Get matched with top garbage collectors in Ogilvie, MN

The most common garbage disposal size in the U.S. is 1/2 horsepower. This size is ideal for households with three or fewer people or those that don't produce much food waste. Although 1/2 horsepower can't handle the typical food waste load for a household of four (which is about 250 pounds of food waste annually) as effectively as 3/4 horsepower, it remains the most common size of garbage disposal on the market.

The main issue with garbage disposals is clogging. This can mean a clogging of the pipes that expel the food along with water, or a clogging of the mechanical parts themselves. The problem lies in the solution because you can’t easily see clogs if they’re inside the system, and reaching in to dislodge stuck items is a risky proposal. Call a pro and ask what they would do, but if you can’t see the clog easily, and running the unit won’t free it, you need to let a professional handle the fix. 

Replacing a garbage disposal costs anywhere from $150 to $950, but the average cost is somewhere around $550. There are two types of garbage disposal units, and continuous feed disposals tend to cost more than batch feed disposals. Going for an aluminum garbage disposal is also significantly cheaper than choosing a stainless steel garbage disposal. You'll also need to factor in the horsepower of the motor, labor, and the removal and disposal of your old unit.

Most garbage disposals have a reset button that can be triggered with a tool as simple and accessible as your index finger. That said, if you need to perform a more in-depth troubleshooting step, like manually moving the arms inside the unit or rotating the impeller plate, a hex wrench is the most common tool you’ll need. Most garbage disposals come with a hex wrench.