corrosion resistance. Finishes range from a mirrorlike shine to a satin luster. Stainless-steel kitchen sinks are appealing because they are affordable, durable, and easy to clean. However, they can become scratched and water spots can become an issue, and the cheaper sinks can sometimes make more noise when items are dropped in

Cast-iron kitchen sinks are made from a sturdy material that is enamel fired on an iron form. These durable sinks lessen noise and vibration more than other materials but can be heavy for installation. An added advantage is that cast-iron sinks are available in a wide range of colors.

Composite sinks can be made of quartz, granite, or other materials mixed with an acrylic- or polyester-resin base. They usually feature speckled color, resistance to stains and scratches, and easy care. However, they can be expensive.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

Our kitchens are constantly being used and the sink is the first thing that will get worn-out. Naturally, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. Whether you’re remodeling or just getting a sink as a new homeowner, here’s how you can narrow down your choices from all the styles and types.

Under Mount

The key behind choosing the right kitchen sink is to evaluate your space and personal needs based on the three main types of sinks. An undermounted sink is installed below a countertop so that the sink drops down. The obvious advantage with this type of sink is that you can wipe a surface down straight into the sink. The under mounted sink is compatible with solid surface countertop materials like granite, soapstone, marble, or concrete with a wide array of durable sinks. Unfortunately, other materials such as laminate or tile counters are not stable enough to support the strength of the sink.

Top Mount or Drop In

Top Mount or Drop In sinks are installed in a hole in your countertop. There is no need for interior support. However, these kinds of sinks are usually very hard to clean.

Cost -Effective Materials

Every sink gets wear and tear, but some sinks get worn down more than others. Keep in mind that stainless steel sinks hold up better than enamel-coated cast iron sinks which often show scratches and signs of wear over time. Granite countertops work well with stainless steel sinks. Although stainless steel sinks can be noisy, homeowners can choose sound-absorption technology to reduce the amount of noise

Number of Bowls

Knowing your space limitations will determine size and depth which in turn, will determine the number of bowls or basins. Traditionally, most kitchens feature a double-bowl sink, but a single bowl sink might be ideal for smaller kitchens giving a more functional look.

Garbage Disposal Buying Guide

A garbage disposal helps reduce landfill waste and keeps your home smelling fresh in between trash days. But what are all the available options? We’ll show you how to pick the best garbage disposal for your kitchen.

Garbage disposals come in two feed types: batch feed and continuous feed.

Batch feed disposals can only be turned on by putting a special magnetic stopper in place. These models prevent objects from accidentally falling into the disposal when in use. With this type of model, you can insert food waste in batches and run it all at one time. Batch feed garbage disposals are a good choice for locations where adding an electrical switch isn’t viable.

Tip

Most sinks are compatible with a garbage disposal. If you’re adding a new disposal as part of a complete kitchen sink replacement, check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing. Some bar sinks have drains that are too small and may not be compatible.

What Horsepower Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

Garbage disposal motors come in varying horsepower (HP) ratings, anywhere from 1/3 HP to 1 HP or even higher. If you plan to use your disposal often or have a large household, opt for a model with more power

Tip

Garbage disposals with more horsepower often operate more quietly and are less likely to jam than standard or basic disposers with lower horsepower.

How to Determine the Right Size Garbage Disposal

Selecting the right sized garbage disposal for your home is an important decision. With so many choices, you may feel overwhelmed at first, but it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Purchasing a garbage disposal too small for your household can lead to drain clogs and jams, leaving you annoyed and frustrated. But buying one that’s too large, can mean you spent more money than necessary. This article will show you exactly what size garbage disposal to purchase.

How Much Horsepower Do I Need?

Garbage disposals measure their grinding strength in horsepower. When the motor has more horsepower (hp), the disposal will be more powerful. In other words, a 3/4 hp motor will have more grinding power than a 1/2 hp motor.

Household Size

One method of determining the correct-sized horsepower, is to factor your household size into the equation.

1/3 Horsepower

The starting point for garbage disposal motors is 1/3 horsepower. If you’ll only be grinding soft foods, such as vegetables, live in a studio apartment, or you’re on a very tight budget, a 1/3 hp may be a decent fit.

What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

Whether you are replacing an existing unit or installing a new one, purchasing a garbage disposal is always plagued by the question, “What size do I need???”. The garbage disposal offers an excellent alternative to placing more waste in landfills, and it is environmentally responsible. Moreover, it reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the environment (from decomposing food). However, for all of its benefits, this is one scenario where buying bigger does not always equate to buying better.

Determining Space Constraints

The first thing you need to do is break out your handy tape measure and measure how much space is available underneath your sink. Don’t forget to measure length, height, and width. Physical dimensions are important because a garbage disposal can consume quite a bit of physical space. Generally, the more power a garbage disposal is, the larger dimensions it has. If storage space is at a premium in your apartment or home and you need the space underneath your sink, then you will more than likely need to purchase a less powerful unit.

