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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker (Fred Griffin Real Estate)

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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Fred! Most everyone has a garbage disposal in our area with the exception of those homeowners who are on septic systems.

Ours is an InSinkErator on the right side of the sink but, I'm not sure of the HP. The plumbers do most of the installations here in the Charlotte area but, handymen do as well as some homeowners.

Jun 24, 2018 10:01 PM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Once had one in a rental, will not make that mistake again.

Jun 24, 2018 11:02 PM
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Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Yes I have one.
I installed my own and typically handyman install them for my clients and since we only have a large basin sink (I can’t stand divided sinks) it’s on the right side of a single large basin sink, leaving plenty a room for dishes to stack.

Half horsepower standard and Insinkerator is what Home Depot sells and typically what we buy.

Jun 24, 2018 09:23 PM
Rainmaker
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

They are common in my area... my new one was installed by my contractor. As to requirements, I have no clue. I rarely deal with septic systems in general. Mine is in the middle of my cabinet, but I have a one bowl, large kitchen farm size stainless steel sink, not divided. Kitchen Aid 1.5 horsepower.

Jun 25, 2018 03:47 AM
Rainmaker
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Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

ALL KITCHENS HAVE ONE.  I install it myself. Left side of the sink. I try to buy the real heavy duty type so as to make it last longer. Not a good place to dump food into the septic tank...

How to sharpen the blades? Throw ice cubes inside the ice cubes will sharpen the blades.

Jun 24, 2018 09:50 PM
Rainmaker
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Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Made Easy

Very common here. Very easy to install. Certainly, a plumber can, but any competent handyman can also install it.

If you are a septic user, you have to be cautious about putting too many food scraps down them. Even though they will grind up food waste, it doesn't break down as fast as other waste. You will have to pump your septic more often.

Jun 24, 2018 09:01 PM
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Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

have a plumber do it unless otherwise...get a quiet one

Jun 25, 2018 05:38 AM
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Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I have one.  Installed by a plumber.  It is an issue as I am on a septic system and it requires me to clean my septic filter every few months.

Jun 25, 2018 05:19 AM
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Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Very common in our market. Could be installed by all you mention.  We have one installed on the right sink side.  I have no idea the make or horsepower.  No septic tanks in Dallas.

Jun 25, 2018 05:16 AM
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Richard L. McKinney P.A.
Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise - Port St Lucie, FL
For Results that MOVE you on the Treasure Coast!

Fred Griffin Yes I have one and have had several installed over the years in my personal homes and in customers homes.  1.5 hp is sufficient for most homes. 

Have always used a handyman. except on one occasion....One piece of advice from the one time that I installed one myself...... if you have it hooked up to a dishwasher, make sure to knock out the plug on the disposal. 

Jun 25, 2018 04:52 AM
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Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Most homes have one. right side usually. Plumber installed. Ours is a Badger 1/2 HP. We have septic tank. We don't throw everything down the drain, we also have a compost pile out back. Every now and then we grind up a lemon in it to freshen it up. We also run some ice cubes through it, and I also dump a little white vinegar down it now and then. I think that helps keep it clean and fresher inside.

Jun 25, 2018 04:09 AM
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Yep they are common, and I suspect are installed by plumbers as well as handymen. I can;t think of a house I have seen in years without one. Either side of sink - depends on the configuration and type of sink. No septics in my immediate area so no issues there.

Jun 24, 2018 09:09 PM
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Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

In everything I sell.

Jun 25, 2018 05:55 AM
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Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

We have one that is hardly used as she tells me to take everything to the trash bin.

Jun 25, 2018 05:31 AM
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Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Yes - left

Jun 25, 2018 05:27 AM
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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Yep, have one on the right side. Here when we got here but suspect it was installed by a handyman.

Jun 25, 2018 05:27 AM
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Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Very common here, my husband installs but a handyman could.  We are on septic and always have flawless reports when it is pumped, and, despite beliefs to the contrary,  have a garbage disposal.  InSinkErator with BioCharge, an enzymatic treatment, is made for septic systems.

Jun 25, 2018 05:15 AM
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Jordan Ayan
The Lifestyle Collection - Scottsdale, AZ
Luxury Market Expert, CLHMS,Million Dollar Guild

Have had both plumber and handyman install. No special requirements that I know of. We have a farmhouse style sink so installed in only drain possible.  We removed the little 1/4 horse one the builder installed and replaced it with a monster   Only thing it would not swallow was a penny 

Jun 25, 2018 05:08 AM
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Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

No dishwasher means no disposal. Disposal installed beneath the big basin.

Plumber installs.

Electrician then comes to install the conduit and strain relief the inspector flagged.

Home owner lament how a $220 disposal ended up costing $425.

Jun 25, 2018 05:07 AM
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Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

They are very desirable here. Most often on the left side and a warning to not use if you have a septic

Jun 25, 2018 05:01 AM
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Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I have one (couldn't imagine life without it!).  I also have a septic system.  Some will say that's a no-no.  All good here.  My husband installed it.  

Jun 25, 2018 04:40 AM
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Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

We have one, right side of sink. I very rarely use it, actually only turn it on to clean it of any "incidentals" that went down the sink. I am thinking of getting rid of it altogether. 

Jun 25, 2018 04:35 AM
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Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Right side, 1/2Hp, I installed it

Jun 25, 2018 03:49 AM
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Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

We do not have a garbage disposal, and I see many other homes without them. But from something I read in one of the other answers, perhaps it's because we have a septic system.?

Jun 25, 2018 02:54 AM
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Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

I have one but never use it.

