How to Choose an Under Sink Garbage Disposal | Get the Right Horsepower Motor

Choosing a garbage disposal for your house can feel intimidating. There are a lot of horsepower and brand options at your hardware store for garbage disposals. Or should you go to a plumbing supply store for your disposal?
Jim, The Grumpy Plumber, breaks down what to look for in a garbage disposal (horsepower), the only brand he buys, where to buy a garbage disposal, and how much you should expect to pay to get one installed.
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How to choose an under sink garbage disposal goes over the following topics:
Choosing the correct motor size (garbage disposal horsepower)
The best brand (nSinkErator)
Features of a good garbage disposal
Tip to preserve your garbage disposal
Cost of a good under sink garbage disposal
Install with an air switch (5:10 mins)
Cost or hours to install a garbage disposal (6:00 mins)
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Thanks for watching!

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Thanks for watching The Grumpy Plumber! CLICK SUBSCRIBE for more unbiased, practical, no B.S. plumbing advice.

[@sokola311]

I just gained two friends. :).

[@RicardoMartinez-qt6lq]

“If you didn’t like it go to hell” 😂 😂 please let your dad know that definitely earned a subscription 😂 Awesome advice thank you!

[@handyhands6773]

Nothing grumpy about this guy. He's actually very genuine and informative. I felt like I was in school. Great video. Good job.

[@jonasirw1]

Awesome.. The world needs more guys like your Dad.. Both my Dad and father in law are exactly the same

[@eliecercamejo1327]

this is a wonderful video, first, because it has an experienced professional giving us the best advice, and second but not less important because you are son and father and that gives a special touch to the video!!!!!!!!!!!

[@christinem6251]

I’m so glad I found your page! Your dad reminds me of my dad who passed away 5 years ago. I miss his knowledge on all house repairs! Thanks for sharing this! The last part is my favorite! That is totally something my dad would’ve said! ❤️

[@kencross25]

Finally, someone who tells it as it is no PC Bull Sh*t, a real person. Thank you Jim I used your techniques to free up my 3/4hp Evolution In-Sink-Erator.

[@PrincipalScratcher1]

Has nothing to do with "pc".

[@r.sewell4327]

Great video. Love the son and Dad chat. Great advice from someone who knows his stuff.

[@BryanGrey]

This was really helpful, thanks! I was going to try something different instead of an Insinkerator unit, but I'm now convinced to stick with the tried and true. Great channel too!

[@lucristianx]

Old guys rock! Straight to the point and no fluff!

[@-phenom-]

First time watching your channel...wow, great info and must be nice having such a knowledgeable dad!? He is a lil grumpy, but feels very authentic and appropriate. heh I just started working with a new plumber(s) -- dad and son team -- and the info they gave me was perfectly aligned with that your dad said. I appreciate the help and the video!

[@Overseascontractoracademy]

Love the name, love the format, and your dad is obviously a wealth of info... thanks for your channel. Helped me decide- InSinkErator 1/2 HP for me.

[@jasonwilliamson5355]

The Grumpy Plumber rocks! The Real Deal.

[@DanaKot336]

Super helpful and crucial information! Thanks for sharing!

[@constantdarkfog49]

Great video, loved hearing your Dad's expertise.

[@danielvelezdiaz5851]

Like this format,dad and son...keep up,dont stop!!!

[@nousername4956]

This is a very valuable video and channel. Like and subscribed and great idea with this video

[@JMN_ALC]

Very good tip re: oiling. Thanks.

[@drjoei]

Absolutely 💯 great video. So informative

[@anthonylandrum63]

Thanks for the info!

[@Te1978To]

Thank you so much for this video

[@heroknaderi]

He's a Master. I enjoyed the video. I feel the Badger 900 is a decent option for grinding up moderate to heavy duty.

[@CamberHill]

thanks for the info gentlemen

[@PITFALL11]

Thank you, great video with great advice. I just wish Dad was a bit grumpier! 😆

[@billb295]

Good content, notin wrong wit bein grumpy!

[@rocharox]

This video is awesome.

[@Nathan_is_postal]

Thank you

[@vittorianatale1529]

Very helpful video. I would like to learn more about the InSinkerator 333 commercial garbage disposal.

[@aaronbroadwater4783]

I totally agree on everything he has said

[@dg9905]

With age comes knowledge, wisdom and experience!!!!!!!

[@griffindeluce]

Great video. Your Dad rocks.

[@pedalingpete626]

What does your Dad think about Shark Bites? Might make a good video. Didn't see one. Many thanks to your Dad for the tips. Really like the one about the oil.

[@BillJacksonDesign]

EPIC video, I felt like I was sitting with my Uncle Bob.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

I'll add it's extremely easy when the replacement is the same model so everything lines up just perfectly.

