What Are the Different Types of Garbage Disposals?

Edited: July 25, 2025

If it deals with drains, we know it cold – and hot – and that includes garbage disposals. Whether yours is jammed, leaking, not spinning, or just making that awful humming noise before doing nothing… you’re in the right place.

We’ve been repairing, replacing, and installing garbage disposals in Spokane and Northern Idaho for over 25 years. So if you’re searching for a garbage disposal fixer near you, trying to understand which type of garbage disposal you need, or just want a straight answer from someone who’s seen it all, this guide has you covered.

First Things First: Do You Even Need a Garbage Disposal?

You technically don’t need a garbage disposal to run your dishwasher—but in our opinion, it’s a smart move. Here’s why:

• Helps with drainage: Food bits from your plates go through the disposal instead of clogging up your pipes.

• Keeps the dishwasher filter cleaner: Less buildup, fewer smells.

• Reduces sink gunk: A disposal breaks food down before it sits and rots in the trap.

So no, it’s not required—but pairing your dishwasher with a disposal is like putting bacon on a burger. It just makes sense.

Two Main Types of Garbage Disposals (And Which One You Want)

When you’re shopping for a garbage disposal—or trying to figure out what kind you already have—you’ll run into a sea of brand names, horsepower ratings, and fancy marketing terms. But underneath it all, there are really just two main types of garbage disposals: continuous feed and batch feed. That’s it. Everything else is just a variation on these two designs.

Here’s how they work, what makes them different, and how to know which one makes more sense for your kitchen.

1. Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal (Most Common)

This is the type most folks have already—especially if your house was built or updated in the last 20 years. It’s simple: you flip a wall switch, turn on the cold water, and then scrape your food scraps down the drain while the disposal grinds them up. It keeps running until you turn it off.

Why homeowners love continuous feed models:

• They’re fast and convenient, especially when cleaning up after meals.

• They can handle larger volumes of food waste all at once—great for families or frequent cooks.

• They’re usually cheaper to buy and install compared to other styles.

Things to keep in mind:

• Because the disposal is “live” while open, it’s less ideal if you’ve got small kids or curious pets who like to explore.

• You’ll want to keep cold water running while it’s in use to flush food down properly.

• Avoid dumping in bones, grease, fibrous veggies (like celery or corn husks), and pasta—these are common clog culprits, even in powerful units.

In short, continuous feed disposals are the workhorse of the kitchen—fast, efficient, and budget-friendly if used correctly.

2. Batch Feed Garbage Disposal (Safe & Quiet)

Batch feed units are a little different. Instead of turning on with a switch, they use a special stopper that must be locked into place before the blades spin. You load up a “batch” of scraps, seal it with the stopper, and only then does the motor kick on. Think of it like putting your disposal into gear—it won’t start until everything’s in place.

Why some homeowners prefer batch feed disposals:

• They’re safer—since the unit won’t run without the stopper in place, there’s no risk of anyone accidentally turning it on.

• Many models are quieter, especially with the sealed top.

• Because they run in short bursts, they can be more efficient with water and power.

Heads-up before you buy:

• Batch feed units are often more expensive upfront, and they take up a bit more space under the sink.

• They’re also a bit slower to use, since you have to load and activate in batches—less convenient during heavy cooking sessions or big cleanups.

We typically recommend batch feed models for homes where safety and noise reduction are top priorities—like households with young kids, or in open-concept kitchens where every little sound carries.

So… Which Type Is Better?

Truth is, it depends on your kitchen, your routine, and your priorities.

If you want something quick, reliable, and affordable, go with a continuous feed unit. If you value safety, quiet operation, and don’t mind a few extra steps, batch feed is worth the upgrade.

Still not sure which one you have—or which one you need? That’s where we come in. At Bulldog Rooter, we help homeowners across Spokane, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, and Northern Idaho find and install the right garbage disposal for their home, habits, and plumbing setup.

