We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Pros and Cons of an in-Sink Garbage Disposal?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 20,788
Share

An in-sink garbage disposal is a convenient way to dispose of food scraps and other light objects, and it can save time on clean-up after meals. There are several disadvantages of an in-sink garbage disposal unit, however, starting with the price. Homeowners considering a kitchen remodel may want to consider this unit for convenience and ease of use, but they will need to remember that the budget for the remodeling will need to be extended for the cost of the unit as well as proper installation. The homeowner may also want to consider future repair costs for the unit, which can become clogged.

One of the most common complaints about an in-sink garbage disposal involves the maintenance required for the unit. While clogs happen infrequently, they can be difficult to diagnose and fix, and this process may require partial disassembly of the unit to remove old food, solid objects that could not be disposed of by the unit, and so on. If the unit starts to clog but still functions, the homeowner is likely to notice an unpleasant odor coming from the disposal. Chemical cleaners may need to be used to get rid of the smell and the rotting food or objects causing it, or citrus fruit peels may be used to help clear up the smell.

Many homeowners like having an in-sink garbage disposal for convenience and less time doing dishes or cleaning the kitchen. Food scraps can be dumped directly into the sink rather than into a garbage can, cutting down on the risk of rotting food and bad smells from food sitting in a garbage can. It is important to note, however, that not all foods can be dumped into the in-sink garbage disposal. The homeowner should read the operator's manual to find out what types of food and scraps cannot be put into the unit without clogging it or otherwise damaging it.

These units are also not the most environmentally friendly option for disposal of food and scraps. The sink's faucet will need to run constantly while food is being disposed of in the unit, which can lead to water waste. The unit will also require an electrical connection, meaning electricity bills can rise depending on how often the unit is used and for how long it is used during each instance. Some modern models cut down on electricity use and require less water, but these tend to be more expensive than traditional units.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
By Markerrag — On Feb 11, 2015

@Soulfox -- You know what clogs up in sink garbage disposals more than anything else? Potato peels. Never, never dump potato peels down a garbage disposal.

Apparently, those kind of float around and get sucked through the garbage disposal before they can be hacked up efficiently with the blades. Throw those things in the trash or the compost pile.

By Soulfox — On Feb 10, 2015

If that in-sink garbage disposal turns stinky on you, just try dumping powdered lemonade mix down the drain (don't use the kind with sugar in it -- get the mix). Let that sit for about 30 minutes and then turn on the water and garbage disposal. Let that run for a bit, and that should take care of the smell.

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-an-in-sink-garbage-disposal.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.