Guide to Garbage Disposal Ratings

Garbage disposals are becoming more and more popular. Although the device has been around for decades, it didn’t really become standard fare in most American homes until the 70’s and 80’s, when advances in water pressure and sewage treatment made such waste disposal methods more practical. Today garbage disposals come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and power ratings, including models that use ceramic blades and other design features in lieu of more traditional canisters. If you’re looking for a quick way to distinguish one from the next and choose the best model for your home, it pays to understand what all those numbers really mean.

The most essential component in any garbage disposal purchase is power. Some home units come rates at one-half horsepower, but more modern kitchens generally start with three-quarters HP and go up from there. What you’re paying for with power is essentially the machine’s ability to pulverize stubborn bones and other hardy materials, sparing your trash compactor and giving an organic shot to the sewage. This rating is especially important if you have a septic tank, as finer-grained slurry may be required to meet code and keep your system in working order. Although more power usually translates directly into stronger pulverization, it is worth noting that that size and speed of the blades can make a significant difference as well.

Another major factor that inevitably influences homeowner decisions is the decibel level of the machine. Olden times saw garbage disposals that could easily top out well above the sound of a screaming human, but today’s models are thankfully more demure. Look for sound shielding and anti-vibration features in particular if you want to keep the noise level to a low hum, particularly if you have invested in a larger device. It may also be worth looking into ways to reinforce the cabinetry for a tighter seal around the disposal. 

If you are not sure you can call the professionals at FRANKE MECHANICAL you know we always love to help you with your plumbing!