Last Updated on February 25, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t give much thought to your garbage disposal until it stops working. When that happens, you quickly realize how important it is!
In this blog post, we will discuss 22 parts of a garbage disposal that you need to know about. We’ll also provide tips on how to maintain your disposal and keep it running smoothly.
Main Components of a Garbage Disposal
The main components of a garbage disposal are the motor, flywheel, impeller, and sink flange. The motor is what powers the disposal, and the flywheel helps to keep it running smoothly. The impeller shreds the waste into small pieces, and the sink flange attaches the disposal to the sink.
Related: Why Is Garbage Disposal Leaking From Bottom?
1. Upper hopper chamber
The upper hopper chamber is where the food waste is first deposited. It is connected to the sink via a pipe called the discharge tube. The chamber has a rubber baffle that helps to keep the noise down when the disposal is in use.
2. Lower grinding chamber
The lower grinding chamber is where the actual grinding of the food waste takes place. It is lined with a series of sharp blades that chop the waste into small pieces. The chamber also has a drain hole that allows the water to drain out.
3. Insulated motor
The motor is insulated to protect it from the heat and moisture that can build up in the disposal. This helps to keep the motor running smoothly for longer.
4. Sink flange
The sink flange is what attaches the disposal to the sink. It has a number of slots that allow it to be attached securely to the sink’s mounting ring.
5. Discharge tube
The discharge tube is the pipe that connects the upper hopper chamber to the lower grinding chamber. It helps to keep the noise down when the disposal is in use.
6. Rubber baffle
The rubber baffle is located in the upper hopper chamber. It helps to keep the noise down when the disposal is in use.
7. Sharp blades
The sharp blades are located in the lower grinding chamber. They chop the food waste into small pieces.
8. Drain hole
The drain hole is located in the lower grinding chamber. It allows the water to drain out of the disposal.
9. Motor
The motor is the heart of the garbage disposal. It is responsible for spinning the flywheel and impeller, which grinds the food waste. Most motors are between ½ and ¾ horsepower.
10. Flywheel
The flywheel helps to keep the motor running smoothly. It is located between the motor and the impeller.
11. Impeller
The impeller shreds the food waste into small pieces. It is attached to the flywheel and is responsible for grinding the food waste.
12. Dishwasher connector
The dishwasher connector is a pipe that connects the dishwasher to the disposal. It allows the dishwasher to drain into the disposal.
13. Knockout plug
The knockout plug is a small plug that is located in the bottom of the disposal. It can be removed to allow the dishwasher to drain into the disposal.
14. Shredder ring
The shredder ring is a series of sharp blades that chop the food waste into small pieces. It is located in the lower grinding chamber.
15. Waste line connector
The waste line connector is a pipe that connects the disposal to the house’s main drain line. It allows the waste water to be disposed of properly.
16. Reset button
The reset button is used to restart the disposal. It is located on the bottom of the disposal.
Garbage Disposal Dishwasher Connection
Most garbage disposals have a dishwasher connection. This is a pipe that connects the dishwasher to the disposal. It allows the dishwasher to drain into the disposal. The knockout plug is a small plug that is located in the bottom of the disposal.
It can be removed to allow the dishwasher to drain into the disposal. The waste line connector is a pipe that connects the disposal to the house’s main drain line. It allows the waste water to be disposed of properly.
Garbage disposal bottom view
The bottom view of a garbage disposal shows the reset button. The reset button is used to restart the disposal. It is located on the bottom of the disposal. The knockout plug is also visible in this view. The knockout plug is a small plug that is located in the bottom of the disposal. It can be removed to allow the dishwasher to drain into the disposal.
Drain connector
The drain connector is a pipe that connects the disposal to the sink. It helps to keep the noise down when the disposal is in use. The discharge tube is also visible in this view.
The discharge tube is the pipe that connects the upper hopper chamber to the lower grinding chamber. It helps to keep the noise down when the disposal is in use.
Electrical cover plate
The electrical cover plate is the cover that protects the electrical components of the disposal. It is located on the bottom of the disposal.
Power cord
The power cord is the electrical cord that supplies power to the disposal. It plugs into a standard outlet.
Flywheel turning wrench hole
The flywheel turning wrench hole is the hole that is used to turn the flywheel. It is located on the side of the disposal.
Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, it is important to regularly clean it and remove any food waste that has accumulated. You can use a brush or other tool to remove the food waste from the impeller and shredder ring.
It is also important to run water through the disposal regularly to flush out any food waste that has been ground up.
If your garbage disposal starts to make noise, it may be because the flywheel is not turning smoothly. You can use the flywheel turning wrench to turn the flywheel and help get the disposal back to running smoothly.
Related: Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming? {How To Fix It}
If you have any questions about parts of a garbage disposal or how to maintain it, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help you!
