Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "What is the difference between SinkMaster, BoneCrusher, Gourmet, Legend, and WasteMaid garbage disposers?"
A. These models are essentially the same great disposals. They use (mostly) the same replacement parts, and they're just as quiet, powerful, and efficient.
Q. "Do you stock disposers in something other than the standard 110/120volt?"
A. Because we ship strictly to the U.S., there is really no need for us to stock other voltages. We buy in volume and we only buy/sell the U.S. voltage disposers.
Q. "My garbage disposer smells! Is there anything that I can do besides buying a new one?"
A. You can clean the disposer by having it grind up a few cups of ice and some table salt. This helps to cut the grease and slime off the sides of the disposer. Then flush it out with cold water followed by half of a lemon or lime to deodorize.
Q. "I see that in your parts section that you offer other finishes for flanges besides chrome/stainless. Are these finishes as good as chrome or stainless?"
A. We offer those finishes for people that "insist" on polished brass, white, almond, etc. for a nicer "look" in their kitchen sinks. We do not recommend them as they are not as durable as the original chrome/stainless that comes with most brands of disposers (the flange that comes with WasteKing/BoneCrusher is VERY durable). For durability nothing beats the original finish. Special finishes will tarnish and become dull over time, and acids and alkaloids in common foods can cause the paint/enamel to chip or crack.
Q. "What are the dimensions at the widest point of the disposer casings?"
A. Model L-550= 5 3/16" wide x 12 11/16" high; Model L-750= 7 5/8" x 13 7/16"; Model L-850= 8 5/8" x 13 5/8"; model BF891S= 8 5/8" x 16 5/8"; Model L-950= 8 5/8" x 14 1/2"; Model L-1050= 8 5/8" x 16 1/16". These measurements are for the widest dimensions; height is from the top of the sink flange to the bottom of the casing. You will need a lot more space than that as you need to consider the wiring and drainage.
Q. "What is the difference between continuous feed and batch feed garbage disposers?"
A. Continuous feed and batch feed garbage disposers operate in the same way, the only difference is how you turn them on. Continuous feed garbage disposers usually have a wall switch that is used to turn the unit on and off. Batch feed units are operated by a special stopper that activates a switch. To turn on a batch feed model, place the specially designed stopper in the disposer opening, lining up the "turn on slots", and push down.
Q. "Should I be adding enzymes/bacteria to my disposer or septic tank whenever I use my disposer?"
A. Not in our opinion. There are even disposers that add enzymes every time that you use that disposer. From what we have read, bacteria grow naturally after initially being introduced (mostly by nature) into septic tanks, and no additional enzymes/bacteria need to be introduced. From our perspective, adding additional enzymes/bacteria each time seems like a waste of money and resources. One additional note, our Founder wishes to encourage you to use composting and not throwing all wastes down your food disposers. Save the Planet and recycle as much as possible.
Q. "Do these disposers ship with everything necessary to say replace another brand disposer that has failed? Are all the parts that hook them to the sink included?"
A. Yes, everything (except putty) is included to "hang" these disposers onto your current sink. As far as these disposers fitting up "exactly" to the same dimensions of your old disposer, that is nearly impossible to determine. Just like cars that change models and aren't always the exact same size/dimensions as the previous year, disposers models do vary somewhat from year to year and we can not "guarantee" that the new one will fit "exactly" in the same place as the old unit (even if it is the same model number and from the same manufacturer). Generally just a few parts at most are needed to make the change over.
Q. "I installed my new garborator into a stainless steel sink but the thin gasket I used that came with the disposer keeps the flange slightly raised above the inside of the sink. Small amounts of water do collect around the flange. Should I have used plumbers putty?"
A. Some disposal manufacturers recommend using the rubber gasket that comes with the disposer. However, other disposer manufacturers recommend using plumbers putty. We believe if the flange is properly installed using plumbers putty, the installation will provide a seal for a longer length of time than the rubber gasket. When a flange is installed with plumbers putty the putty will keep water from leaking through it. The plumbers putty will also stay pliable over time. As the sink is used water comes in contact with the plumbers putty which slowly absorbs into the putty. The water actually acts as a lubrication for the putty and helps keep it from drying out. This is why sink flanges installed with plumbers putty can function for 20 years or more without leaking. If the sink is not used for 4 months or longer the putty will begin drying out which will lead to leakage when the sink is again used. If you have more confidence in using the rubber gasket and can live with small amounts of water left in your sink, then by all means use the rubber gasket.
Q. "I've heard that garbage disposer waste harms septic tanks. Any truth to that?"
A. We have yet to read any study that reflects that. Some cities have banned disposers and then, later changed their minds and allowed them, such as New York. From what we know, food disposer waste gets consumed by bacteria in sewage treatment plants and septic tanks.
It is the opinion of our Founder Vic that garbage disposers are not garbage cans, therefore, should not be used as such. Most potato peels, carrots and the like will not get chopped up well (with any brand), and can help clog your drain lines. He feels that food (garbage) disposers should be used sparingly. Much of what goes into your drains eventually has to be removed by sewage treatment facilities or be dealt with by some system.
