Can leak due to metallic housing corroding
Written: Dec 10 '03 (Updated Nov 18 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The unit is certainly powerful, relatively quiet, and easy to install.
Cons: Food left sitting in the grinding chamber may cause corrosion and a leak.
The Bottom Line: Given its cost, unit should only be installed where it is not likely to be abused.
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| buczacz's Full Review: InSinkErator 3/4 HP Heavy-Duty Disposal 444 |
As a property manager responsible for dozens of apartment units, I want long lasting disposals as installation cost is not insignificant. Until they went out of production, I installed Insinkerator 333's. The 333's are very durable. Since about Dec.'98, I've been installing Insinkerator 444's; unfortunately, I've already had to replace some.
Both the 444's and the 333's have a metal (aluminum?) case enclosing the grinding chamber. However, in the 333's the metal case is protected by a 1/8 inch thick plastic liner. In the 444's, the food acids can eat through the metal and cause leaks. Corrosion of the chambers used to be a problem in the old and less expensive Insinkerator Bager Disposals. I suspect that where the tenants do not frequently used their disposal, acids build up in the grinding chamber and gradually eat through the metal.
The problem is not only that the 444's leak if not used properly, but that the problem is not easily recognized. My unit seemed to be leaking from the gasket between the drain and the disposal. After trying two new gaskets, I replaced disposal in frustration. It was only after I had unit out, and I removed the sound insulating material that I realized the leak was not from the gasket but from holes in the metal case. There were numerous tiny holes in the case at the points corresponding to the gaps in the grinding ring.
This is definitely not a disposal to be installed in rental units where the tenant is not likely to complain of a jammed disposal because they fear their rent might be increased.
UPDATE... NOVEMBER 2005 -
Insinkerator has been very prompt on replacing leaking units within warrantee.
When buying an Insinkerator 444, make sure you get manufactured since January 2005, so as to get a unit with the latest improvements. The "05" date code should be visible through the window in the box.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
buczacz
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Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 1 member
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