How Many People Live in Your Home?

In the world of garbage disposals, size is determined by power. To determine what size of garbage disposal you need, you must first calculate how much grinding power your household requires. The main question you need to ask yourself is “How many people are living in my household?” Simple enough, right?

The Different Types of Motors

A 1/3rd HP motor is the weakest motor available on the market, but these models also tend to be the most affordable, which is why they are so popular. They are ideal for studio and one bedroom apartments.

A ½ HP motors is ideal for apartments, condominiums, and small homes. It will work well in any environment where it receives light use. Although tougher than 1/3rd HP motors, it must still be treated gently.

The ¾ HP motor is the most popular option among consumers. It is the ideal size for most single family homes and can a wider variety of “hard” foods, like hard vegetables and small bones.

A 1 HP motor is what you want if you live in a large household or have a kitchen that receives a lot of heavy use. Because it is much more powerful than its cousins, it is also a lot more forgiving about what is placed inside of it. It is also good for smaller places of business.

How to Buy a Garbage Disposal: A Buyers Guide

If you’re in the market to buy a garbage disposal, you probably have a few questions. Most homes today come with a disposal already in place, but that’s not the case for many older homes.

Whether you need to replace an existing garbage disposal or install one for the first time, this buyers guide will help you sort thru all the sales hype so you can find the right one to meet your needs. You’ll have the knowledge to confidently start your shopping experience, and in fact, you may even know more than the sales person!

Garbage disposals are a wonderful convenience. Some municipalities encourage the use of garbage disposals because of the potential health benefits they offer. This is largely because they can help prevent the spread of disease.

When food is ground up and sent down the drain, it’ll decompose faster than when its sent to the landfill. Making garbage disposals environmentally friendly, and justifying the necessity of using a bit more electricity and water.

What’s My Budget?

Before you start shopping, it’s always a good idea to have a budget in mind. When you start learning about all the bells and whistles, it’s easy to purchase a garbage disposal with more features than you need, and thus, spend a lot more money than necessary.

Best Garbage Disposals

Thousands of happy owners have made the InSinkErator Evolution Compact garbage disposal a best-seller. This 3/4-horsepower unit has a 34.6-ounce grind chamber with stainless steel grind components, and reviewers say it’s the perfect size to handle food waste from a large, hungry family. This model is a continuous-feed disposal, so it can handle a constant stream of food, too.

Experts give this InSinkErator very good marks for speed, fineness of grind, and ability to cut through tough vegetable scraps. It gets slightly lower marks for noise, but most owners say it’s not too loud thanks to SoundSeal technology with sound insulation, an anti-vibration sink mount, and an anti-vibration tailpipe. Several owners say it was easy enough to install without a professional and has plenty of power for all kinds of food waste. A few note that the rubber baffle means their sink drains too slowly, and some say they’ve had issues with leaks. Fortunately, this model is backed by a four-year in-home warranty, so if something goes wrong, service agents will come to you.

Another very popular garbage disposal, the Waste King Legend is beloved for its sturdy build and easy installation. Like the InSinkErator, it’s a 3/4-horsepower unit with stainless-steel grinders that can stand the test of time, and because it’s a continuous-feed model, users can keep it running as they’re adding food waste—convenient for most families.

Features on the Waste King include a front-mounted reset button, a removable splash guard, and sound insulation meant to reduce noise during operation. Most reviewers say the noise is typical for a garbage disposal, though some people complain of a loud click when it’s first turned on. However, almost all are happy with the motor’s power, saying the blades blow through lots of food waste without jamming.

They also say it’s fairly easy to install thanks to an EZ Mount system that includes necessary hardware. It’s backed by an impressive 10-year in-home mechanical warranty that means repairs are done in-home, and there is a lifetime warranty protecting against corrosion.

Hydro Jetting to Solve Plumbing Issues

What Is Hydro-Jetting?

Conventionally, plumbers have opted to use augers, also known as snakes, to clean the drains. For several clogs, these snakes have seemed to work just fine. Although, for thorough and rapid cleaning, the better option is to go for hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting works like this:

● The first thing to do is video inspect the lines facing issues to see and be prepared for what we are up against and decide what the best way to tackle the issue is.

●After this, a specialized nozzle is attached to the end of a flexible hose, which is then attached to a water tank.

●Then, the nozzle and hose are fed into the pipe, which is having problems through a cleanout. Usually, to keep gravity on our side, it’s better to start downstream from the clog.

●When the hydro-jet is turned on, the nozzle that is self-propelled moves throughout the line, which is spraying water in every direction at very high pressure – normally, it is 2000 PSI to 4000 PSI. The water pressure breaks up whatever is in the path and moves it through the pipe.

When Is It Needed?