Jun 25, 2018 02:27 AM
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Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

Very common here. I personally have a heavy duty and on the left side of my sink. I use mine regularly. 

Jun 24, 2018 10:57 PM
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Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Yes, they are common. Not hard to install, I've done it myself.  We're on Septic so we don't dispose of major items, but do run it daily.  In our home it's on the left sink and our dishwasher is on the right, so our dishes go left to right. 

Jun 24, 2018 10:39 PM
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Garbage disposals are fairly common in my area but not as a so common that I would find it unusual to see a home without one...even a large home. Over the years, I have seen/known a variety of tradespeople install one but I haven't.   I believe I have had a disposal everywhere I have lived in California though I rarely use it anymore.  I don't recall the side

 (I think it's on the right or the size/HP of it).

Jun 24, 2018 10:19 PM
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Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Right sink typically.  Installed by a plumber.

Jun 24, 2018 09:16 PM
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Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

- yes

- plumber or handyman

- don't know

- no

- yes

- don't know

- left side of sink

Jun 25, 2018 08:52 AM
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Very Common. 

Yes, I have one. 

Left side. 

InSinkErator.

Jun 25, 2018 08:23 AM
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J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

Fairly common in my area.

Either a plumber or electrician can install.

I have a 3/4 HP, I believe.

I do not recommend use with a septic system. 

I do have one, and InSinkErator Evolution. I think it is a 2 stage disposer, for finer shredding and quieter operation.

Mine is on the left side, but I would probably put it wherever is used more.

Jun 25, 2018 08:12 AM
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Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Plumber.

Jun 25, 2018 06:54 AM
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Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Left side of sink . Standard in our area with public sewer

Jun 25, 2018 06:24 AM
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Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

I think that every home in my market has a garbage disposal unit. 99.9% common. I usually see them on the left side, but I don't think it matters. I see them installed at the smaller vegetable sink too.

Brands? We have so many to choose from the $75 ones all the way to $1,000 where you barely hear them, different horsepower, etc... And usually an experienced handyman can install them, or a skilled homeowner (you'll get a sore back working in low-level cramped space). Don't forget that you'll need a power outlet below in the cabinet where it will be installed. That's the starting point. Then you'll need the space to fit the appliance AND the plumbing to it.

I have many clients that have them on septic tanks, so I guess that's not an issue.

Jun 25, 2018 06:18 AM
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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

garbage disposals should only be installed in homes with public sewer.... a garbage disposal will destroy your septic system...when undigested material goes into a septic, it clogs it and interrupts the bacterial action.... digested waste is what it's designed for....

an electrician and a plumber are needed... 

there's a batch fed and a continuous fed disposal... the batch fed is more expensive and safe... the continuous fed should not be used with children in the home.... and/or adults who don't pay attention!!!  

I like the brand Insinkerator....

 

Jun 25, 2018 06:09 AM
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Yes, biggest horsepower, on the right side, no septic, plumber, and don't know the brand.  A

Jun 25, 2018 06:06 AM
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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

In Denver we see them 99% of the time, anyone can install, I have done it.   We don't have septic systems in the City.

Jun 28, 2018 07:20 AM
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Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

They are standard in new construction, I guess many older homes do not have them in the Houston area.

Jun 26, 2018 02:29 PM
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Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Plumber installs on left side and about 100% of the homes have one in our community.  Brand etc. not sure of.

Jun 26, 2018 01:41 PM
Rainmaker
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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Living in the city, I would say 99% of the homes I sell have them!

Jun 26, 2018 09:54 AM
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Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Fred Griffin - with a few towns on private sewer, this is not recommended. Though I do see them in condos and townhomes more often.

Jun 25, 2018 10:39 PM
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Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

they are in fact quite rare in my area. Most homes are on septic tanks in my market.  Generally wired by electrician, but installed by plumber.

Jun 25, 2018 09:37 PM
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Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

It is more rare to have a home without one. Even homes with septics but not all.

You made me look! Mine is an Insinkerator, 1/2 HP, on the right side of my sink, installed by a plumber. Any contractor or handyperson can install.

 Always run your disposal before turning on your dishwasher!!

Jun 25, 2018 07:14 PM
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John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Funny, I have , but never thought much about it.  I like having one to cut down on waste and garbage.  Left side of the sink is about all I know (unless you're creeping on me from the outside, then it's on the right side of the sink).  

Jun 25, 2018 03:32 PM
Rainmaker
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Most of the homes in our area have garbage disposals.

Jun 25, 2018 02:00 PM
Rainer
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Jeff Perlis Prime Properties
Prime Properties - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Experience Your Own Transformation!

Yes, most kitchen sinks have them in here. Not sure about brands.

Jun 25, 2018 01:21 PM
Rainmaker
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Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Wait, you mean some parts of the country DON'T have these?  They're as common as sunshine here.  Usually right side of the sink and a plumber or handyman can install.  1/2 to 1 HP is plenty sufficient.  1/2 is the most common.  I've never NOT had one.

Jun 25, 2018 10:45 AM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Garbage Disposals:  Yes

Common in my area?  Yes

Who Installs?  A plumber, handyman, diy

Horsepower?  IDN

Septic Systems:  Proceed with caution

Do I have one?  Not currently, but had an INSINKERATOR

Side?  Right side of sink

Jun 25, 2018 09:39 AM
Rainmaker
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Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Yes they are popular but not with plumbers. No for septic systems. Usually on right hand side & that one discharge hose from dishwasher cannot be laying down like that. Has to be tacked up & elevated some how.

Jun 25, 2018 08:49 AM