Do You Need a Garbage Disposal for a Dishwasher?
Don’t trash this nifty kitchen appliance
Highlights
Most homes have a dishwasher and garbage disposal installed.
A dishwasher will work even without a garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals help keep food scraps out of landfills.
It costs between $100 and $1,200 to install a garbage disposal.
Dishwashers have become indispensable in the modern kitchen, often coming in different sizes with varying features. One of those features is a garbage disposal, which lets you easily toss kitchen waste while you cook and clean up. But really—do you need a garbage disposal for a dishwasher? The short answer is—no, you don’t technically need one. But they are pretty handy to have. Read on for all the nitty gritty details of dishwasher garbage disposals.
Does a Dishwasher Work Without a Garbage Disposal?
In many cases, a dishwasher will work even if the garbage disposal is missing or not functioning. There are two types of garbage disposals: batch-feed and continuous-feed. Typically, the dishwasher drain is connected to the garbage disposal. For best results, make sure you aren’t placing any large or lumpy food in your dishwasher. However, a functional garbage disposal isn’t necessary for the dishwasher to work.
What Does a Garbage Disposal Do?
Garbage disposals are a clean, quick way to remove solid food waste like fruit peels and chopped cooked meat, while quelling odors. The garbage disposal’s impeller plate (a spinning disc) pulverizes food scraps into small particles inside the grinding chamber so they can travel through the water waste system. This keeps scraps from ending up in a landfill. Also, contrary to popular belief, garbage disposals do not have sharp blades.
Should You Have a Dishwasher or a Garbage Disposal?
Whether you should have a dishwasher, a garbage disposal, or both depends on your personal preference. Let's be clear—they have different jobs. Garbage disposals are helpful appliances for those who aren't in a position to compost food scraps. Dishwashers are great at cleaning and sanitizing dishes and flatware, but they can't handle large pieces of food. Ideally, you'd be fortunate enough to have both appliances in your kitchen.
You’ll rarely find a home with only a dishwasher and no garbage disposal. If you do, you’ll want to ensure there’s some type of air gap between your kitchen sink and the dishwasher. The air gap is there to ensure there is no backflow into your dishwasher or into your sink of contaminated water.
The Pros and Cons of Having a Garbage Disposal for a Dishwasher
As with any kitchen appliance, there are pros and cons to having a dishwasher for a garbage disposal. Many people may agree that the benefits of a garbage disposal outweigh its negatives. Evaluate your needs—and wants—when thinking about whether or not to install a garbage disposal.
Pros
Garbage disposals help protect your plumbing by reducing clogs. They break down food particles before they have a chance to build up.
Kitchen clean-up is much easier and more convenient with a dishwasher-garbage disposal combination.
Garbage disposals are relatively safe and easy to use, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Food scraps stay out of landfills, having a positive environmental impact. Food can’t decompose properly when buried under layers of waste in a landfill—eventually becoming a source of methane.
Cons
Some homeowners might see the garbage disposal installation cost as a downside. You’ll have to assess your needs and budget to determine whether it’s a worthy installation in your home.
From time to time, garbage disposals need maintenance, including regular cleanings. Some food particles can end up stuck inside the appliance, even when it’s used correctly.
Some users report not liking the loud sound the appliance makes and the odor that it sometimes contains between cleanings.
Garbage disposals are sturdy, but they require careful use. There are some things you shouldn’t put down your garbage disposal (e.g., grease, bones, and coffee grounds) to avoid clogging and/or breaking it.
Installing a Garbage Disposal for a Dishwasher
A garbage disposal can make your time in the kitchen much easier. So, if you don’t have a garbage disposal or your current one is showing its age, it might be time to look at installing one. Understanding when to repair or replace your garbage disposal can help you decide which action to take. Typically, garbage disposals last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the type. You can find one that meets your needs and budget through a bit of research and shopping around.
The average garbage disposal installation ranges between $100 and $1,200. But there are ways to save money, such as:
Installing the garbage disposal yourself.
Asking your plumber to bundle multiple services simultaneously.
Shopping around to find the best deal on the appliance.
If you decide to take the DIY route, examine the wiring and plumbing needs before starting this project. If the wiring and plumbing are in place, installing or replacing the appliance yourself should be doable. (Plus, you could save between $90 and $250.) It gets a little more tricky when electrical and plumbing work are needed. In that case, you may want to call a local garbage disposal installer to help.
Matt Marandola contributed to this article.