Whether you’re replacing an old disposal, upgrading your kitchen, or dealing with a jammed unit that just won’t spin—we’ve got the tools and know-how to make it right.

What About Manual or “Hand-Crank” Garbage Disposals?

Every now and then, someone asks us about manual garbage disposals—usually when they’ve seen an old-school model in a cabin, RV, or survivalist blog.

Yes, they exist. But unless you’re restoring a vintage off-grid kitchen or prepping for the zombie apocalypse, they’re not what you want in a modern home. Manual disposals require actual muscle to crank waste through the system—and they don’t handle everyday food scraps nearly as well.

Bottom line: For 99% of homeowners, an electric disposal (continuous or batch feed) is the safe, reliable, and user-friendly choice. They’re faster, cleaner, and don’t leave you grinding carrot peels by hand like it’s 1884.

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

In most homes, a garbage disposal will last somewhere between 8 and 12 years. We’ve seen a few make it longer, and others fail way sooner—but here’s what actually affects the lifespan:

• How often you use it (daily vs. once a week)

• What you’re putting down the drain (bones, grease, and starchy foods like rice and potatoes will wear it out faster)

• The quality of the unit itself (some bargain brands cut corners on materials)

• Whether it was installed right (yes—we handle that part properly from day one)

If your disposal is over 10 years old, starting to smell funky, jam frequently, or just doesn’t grind like it used to, it might be time to replace it. We can take a look and let you know whether it’s a quick fix or if you’re better off upgrading to something newer and stronger.

And if your disposal was part of a DIY install that “mostly works”—well, let’s just say we’ve reinstalled more than a few of those. No judgment, just solutions.

Common Garbage Disposal Problems (And What They Usually Mean)

If your garbage disposal isn’t working right, whether it’s making strange noises, refusing to turn on, or leaking under the sink, you’re not alone. We get calls every day from homeowners looking for garbage disposal repair services or a plumber for garbage disposal repair—and for good reason. These units do a lot of dirty work in the kitchen, and even the best models can run into trouble over time.

Here are a few issues we see all the time—and what they typically mean:

• It hums but doesn’t spin: The motor’s likely jammed. Sometimes it’s a stuck piece of food or debris. We can usually free it up without replacing the whole unit.

• It leaks under the sink: Probably a worn gasket, cracked housing, or loose flange. It’s a straightforward fix when caught early.

• It won’t turn on at all: Could be a tripped breaker, a faulty switch, or an internal fuse that’s blown. We’ll test everything safely to find the source.

• Smells like something died in there: Built-up gunk under the splash guard or deep in the drain line. We’ve got the tools (and the stomach) to clean it out.

No matter what’s going on, our licensed plumbers have seen it—and fixed it—before. We’ll show up with the right tools, give you a straight answer, and leave your sink cleaner and quieter than it was when we got there.

Ready for a New Garbage Disposal? Here’s What to Know Before You Buy

Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or replacing a worn-out unit, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a new garbage disposal:

• Horsepower matters:

  • ½ HP is fine for occasional use or small households.

  • ¾ HP is the sweet spot for most kitchens—quiet, reliable, and capable.

  • 1 HP+ is ideal for bigger families or homes that do a lot of cooking (and cleaning).

• Under-sink space:
  Batch feed disposals tend to be bulkier, so make sure you’ve got the clearance.

• Noise level:
  If your sink’s near your living room or you just like a quiet kitchen, it’s worth investing in a model with better sound insulation.

• Have a septic system?
  Not all disposals are septic-safe—so double-check the specs, or better yet, ask us. We’ll make sure what you’re getting is compatible.

We’ll help you figure out which unit fits your home, your habits, and your plumbing system. Then we’ll install it professionally, haul the old one away, and leave your sink spotless.

Whether you’re dealing with a repair or ready for an upgrade, Bulldog Rooter is your go-to for fast, reliable garbage disposal service. Give us a call—we’ll get your kitchen back on track in no time.