A garbage disposal, also known as a garburator or food waste disposer, is a convenient kitchen appliance that grinds food waste into small particles, allowing it to safely pass through your home’s plumbing system. Townhouse Plumbing provides professional garbage disposal installation, replacement, and repair services throughout Barrie, Richmond Hill, and the GTA.

What Is a Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal is installed beneath your kitchen sink and connects directly to your sink drain. When activated, an internal motor spins an impeller that forces food waste against a grinding ring, breaking it into small particles that are flushed safely through the plumbing system.

Unlike popular belief, garbage disposals do not use sharp blades. Instead, they use durable grinding components to pulverize food waste.

Benefits of Installing a Garbage Disposal

Installing a garbage disposal offers several advantages:

• Reduces household food waste.
• Helps keep kitchen garbage cleaner.
• Minimizes unpleasant odours.
• Makes kitchen cleanup easier.
• Reduces the risk of drain blockages caused by food scraps.
• Can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Types of Garbage Disposals

Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

Continuous feed units are the most common style.

Benefits include:

• Easy to operate.
• Food can be added while the unit is running.
• Ideal for busy households.
• Fast and convenient cleanup.

Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Batch feed models require the disposal chamber to be filled before operation.

Benefits include:

• Added safety.
• Covered opening during operation.
• Reduced risk of accidental object entry.
• Ideal for families with young children.

Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal

Several factors should be considered before selecting a garbage disposal.

These include:

• Motor horsepower (HP)
• Household size
• Frequency of use
• Noise level
• Available space beneath the sink
• Existing plumbing configuration

Professional Garbage Disposal Installation

Our installation services include:

• New garbage disposal installation.
• Garbage disposal replacement.
• Removal of old units.
• Plumbing connections.
• Electrical connection verification.
• Leak testing.
• Operational testing.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Proper maintenance helps extend the life of your garbage disposal.

We recommend:

• Running cold water before, during, and after operation.
• Cleaning the unit regularly with baking soda and vinegar.
• Grinding ice cubes to help clean the grinding chamber.
• Using coarse salt to remove buildup.
• Avoiding grease and cooking oils.

What Should Not Go Into a Garbage Disposal

To help prevent clogs and damage, avoid placing the following items into your garbage disposal:

• Grease or cooking oil
• Large bones
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, onion skins)
• Fruit pits
• Pasta or rice in large quantities
• Non-food items

Common Garbage Disposal Problems

Our plumbers can diagnose and repair many common issues, including:

• Jammed garbage disposals.
• Motor failure.
• Water leaks.
• Humming but not spinning.
• Slow drainage.
• Unusual noises.
• Persistent odours.
• Frequent resets.

Signs You Need a New Garbage Disposal

You may benefit from replacement if your disposal:

• Frequently jams.
• Leaks continuously.
• Produces loud grinding noises.
• Has poor grinding performance.
• Requires constant repairs.
• Is more than 10 to 15 years old.

Professional Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair

Whether you’re installing a garbage disposal for the first time or replacing an older unit, Townhouse Plumbing provides safe, professional installation and repair services you can trust.

We proudly provide garbage disposal installation, replacement, and repair services throughout Barrie, Richmond Hill, and the GTA.

Call Townhouse Plumbing today to schedule your professional garbage disposal installation or repair.