[@NocturnEternal]

Just yesterday, my mom and I installed a replacement disposal by InSinkErator for the first time. I was recommending a 3/4HP and she wanted a 1/2HP. She won as it was her choice. But nonetheless, it was our first and despite a few hitches, and taking a bit longer than necessary because of the hitches, we did pretty good for first timers. And now thanks to this video, we have a tip of keeping the disposal unit running for a long while. Thank you both for this.

[@wilgar]

I was going to hit the like button because this Very Timely information is coming in very handy for me as I am at this moment in the process of researching Disposals to replace mine which just started leaking on me last night. But NOW... NOW I am hitting the "like" button because the Grumpy Plumber has the balls to say In the Video "...if you don't like this video, go to hell." ! OMG... I LOVE this guy!!!

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Buy a 3/4 horse power InSinkErator.

[@Dave--FkTheDeepstate]

Liked the video, AND most of the comments ! ...because I'm Not going to hell :-) I've been doing a bit of research. Please correct me if I'm wrong: I'd like to add that if no one in your house cooks much and/or throws big, tough junk into the garbage disposal, you can probably get away with a cheaper, less powerful disposal. I installed my Insinkerator Badger 5 (1/2 HP) 14 years ago. It just died. (it only hums when turned on, even after pushing the red reset button, much manual turning, & checking for possible hard debris with an endoscope). AFAIK, the average life of disposals is ~10 years. iirc, I paid about $50 for it (the cheapest one at Home Depot at that time). A new Badger 5XL, today (April 2021), costs ~$114 @ Lowes. Note: I was tempted to get a (quieter) ~$200 disposal with stainless steel (instead of galvanized steel) insides so it will rust less (if at all) and last longer. But I'll probably just get the same make/model so it'll fit into existing pipe with no mods necessary (I hope). Thanks for the vid ! And the tip about the anti-rust, on vacation, veggie oil !!

[@ScottyBrunton]

Would you recommend a garbage disposal on a house that has a septic tank?

[@Judychacon]

Good help! you 2 so cute!!

[@davidperry4013]

If you love cooking, get at a 1 hp. It will be worth it. I personally love cooking at home, so a 1 hp will be well worth the dough.

[@swordofgidion2010]

It would be nice if you placed the links like the Garbage Disposal your Dad mentioned the 333 commercial grade. Grade. At least the company that sells this particular brand. Please and thank you.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

I’ve replaced 3 or 4 in my days, disposals are easy, and just your average mope.

[@nonelost1]

One other thing, if you live in an apartment building, and your upstairs neighbor’s bedroom is right above your kitchen, get a QUIET one.

[@binkster01]

I've had two Badgers which lost their lower shaft seals after 1 year. Badger have this problem, or I found 2 poor units?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Art, Badger is a competitive garbage disposal. I would recommend moving to the 333-SS model. Spend a little more money and you’ll have better luck.

[@Hoomaka]

Thanks for the advice, I need to change my garbage disposal for my townhouse. From the sounds of the birds and plants, do you live in Hawaii?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Hoomaka, don’t live there but visit grandchildren often as their dad is my producer.

[@ceecee8757]

Santa Barbara, CA :)

[@j2alomar]

So i can absolutely pour a lil cooking oil down it to help it stay lubed? I could have sworn i read somewhere in a manual or something that that was one of the things to never put into a garbage disposal. If thats the case then thats awesome. I just bought one and was afraid of what could go and what couldn't go.

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

If you are gone a lot and not using the garbage disposal, turn it on and put a little vegetable oil in but don’t run any water.

[@derricklavoie6509]

I never hear anyone mention anything about the electrical system. If a disposal does not work it may be a good idea to look into the capacitor or it may be cheaper to buy a replacement motor. Only If necessary

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Good luck on that idea. I’d buy a new garbage disposal.

[@kpiza]

So which one is better 1/2, 3/4, or 1 HP?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

kpiza, the 3/4 to 1 HP have more insulation which makes the garbage disposal quieter. When installed in a case iron sink, the disposal is quieter. On a stainless steel sink, if you leave the spoon catcher in the opening of the garbage disposal, it will make it quieter.

[@ginaw3884]

What size HP for 3 people please? And what model sinkerator would you suggest?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

My favorite is the InSinkErator 333. It’s now a 3/4 HP.

[@sheilasmith6674]

What's the deal with "multiple grinding stages"? We're thinking about switching from the underpowered Insinkerator that came w/our home to a 3/4 HP Moen that only has 1 grinding stage. Moen says their Vortex motor eliminates the need for a second/third grind stage. Is this true? Or would be better off w/a multi-stage Insinkerator w/a larger motor? Also, is the Insinkerator an induction type motor?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Dog Lover, InSinkErator makes the garbage disposals for Moen. The two wholesalers I deal with no longer sell Moen garbage disposals. I would recommend a 3/4 HP InSinkErator garbage disposal. They grind a different direction every time they are turned on. The InSink Erator in your house now is a competitive garbage disposal but you can change it out to a bigger disposal by InSinkErator very easily.

