The Pros and Cons of Using a Waste Disposal Unit

A waste disposal is an appliance that manages your food waste and is usually located or installed under your kitchen sink. It will also be attached to a drain to dispose of any waste. If you’re thinking about installing a waste disposal unit, it’s important to think about the pros and cons. The list below will hopefully help you reach a decision.

Pros 

• Cleaning up is easier
  Cleaning up is faster and easier since you’ll be able to dispose of any food waste down the sink rather than having to throw away the waste in your bin. Dropping any food on the floor is also less likely happen.
• Your pipes will be protected
  Your pipes are protected since having a waste disposal unit means that your pipe for your sink won’t be clogged with any food waste. A waste disposal unit will grind down any food waste into small particles.
• They can be installed anywhere
  Waste disposal units are safe to use and can work with almost any type of sewage system. However, if you have a septic tank, make sure that it’s regularly maintained and in the correct size.

Cons 

• Waste disposals need to be used carefully 
  Although you can throw away any food waste down your waste disposal, it can still get clogged if certain food are thrown down the unit. To avoid a blocked waste disposal, you should make sure you don’t throw away large amounts of:
  – Fatty foods, such as butter and cream sauces.
  – Starchy foods, such as beans.
  – Fibrous foods, such as banana peels and potato skin.
  – Hard materials, such as bones.

How you run your waste disposal is important too. You should make sure that you turn on cold water as you let your waste disposal run. While it runs, throw away small amounts of food and remember to also let the water run for a few seconds after you’ve finished.

• They need to be regularly maintained 
  Even if a waste disposal is used correctly, food particles can get stuck or can linger. These food particles will then decay and begin to smell. Therefore, you will need to clean it at least once a week.
• They can clog and break 
  Waste disposals can get clogged if you accidentally drop the wrong type of food or if you throw away food in large amounts. If there’s too much food, your waste disposal can also end up breaking.

These are the pros and cons of installing a waste disposal unit, which hopefully helps you to decide if installing one is beneficial for you. For any enquiries or to have a professional install your waste disposal, contact our plumbing experts from our list here.