Ask Cincinnati Plumbers… Garbage Disposals

Dear Ray, My garbage disposal is a Sears Kenmore 1HP model, circa 1988. It's been reliable for years but in the past few weeks, the blades no longer rotate reliably when I flip the "on" switch. A well-placed broom handle usually loosens the motor and gets the blades going. After returning from a 2-week vacation however, the disposal has stopped working altogether. I've tried pushing the re-set button multiple times, but...nothing. Can it be repaired? Sincerely, J_Dizzle65 in Dent, OH Dear J_Dizzle65, Congratulations on owning a Sears Kenmore disposal that lasted nearly 30 years, that's practically unheard of. You certainly got your money's worth out of it! Rather than repairing, however, I recommend a new model. Below are a few tips to consider. Fitting a Disposal to Your Household Needs When choosing a garbage disposal, there are typically four key elements to consider: • Horsepower – Disposals, like muscle cars, require power to properly perform. The typical increments are 1, ¾, and ½ horsepower (HP). If you have a demanding household, we recommend the 1 HP models. If you enjoy grinding food waste into fine, drain-friendly particles, purchase the most horsepower you can afford. You won't regret it. • Grind Stages -- According to a recent review of garbage disposal units by DownTheSink.com, "the more grind stages your disposer has, the finer the waste will be when it's sent to your sewage system or septic tank." • Sound-deadening insulation – Look for well-insulated disposal units that minimize grinding noise. • Price – Plan on spending anywhere from $75-315.00 (the more horsepower, the higher the price). Tip: Check prices on Amazon.com. A quick search of "garbage disposals" will return the top-selling WasteKing and InSinkErator models. The reviewers at DownTheSink.com voted the InSinkErator Evolution Excel as "Best Overall" and "will knock your socks off in terms of durability and power. Sure, it comes with an above average price tag, but you just won't find anything better." Water You Waiting For? There are few things more frustrating that an kitchen appliance on the fritz, especially when it's the garbage disposal. It's hard to break the habit of washing food waste down the disposal drain when the disposal is broken. Next thing you know, you'll have TWO problems: a clogged drain in addition to the non-functioning disposal. What a headache. Call, or Contact the professionals at Allied Reddi-Rooter today to schedule an installation for a new disposal. We'll gladly install one that you've purchased elsewhere. (513) 396-5300.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.