Is a disposal allowed and practical
Garbage disposals are generally permitted in Brampton homes connected to municipal sewers, but check any condominium rules, since some buildings restrict them. Homes on septic systems, found on some rural properties at the edges of the city, should think carefully, because ground food adds solids the tank must hold and break down. It is also worth remembering that Peel Region runs a green bin program for food scraps, so a disposal complements composting rather than replacing it. Check the Region's current guidance for the latest details.
Choosing horsepower
Disposals are sold by motor size, usually from about one-third to one horsepower.
| Size | Suits |
|---|---|
| 1/3 to 1/2 HP | for light use in small households, occasional scraps |
| 3/4 HP | Typical family kitchens with daily cooking |
| 1 HP | Heavy cooking and tougher scraps; generally quieter with better insulation |
Larger units are taller and heavier, so we check the clearance under the sink and how the outlet height will affect the trap. Continuous-feed models run while the switch is on; batch-feed models only run with the cover in place, which some families prefer for safety.
Electrical and plumbing hand-off
A disposal needs a power supply, usually a switched receptacle inside the sink cabinet, or else a hard-wired feed controlled by a wall switch. If none exists, a licensed electrician should install it before we fit the unit. On the plumbing side, we mount the sink flange with fresh putty or gasket, attach the unit, set the discharge tube to a trap at the correct height and, if there is a dishwasher, knock out the inlet plug and connect the drain hose. That plug is easy to forget, and leaving it in will stop the dishwasher from draining. Every connection is then tested with the unit running.
What not to put down it
Disposals cope well with soft food scraps, but some items cause jams or clogs further down the drain:
- Fats, oils and grease
- Fibrous peels such as celery, corn husks, onion skins,
- Coffee grounds and eggshells in large amounts
- Pasta, rice and potato peels, which swell
- Bones, fruit pits and shellfish shells
Run cold water before, while and a few seconds after use. If the unit hums but will not turn, switch it off and turn the hex key in the bottom to free the flywheel.
A new disposal may come with a dishwasher; see dishwasher hookup. Renovating a bathroom too? Look at bathtub installation. Permit questions for larger kitchen changes are covered in our library article on plumbing permits in Brampton. We install disposals across Brampton and nearby Malton.
Signs you need this job
- A steady drip from the spout
- Water under the cabinet after use
- Handles grinding, wobbling or turning past the stop
- One lonely tap running weak while others are fine
On the job, in order
- Close the angle stops or the main
- Pull the cartridge, stem or valve body
- Fit new parts and reset the trim
- Run both temperatures and check every connection
Straight answers
Can a disposal go on a double sink?
Yes. It is usually fitted to one bowl, with both bowls sharing a trap through a continuous waste fitting.
Why does my disposal smell?
Food residue builds up inside. Grinding ice cubes and running plenty of cold water helps, along with cleaning the rubber splash guard.
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