Garbage Disposal Installation


    garbage disposal installation under the sink in a residential kitchen

    A clogged kitchen drain is one of the most common plumbing problems there is. As plumbers, we feel ambivalent about this. On one hand, we will continue accepting payment for drain unclogging service calls from our wonderful customers. On the other, we can only shake our collective heads because a clogged drain is often easily avoided when you have a properly installed garbage disposal.

    Whether you’re interested in replacing an old one or installing a brand new one, make D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling your choice for garbage disposal installation. We can recommend the most efficient unit for your needs and your budget and properly install it, so it’s ready to keep your pipes free and clear for years to come!

    Call D&F and schedule your appointment for garbage disposal installation in Portland OR and Vancouver WA.

    What are the Benefits of Adding a Garbage Disposal?

    On the fence about getting a garbage disposal? Get down. What are you doing up there?  You’re going to rip your pants. The benefits of having a garbage disposal are clear:

    • Convenient clean-up
    • Eliminates most food waste
    • Reduces unpleasant drain odors
    • Helps prevent clogs in your kitchen pipes

    How Do You Know Your Garbage Disposal is Failing?

    Garbage disposals wear out over time. They become less effective, break down, and eventually need to be replaced. So, how do you know when it’s time?

    Here are the top 10 signs you might need a garbage disposal replacement:

    1. Doesn’t turn on 
    2. It only produces a humming sound when you try to turn it on
    3. Persistent drain odors
    4. Frequent clogging
    5. Frequent resets
    6. Frequent breakdowns
    7. Unusual clanging sounds
    8. Doesn’t drain
    9. Leaking
    10. It’s over ten years old

    FAQs about Garbage Disposal Installation

    Thinking about getting a garbage disposal installed in your kitchen? You might have questions. If you don’t see yours here, give the Plaid Pros a call and speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

    Many people are tempted to try to DIY their garbage disposal installation, but since it involves both plumbing and electrical wiring, this is one project that’s best left to a professional. A garbage disposal can be an extremely handy addition to your kitchen, but only as long as it’s installed correctly.

    D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling’s experts can inspect your kitchen sink and help you determine which garbage disposal model will work best for your home. Then we’ll properly install your new garbage disposal and test it to ensure everything is working perfectly.

    There are a variety of garbage disposal options on the market – and the biggest difference is how many horsepower they offer. So, how many horsepower does a typical household need in their garbage disposal? Should you get a show pony or a workhorse?

    Garbage disposals range in power from ⅓ hp to 1 hp. 

    • ⅓ Horsepower: Ideal for one to two person households or light usage only. At only ⅓ HP, it may struggle to grind certain kitchen waste items.
    • ½ to ¾ Horsepower: This is the sweet spot for most, offering enough power to accommodate three to eight person households with moderate usage.
    • 1 Horsepower: For households larger than eight people or if you plan on using your garbage disposal heavily, you may want to harness the power of one full horse.

    Even if you get the most powerful garbage disposal on the market, you shouldn’t let the power go to your head. You shouldn’t put corn husks, avocado pits, or Thanksgiving dinner down your drain. Keeping your drain unclogged still means managing your drain. The garbage disposal makes this easier by eliminating food debris that could get stuck and cause a build up.

    You tell us. You’re the one who’s read ¾ of the way down a webpage about garbage disposal installation. If you don’t need a new garbage disposal, perhaps a new hobby?

    If you’re tired of clogged kitchen sinks, or if your old garbage disposal has started breaking down, there’s a good chance you need a new garbage disposal.

    The cost of installing a garbage disposal varies. When you schedule a technician, he’ll listen to your needs and offer pricing options based on the scope of work.

    The two biggest factors are your type of sink and whether you already have an outlet under the sink. This combination – plumbing and electricity – is why you should always hire a professional for your garbage disposal installation. The model of garbage disposal you choose will also be a factor in the total cost.

    Most garbage disposals are connected to a switch. They only use electricity when they’re flipped on – like a lightbulb – so they use very little electricity compared to most appliances.

    Ready for a Professional Garbage Disposal Install?

    When your kitchen drain clogs, it’s frustrating and disruptive to your daily life. The good news is that most of these clogs could have been avoided with a garbage disposal. So, if you don’t have one or your current disposal is on its last legs, what are you waiting for?

    Whether you’re looking to install a new or replacement garbage disposal in the Portland and Vancouver area, trust the pros at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.