Do You Know What to Look For in a Garbage Disposal?
Buying a new garbage disposal can be overwhelming to some homeowners. Here is a guide to three of the most important things to look for when purchasing a new, potentially expensive kitchen plumbing tool. People who do their own research ahead of time can end up saving both time and frustration, as well as any money that could have been spent on the wrong products.
This guide will discuss some of the most important factors when choosing a garbage disposal, ensuring you enjoy top-quality performance and affordable pricing.
Pay Attention to Noise Level
Many people think that, with garbage disposals, bigger means noisier. However, this isn’t always the case. With newer kitchen plumbing, even the biggest garbage disposal can run almost silently. In addition, installing the appropriate type and amount of insulation around the unit further minimizes significant noise potential.Many garbage disposals also come with their own insulation. Studies have shown that the noise from a normal garbage disposal can approach the same level as a regular lawnmower (which is around 80 decibels). Some of the quieter units on the market can be as low as just 25 decibels. For comparison, a simple conversation between two people at a normal level can hit 60 decibels.
One additional way to make sure to get one of the quieter kitchen plumbing tools is to make sure to have it installed properly. Often, this includes hiring a licensed plumber to assist. Much of the noise complaints surrounding garbage disposals are actually related to them not being installed properly and rattling and vibrating in the sink.
Know the Common Motor Sizes
When it comes to kitchen plumbing, bigger isn’t always better. Before going out and purchasing a new garbage disposal, homeowners should learn about the common motor sizes recommended per amount of people using it. For households with 1 - 2 people, either a ⅓ or a ½ horsepower disposal will be enough.
If there are 8 or more people, a unit with 1 to 2 horsepower would be acceptable. However, it is best to always err on the side of a larger, more powerful unit. Too small of a garbage disposal will burn out too quickly. The ability to appropriately estimate the amount of horsepower needed for the right garbage disposal for each specific home can save homeowners a lot of time.
Purchase a Warranty
One thing that homeowners don’t often consider when purchasing new kitchen plumbing appliances is potential warranties.With garbage disposals, that can have a shorter lifespan than many of the other kitchen appliances, warranties actually end up paying for themselves in the long term.
Each garbage disposal comes with its own time-sensitive warranty, which is purchased either through the store it is sold in or by mailing a self-addressed card back to the company.
However, they do not kick in automatically and the homeowner must both purchase and complete all forms for the warranty to become legal. Regular warranties are usually offered for between one and five years.
Working With Expert Plumbers
B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C is your reliable St. Michael plumbing company. After opening their doors in 1982, they have continued to be family owned and operated.
They promise upfront pricing, around the clock emergency plumbing services, and the latest in HVAC technology to provide excellently rated service to every customer.
