| There was a time when a garbage disposal was a | | | | to the sink drain. Without a disposal, these scraps can |
| luxury. More and more, it has become a kitchen | | | | collect in the trap or other minor bends in the drain |
| appliance that people find they simply can not live | | | | pipe. This creates a blockage and a potentially |
| without. They bring a new level of ease and | | | | destructive problem. When you have a disposal, |
| convenience to cleaning up after a meal. They can | | | | those scraps are caught before they ever reach the |
| save your plumbing, and they can also help the | | | | trap and reduced to a safe size. |
| environment. | | | | Finally, they are environmentally friendly. When scraps |
| The garbage disposal is an electrical device that is | | | | wind up in the landfill, they are left to decompose |
| located between the drain of a kitchen sink and the | | | | and eventually create high levels of methane gas. |
| trap. Spinning blades are located inside the unit to | | | | When those scraps are sent to the sewage |
| shred any food particles to a small enough size that | | | | treatment plant along with waste water, the |
| they will safely and completely move through your | | | | methane they release can actually be harnessed and |
| pipes along with the waste water. The first garbage | | | | used to help generate power. |
| disposal was invented in 1927. In 1938 it was finally | | | | There are those people who find that garbage |
| available for sale. | | | | disposals are simply one more thing that requires |
| The first challenge in selling these units was | | | | maintenance. While they do require some simple care, |
| convincing cities to rescind laws that had previously | | | | their benefits far outweigh any minor inconvenience. |
| made putting food into the drains illegal. It wasn't until | | | | All that you really need to do is drop some ice cubes |
| the 1970's and 1980's that garbage disposals really | | | | down the running disposal occasionally to sharpen the |
| became popular. While some people have never had | | | | blades. A bit of baking soda can be added to clean |
| a garbage disposal, and simply don't believe they | | | | them thoroughly and eliminate any odors. |
| need one, many people find that once they have | | | | Some people see no point in having a disposal |
| one, they can never go back. They offer many | | | | because they compost their food scraps. However, a |
| benefits, with no real disadvantages. | | | | disposal can still be beneficial for grinding up those |
| For example, your kitchen will smell better. Previously, | | | | scraps and pieces that accidentally find their way into |
| uneaten food had to be thrown in the trashcan, or | | | | the sink. Installing a garbage disposal can easily be |
| some other receptacle. With a garbage disposal, it's | | | | done by calling your local plumbing company. They will |
| simply sent down the drain. Another benefit is that | | | | be available to help answer any further questions you |
| your drains will stay clear. | | | | may have about garbage disposals. |
| It is inevitable that scraps of food will find their way | | | | |