Everyone knows that garbage disposal is one hell of a helper in the kitchen. And while there are newer and newer sound insulation technologies, some of the models can be quite loud. But fear not fellas, there is no need to rush to buy a new quieter disposal just yet, since you can use some DIY insulation techniques yourself.
So, stay tuned, and let’s learn something together.
The Prelude to Silence – A Harmonious Selection
This first part is for those who stay didn’t get their hands on a new garbage disposal.
You know what they say, “Start with the right instrument.” As the first chair of your household orchestra, your garbage disposal must be chosen wisely. Seek a model with a hushed grinding mechanism and adequate insulation. In this case, judge the book by its cover – the heavier and more solid it feels, the quieter it is likely to be. Behold, you’ve set the stage for your melodious adventure!
If you don’t want to do the research yourself, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the quietest disposals on the market.
The Crescendo – Installation Serenade
For those who are about to install their disposal, here is a little tip for increased shock absorption and thus, reducing noise.
Installing a garbage disposal can be as delicate as a ballet – or as disastrous as a toddler banging on pots and pans.
Boy, do I love metaphors.
To avoid the latter, place a layer of plumber’s putty around the sink flange before mounting it. This magical substance will not only help seal the connection but also provide a cushion to absorb vibrations. The plumber’s putty is your noise reduction maestro, guiding you towards sweet, sweet silence.
Note: If you are not sure how to do this properly, check an installation guide for your exact disposal model or have a professional install it – better to be safe than sorry.
The Interlude – The Sound-Deadening Ensemble
Don’t let your garbage disposal perform a solo act. Gather a team of sound-deadening devices to form an ensemble that harmonizes and reduces noise. Here are the key players:
Anti-vibration pads: The unsung heroes of noise reduction, these pads absorb vibrations like a sponge soaking up water. Place them under the sink, and watch as the noise fades away like a distant memory.
Sink baffle: A baffle is to a garbage disposal what a mute is to a trumpet. It softens the sound and prevents it from echoing through the sink’s chamber. Just make sure not to lose it down the drain – retrieving it would be quite the encore.
Conducting Your Quiet Symphony
Now that your garbage disposal is prepped and ready for its debut, take a moment to consider your role as the conductor. Your technique matters:
Run cold water: A steady flow of cold water will not only help prevent clogs but also dampen noise. Think of it as background music – a soothing, constant lullaby.
Note: If one of the hammers of the disposal is not sitting correctly in its position, you can also use ice cubes for an easy fix. A fella named Kevin Gaudineer made a cool video on how to do just that:
If your garbage disposal keeps humming even after that, check out our guide for more solutions.
Feed gradually: Don’t cram all the food scraps at once. Gently feed your disposal, like a bird feeding its young. The result? A gentle hum rather than a cacophonous roar.
Keep it clean: A clean disposal is a quiet disposal. Avoid grease, fibrous foods, and other troublesome items that could lead to jams and jarring noises. A bit of ice and lemon from time to time will do wonders to maintain a harmonious relationship with your appliance.
In Conclusion
If you applied just one or all of these relatively easy tips, your garbage disposal should be far quieter now.
If not and if it’s an old model, well, it might be time for a replacement.
In any case, I hope that these few DIY tips have helped you in one way or another.
Peace out.