How Does a Garbage Disposal Work

The under-sink kitchen garbage disposal is a wonderful time-saving device that reduces the amount of trash in landfills and makes cleaning up in the kitchen a much more pleasant activity. But how does a garbage disposal actually work?

A common misconception is that disposal is simply a powerful blender that uses spinning blades to shred food waste into tiny particles so they can fit down the drain. In reality, a disposal has no blades at all but instead uses impellers (also called lugs) mounted on a rotating plate to spin the waste outward using centrifugal force. The waste is pushed against a grind ring, which pulverizes the particles before the running water flushes the waste down the drain.

To keep your disposal working smoothly (and smelling good), always run lots of water during the grinding process and for at least another 15 seconds after the sound of grinding stops.

Related Services

Our Blog

VIEW ALL BLOGS

A man standing at his sink, which is surrounded by plants, filling up a black tea kettle.

How to Fix a Blank White Rodgers Thermostat

You might have experienced the worry that comes with discovering your White Rodgers thermostat has gone blank. The good news is that usually, the unit can be brought back to life. In this blog, let's look at some ways to get your blank White Rodgers thermostat operating again.

What Causes Pink Stains on Toilets and Bathtubs?

The blog explains that pink stains commonly found in bathrooms are caused by a bacteria called Serratia marcescens, which thrives in moist environments. When diluted by water, this bacteria produces a red-orange pigment that results in pinkish stains on surfaces like bathtubs, toilets, and showers.
READ MORE
AC Maintenance Guide

The blog talks about the importance of maintaining your AC unit and provides advice on how to maintain older units. It also suggests replacing units when the cost of repairs becomes too high. Finally, it provides information on how to schedule AC maintenance with ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling & Electric in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
READ MORE
What Is That Gurgling Under My Sink?

The blog discusses two common causes of gurgling sounds from under sinks: clogs forming in the pipes and blocked vent pipes. Clogs occur due to various materials going down the drain, while blocked vent pipes create a vacuum, hindering water flow. It advises contacting a plumber for expert assistance in clearing clogs or removing blockages to resolve the issue.
READ MORE