What is a Garburator Used For? A Guide for Modern Kitchens
If you’ve ever scraped leftovers into a trash can only to deal with unpleasant odors a few days later, you’ve likely wondered: what is a garburator used for, and is it worth adding to my kitchen?
Commonly known in other parts of the world as a garbage disposal, the “garburator” is a staple in many Canadian homes. At Benner Plumbing, we see these appliances as a bridge between kitchen convenience and effective waste management. This guide breaks down exactly what they do, how they work, and why they might be the missing piece in your modern kitchen.
How Does a Garburator Actually Work?
A common misconception is that a garburator works like a blender with sharp spinning blades. In reality, the mechanism is much safer and more ingenious for garbage disposal.
When you turn on the switch, a high-speed motor spins a circular turntable. Centrifugal force pushes food waste against a stationary “grind ring.” This ring has sharp, tooth-like edges that shred the food into liquefied particles—almost like a cheese grater for organic waste. Once the food is broken down into tiny particles (usually less than 2mm), it is washed away by a stream of water through your plumbing and into the municipal sewer system.
The Benefits: Why Use a Garburator?
So, what is a garburator used for in the context of your daily routine? It offers three primary benefits that improve the “flow” of your kitchen:
1. Unmatched Convenience
Kitchen cleanup is significantly faster when you can rinse small food scraps directly down the drain. Instead of meticulously scraping every plate over a trash can or green bin—and inevitably dropping pieces on the floor—you can simply let the garbage disposal handle the remnants of your meal.
2. Goodbye, “Stinky” Trash
The biggest culprit of kitchen odors is organic waste (food scraps) sitting in a trash can. Meat scraps, vegetable peelings, and leftover pasta can quickly begin to decompose, especially in a warm kitchen. By using a garburator to dispose of these scraps immediately, you remove the source of the smell before it even starts, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
3. Reducing Landfill Waste
While Calgary has an excellent green bin program, a garburator provides a secondary way to divert food waste from landfills. Modern wastewater treatment plants are often equipped to process organic solids and even turn them into energy or fertilizer, making it a responsible choice for certain types of food waste.
Best Practices for a Healthy Garburator
Understanding what is a garburator used for also means understanding its limits. To keep your plumbing healthy, follow these professional tips:
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Always Use Cold Water: Run cold water while the unit is grinding. Cold water keeps any fats or oils solid so they can be chopped up. Hot water melts them, allowing them to coat your pipes further down the line.
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Keep it “Light”: It is used for scraps, not entire meals. Large amounts of pasta, rice, or potato peels can create a thick paste that clogs your pipes.
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Avoid the “No-Go” List: Never put coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous veggies (like celery), or bones down the unit.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Because a garburator involves both high-voltage electricity and intricate plumbing connections, it is not a recommended DIY project. A poorly installed unit can lead to:
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Water Leaks: Damaging your under-sink cabinetry.
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Electrical Shorts: If the seals aren’t perfectly watertight.
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Vibration Damage: If the unit isn’t mounted securely to the sink.
At Benner Plumbing, our licensed Calgary plumbers ensure that your unit is sized correctly for your sink and that all connections meet local building codes. We work with a variety of high-quality brands to find a model that is quiet, powerful, and durable enough for your family’s needs.
Upgrade Your Kitchen Cleanup Today
Ready to eliminate kitchen odors and simplify your dishwashing routine? Whether you need a brand-new installation or a repair on an existing garbage disposal, Benner Plumbing has been Calgary’s trusted choice since 1958.
Visit our website to learn more about our kitchen plumbing services or contact us today to book an installation!