Plumbers prefer hydro jetting when the water system is impaired with severe clogs that keep recurring. The interior of pipes often scales up with debris, grease, and mineral buildup, which causes clogging and slow draining. When this issue escalates, it can result in sewer backups. So if the plumbing system blocks up, dirty water may make its way into your home.

Hydro jetting solves such drain issues by pumping high-pressure water in the pipes. The jet works with gravity and forces the pipes to clear up.

An indicator that you may need hydro jetting includes a smelly kitchen sink that repetitively clogs up. A plumber can help eradicate the obstructions in your pipes and allow you to live peacefully. However, you may need to talk to your landlord and discuss the possibility of an inspection, which should tell you if hydro jetting can be a solution.

Why Choose Hydro Jetting?

Choosing Hydro jetting means that you are picking the most effective solution for clearing out clogged drains. There are different sizes of hydro jets that can be used. A skilled professional will be able to determine which size will work the best for you.

This pipe cleaning method is also able to penetrate deeper into built up debris, flush out rocks, roots, minerals, and any other obstruction that can clog up your pipes. It is also a very convenient option, due to the fact that it has a higher ability to clear out major clogs.

Good for Residential and Commercial

For residential places, hydro-jetting can be used to remove silt, sand, other things that have gotten built up such as hair clogs and other residues that have built up onto the wall of the pipes. This is a good choice if you are experiencing slow moving pipes. It is also a good option if you have tried other drain cleaning methods without getting the results that you were hoping to see.

There are some commercial residents that should get their pipes routinely cleaned. For instance, restaurants should do clean their pipes to help remove grease and food particles that have built up.

Top Three Plumbing Issues Hydro Jetting Can Repair

A popular issue a Los Angeles plumber is called for around this time of year is clogged pipes. A clogged plumbing system can possibly cause pipe bursts, water damage and severe destruction to sewage systems. Instead of relying on a liquid drain cleaner purchased from your local grocery store, it is best to have a licensed technician resolve your Los Angeles plumbing emergency. With the latest technological advances in plumbing, our expert plumbers will be able to take care of business without causing costly demolition to your home’s landscape. With hydro jetting treatment, your pipes are cleared out quickly with high-pressure water to vaporize stubborn clogs and debris. The following are the top three plumbing problems that hydro jetting is the perfect solution for.

• Garbage Disposal Clogs

As referenced before, the greatest plumbing issue the vast majority experience this season is difficult food clogs from their festive dinner parties at home. For these cases, hydro jetting is the best solution to dispose of developed food debris that are difficult to clear for a liquid drain cleaner. Hydro jetting can even clear away any pre-created debris before major clogging causes a problem.

• Scaling

Scaling is an issue in various homes that are much older, which may not be experiencing any current clogging issues. This issue is obscure to most homeowners, since most people are not aware that minerals and other deposits develop overtime along the inner parts of pipe channels. Hydro jetting is the ideal solution when this issue is realized before minerals have an opportunity to develop vigorously.

• Tree Roots

Tree roots are a standout amongst the silliest pipe clogging problems we treat with hydro jetting, particularly in sewer channels. This is an issue for your plumbing system since trees are constantly searching for water sources underground to enable them to flourish. The tiniest opening in your pipes is a gold mine for tree roots to benefit from, so they sneak in and develop a clog in your pipes overtime and eventually may lead to causing pipe bursts. Luckily, we don’t need to burrow gigantic trenches to determine this issue. Hydro jetting gets out the difficult infiltrations underground swiftly.

Is a drain snake a better choice than a hydro or water jet cleaning?

Your plumber will help you determine which of these is a better choice in your circumstances. But, keep a couple things in mind:

• The age and fragility of your pipes is the first factor. While a hydro jet will flush more waste and debris out of the system than a drain snake, it may cause further damage to fragile pipes.
• The drain snake, also known as an auger, is only as good as the width of the auger tip. So as the tip meets the main drain and then flushes out to the sewer pipe, the auger won’t get any wider, even though the pipes do. Thus, it isn’t always a complete fix.
• If you have a newer pipe or aren’t concerned with root penetration, then a hydro jet maintenance is more a comprehensive drain service for a lower level plumbing problem.

Do You Need a Plumber for Hydro Jetting Services?

Absolutely. Don’t be surprised if store-bought drain cleaner doesn’t resolve the issue. While you could buy or rent drain pipe auger tools at your local hardware store and give it a shot yourself, it may not be as effective or long-lasting as a professional hydro jetting service. Keep in mind, a professional plumber not only has the right tools to get deep into the main sewer line if necessary, he is also trained to locate the clogs and work the snake for a more effective cleaning.

So, while the drain snaking may not completely clear every bit of sludge and muck in from a main drain, a skilled plumber can take the snake from the toilet or kitchen sink and work through the most difficult areas where a DIY homeowner might get stuck and force the issue.

The last thing you want is to break the snake in a clogged section or put a hole in the fragile sewer drain, because you were frustrated and tried to force it.