Are sink food waste disposers illegal to install?
It's a question we get a lot. Food waste disposers, the units under the kitchen sink that grind food scraps so they wash down the drain, are not banned in homes in general. In Sydney homes they're commonly installed, by a licensed plumber, with a certified product. Businesses are a different story and fall under trade waste rules. But whether a disposer is a good idea for your particular home depends on your pipes. Here's what to check first.
What to check before you buy
Certified product
The unit should be an approved, certified product for connection to plumbing in Australia.
Your pipes
Old clay pipes with roots, sags or a long kitchen line under the house can struggle with ground-up food. A camera check is worth it if you've had blockages.
Power
Disposers need a power point under the sink, installed by a licensed electrician if there isn't one.
Septic or pump systems
Homes on a pump-out or treatment system need extra care. Ask us first.
Using a disposer well
- Run cold water while it's on and for a few seconds after.
- Never put fat, oil or grease down it, even ground up.
- Avoid fibrous scraps (corn husks, celery strings), large bones, coffee grounds in bulk and eggshells in quantity.
- It doesn't replace the bin or the compost for everything.
How we install them
We check your kitchen waste and the line it drains into, fit the disposer with the right connections and trap, and test it. If your pipes aren't suitable, we'll tell you straight. You get a fixed price before any work starts. See blocked sinks and fat build-up in drains.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Many older homes in Matraville, Maroubra and Kingsford have long kitchen lines under timber floors that already collect fat. In those homes we recommend a camera check before adding a disposer.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Are food waste disposers illegal in Sydney?
Not for homes in general. They're commonly installed by licensed plumbers using certified units. Businesses fall under trade waste rules.
Can a food waste disposer block my drains?
It can if the pipes are old, root-affected or poorly graded, or if fat goes down with the food.
Do I need a power point for a disposer?
Yes, a power point under the sink, installed by a licensed electrician.
What shouldn't go in a disposer?
Fat and oil, fibrous scraps, large bones and big amounts of coffee grounds or eggshells.
Related help: blocked sinks, white build-up in drains, CCTV drain inspection and gurgling drains. Local pages: Matraville, Maroubra, Kingsford and Coogee.