disposal

[pinewood]

What is the main advantage of stainless steel as opposed to galvanized steel.

Debbie

[LazyPup]

Typically disposals are built with a cast potmetal body and a galvanized steel rotary cutter. One of the most common causes of failure is corrosion, especially through the upper walls of the grinder chamber or at the drain line output port. Under normal circumstances you can expect 5 to 7 yrs of service, however that may be dramatically shortened if you use caustic or lye based drain openers which harshly react with the potmetal bodies.

High end or long life disposals are built with a stainless steel body. While the stainless steel does provide much more resistance to rusting,none the less, this is a low grade of stainles steel and is not entirely impervious to rusting or corrosion therefore the body will typically provide about 8 to 12yrs service.

We must also keep in mind that both types of units have basically the same motors therefore, while the stainless steel body may insure a much longer body life, it cannot insure a longer service life of the motor.

Perhaps the greatest cause of motor failure results from the cutters jamming and the user repeatedly pushes the reset and tries to operate the motor, which results in overheating the motor.

Anytime a disposal jams and trips out the reset button it is vitally imporant to use your disposal wrench and clear the jam before attempting to run the motor. Once the jam is cleared the motor should turn very easy with the disposal wrench inserted in the bottom of the motor shaft. If you feel resistance that is indicating you have not successfully cleared the jam.

Most of the cheaper homeowner grade or contractor grade units will have a 1/4 or 1/3hp motor. While they will provide descent service they are more subject to jamming then their more expensive 1/2hp counterpart.

If I were making the choice and if price is a consideration, I would much prefer to get a stronger motor first, then consider upgrding to the stainless body.