[@sheilasmith6674]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber Thanks for your prompt reply and great background detail. I found out since posting earlier that our current home's Insinkerator (a brand we had in previous homes w/no problems, BTW) isn't underpowered after all -- it's a 3/4 HP, same as the Moen we were considering. I had my husband dig it out of the remodeling waste pile the contractor threw it into, and we were shocked to see that it's well-powered for our needs. Then we dug up the previous homeowner's user manual and discovered it's about 15 yrs old. So maybe it's just worn out? It still works...just not that well. And it's kinda noisy, even for a disposal. Bottom line is, I don't have great expectations for performance, but it seems like it's on its last legs if it can't pulverize or swallow egg shells very easily. FYI: I am very gentle with all of my appliances; was raised by my folks to treat them with more dignity & respect than most humans. (They were kinda grumpy, too. ;-) ... ) Thanks again.

[@Dirty_Bear22]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber actually waste king makes moen disposals.

[@mav48185]

Ayyyee you said Michigan. Where about because I might need a plumber

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Matthew Valdez, now in sunny California. Gave Michigan 50 years of my life.

[@mav48185]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber darn hope you’re enjoying that weather because it’s freezing here lol

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Matthew Valadez, 70 degrees and sunny here today! 🌞

[@mav48185]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber ugh jealous ❤️❤️

[@beverlypettiford2552]

Can I replace a GE 1/3 HP for an Insinkurator 1/3 HP? Is it the same thing?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Beverly Pettiford, it should be as GE buys the InSinkErator brand.

[@Dirty_Bear22]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber GE disposals are rebadged Waste King actually. The grind chamber design, permanent magnet motor, and being made in china are a dead giveaway.

[@ferryhtw]

what happen if I choose smaller than I should? (sorry never had this things before)

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

The larger the motor, the quieter the disposal runs. You probably get 3x more life out of a larger motor. Every time you turn on a 3/4 or larger garbage disposal, it rotates different directions. When you buy a smaller disposal, you’ll probably need to buy another one soon. The worst thing you could do, is NOT use the garbage disposal if you have one.

[@brianschindler1511]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@user-kr8jr1gi2w]

I need help grumpy plumber I have A farm sink but my plumber won’t install my garbage disposal because he say my sink will break

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

My biggest question is …..is the sink cast iron or China? I’ve heard that they are having trouble with China farm sinks cracking. The plumber is right. If you have a stainless steel or cast iron farm sink, installing a garbage disposal is not a problem.

[@charleshines2142]

Make him have to clean your cabinet and he may begrudgingly bill you for that also. I can just imagine him saying "Dammit Jim, I am a plumber, not a maid!!"

[@claudiapangan1676]

I’ve had my garbage disposal for six months and it has rust! In sink Erator 1/2. Badger 5

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Claudia, it must be leaking from the gasket or it’s not tight to the disposal flange. Check with a flashlight when you run water to see if you can find a leak.

[@claudiapangan1676]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber well your amazing. I did notice a tiny leak last week!!!

[@claudiapangan1676]

Should I just have plumber come back and tighten or should he put in another one! three year warranty

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

Claudia, yes, have the plumber come back and tighten it. If a gasket is leaking, or the putty on the flange didn’t seal, that is not warranted by the manufacturer. So do have the plumber back to look at it.

[@claudiapangan1676]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber thank you so much for taking the time to answer me. Absolutely love your channel, honesty and knowledge!!!!

[@brandongraser2939]

7:26 and if you didn't like it, go to hell😂🤣🤣 as a old school tradsman that does not believe planned obsolescence is right or okay and believes the only right way would be to sell highest quality and put in highest quality stuff. I agree with him. 😂🤣 and I'm young too. crappy stuff makes me grumpy too😂🤣 so does cheap stuff. cheap stuff just pisses me off . mm! along with cheapskates. great video!

[@sleektoneofficial]

Gd aint nothing but a service call waiting to happen.

[@chrischavez8883]

Love that go to hell😂

[@db3467]

I thought you were never to dump oils down the garbage disposal?

[@TheGrumpyPlumber]

You only dump oil down the garbage disposal if you don’t use it for like six months... Like in a cottage or second home. Use only about 2-3 tablespoons. Glad you gave me this opportunity to clarify this db.

[@ACoustaDC]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber That is great advice.

[@Dave--FkTheDeepstate]

@@TheGrumpyPlumber I went away for 5 months and came home to a rusted stuck disposal :-( It was 10 years old, so probably about time to replace anyway.

[@clarkkent4991]

Hmmmm. Grumpy. Lol.