Q: In-sink-erator recommendation?

I am looking for a recommendation for an in-sink-erator. The one I currently have is a Kenmore/Sears Model 175.60542:

3/4 HP, 8.1 Amp. This particular model may have been discontinued, and the closest math is probably
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someone recommend a reliable brand, model? Quality/reliability is of utmost importance to me. What features or specs should I look for? HP, Amp ratings? Longest warranty?

Is it an easy DIY job to replace an erator? Any fancy tools I will need besides an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver?

BTW, the problem with my existing erator is that it starts leaking when it's turned on - it leaks from somewhere around the top part of the assembly near where the erator connects to the bottom of the sink. Once it's turned off, the leak will stop after a couple of minutes, even if the water tap is on. I know that it's a hard Q to answer w/o being able to examine the leak, but is that kind of leak even fixable (a washer to replace, screws to tighten), or should I just buy a new erator? I don't know how old this erator is, as we moved in to the house 5 mths ago. So I don't know whether this model or Kenmore erators in general are junk, or maybe mine is just dying of old age.

TIA for your advice.

Reply to
bubbabubbs
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Can someone recommend a reliable brand, model? Quality/reliability is

I've been using In-sink-erator disposals for YEARS........at my folks house, my own houses & rental properties. I started with the model

333 but now I've switched to the 555. I had one fail rather soon but it was under warranty & they even offered to come out & replace for free. I had already bought a new one & done the R&R myself. I just took it back for a refund.

The thing I like best about the In-sink-erator's is that they all use the same three - ramp locking ring. Once you do the first install of an In-sink-erator, the subsequent replacements are a breeze, since the new disposal just twist locks onto the ring.

When I do an In-sink-erator initial install, I do a complete "out of sink" assembly so I can see the postion of the disposal output port.

I note the desired location of the output port relavtive to the existing plumbing & where the ramps should be. I install the sink flange with plumber's putty so that the ramps are clocked correctly. Be careful not to rotate the since flange while the plumbers putty is still soft, you can tear it internally & create a leak path.

IMO there are three most likely places that can leak; the sink flange to sink interface, the disposal to the mounting ring / sink flange, the disposal output port to drain line. Also you could have an internal disposal leak

SInce the leak stops after the disposal is turned off but doesn't leak with the tap is still on......... I would guess the the vibration from the disposal works a gasketed joint that's not quite secure.

Depending on your inclination;

you could just bite the bullet & go with an In-sink-erator install

OR

if you want to try & save some bucks (& potentially waste some time) I would remove the existing install, examine the gasketed surfaces for signs of leakage, clean up the gasket surfaces & reassemble.......this may fix the problem

If you have the In-sink-erator on hand & discover problems with the Kenmore install that cannot be fixed, you can install the In-sink-erator. If the R&R works just return the In-sink-erator

cheers Bob

Reply to
BobK207

Me too. The 555 (now Evolution Essential?) is the best value of their line.

Reply to
Travis Jordan

OP:

I honestly recommend a garbage can. This of course does not go over well with the wife. OTOH, if people won't keep the insoluble stuff out of the pipes then I suppose it's better than clogging 'em with whole carrots.

Reply to
pawlowsk002

I've just realized that "In-Sink-Erator" is itself a brand. My question was about kitchen sink disposals recommendations in general, not this particular brand.

Thanks

Reply to
bubbabubbs

Yep, I have been using a 555 SS for about 10 years now. The old National I had would jam if you looked at it wrong. The 555 just keeps grinding away. Gary Dyrkacz snipped-for-privacy@comcast.net Radio Control Aircraft/Paintball Physics/Paintball for 40+

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Reply to
Gary Dyrkacz

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Can someone recommend a reliable brand, model? Quality/reliability is

Auto reverse. BTW, Kenmores are ISE (In Sink Erator). The difference is the lower end Kenmores will have auto-reversing and the low end of the ISE not. The Kenmores even use the ISE lock ring. Buy another.

Bog screwdriver to use as a lever to loosen the lock ring. Measure the outlet distance from the sink and find one that matches. Replacing them is a piece of cake (and I *hate* plumbing).

Make sure it's not the basket seal to the sink leaking. If it is, fix that and forget replacing the disposal. Does the sink leak if it's stoppered and full of water?

Again, Kenmores *ARE* ISEs. There is no better and IMO Kenmores are better and cheaper than those with the ISE logo.

Reply to
krw

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