06-03-2008, 10:40 AM
20 years is a LONG time for a disposal. Usually they corrode from the inside out. It's time for a new one. If you are handy, they are fairly easy to replace yourself. I replace two (one in my home, another in my rental, and I never attempted any plumbing project before.
However, buy a good one, at least 3/4 HP, thought 1 is ideal. Also don't buy the least expensive 3/4 you can find. With disposals you truly get what you pay for. The cheap 3/4 one will grind fine, but it will sound like a chain saw in the middle of the night. The more expensive ones are insulated and very quiet. Expect to pay around $200 for a decent one. The one in my home is a Kitchenaid, which is like a wisper. I have to turn the water off to know its on. I've got an el-cheapo in the rental. It's like King Kong belching.
However, buy a good one, at least 3/4 HP, thought 1 is ideal. Also don't buy the least expensive 3/4 you can find. With disposals you truly get what you pay for. The cheap 3/4 one will grind fine, but it will sound like a chain saw in the middle of the night. The more expensive ones are insulated and very quiet. Expect to pay around $200 for a decent one. The one in my home is a Kitchenaid, which is like a wisper. I have to turn the water off to know its on. I've got an el-cheapo in the rental. It's like King Kong belching.