Why Garburator Installations Are Trending In Calgary Kitchens This Year

Garburators (garbage disposal units) are quickly becoming a must-have in Calgary kitchens. These compact systems grind food waste and flush it down the drain, making cleanup faster and keeping kitchens cleaner. But beyond convenience, garburators offer significant benefits in terms of hygiene and sustainability.

In Calgary, where green initiatives are on the rise and homeowners are focusing on smarter upgrades, garburator installations have surged, especially during the spring and summer seasons. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or simply tired of clogged drains and smelly bins, this small upgrade might be exactly what you need.

Let’s explore why more homeowners are searching for garburator installation by expert plumbing contractors in Calgary, what to consider before installation, and how this kitchen trend is here to stay.

What Is A Garburator And Why Does It Matter

A garburator is a device installed beneath your kitchen sink that grinds up food scraps and flushes them down the drain. It’s connected to your plumbing and helps reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in your garbage can, or worse, clogs your pipes.

For homeowners in Calgary, garburators offer a practical solution to everyday kitchen mess. Whether you’re cooking a big meal or simply rinsing off dishes, a garburator makes cleanup more efficient. They’re especially popular in open-concept homes where cleanliness and odour control are a priority.

Why Calgary Homes Are Choosing Garburators

1. Summer Renovations Drive Upgrades

Spring and summer in Calgary are peak renovation seasons. With better weather and longer daylight hours, many homeowners take on kitchen improvement projects. Garburators have become a common part of those upgrades, especially for families tired of dealing with food scraps manually.

Adding a garburator is a low-impact renovation with a high return. It pairs perfectly with new countertops, sinks, or faucet upgrades.

2. Waste Reduction Supports City Goals

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, nearly 60% of food produced in Canada is wasted. Much of that ends up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions and environmental damage.

Calgary’s Green Cart program is already helping households compost food waste, but garburators take it a step further. They help manage small food scraps directly at the source, keeping bins cleaner and reducing household waste volume.

3. Cleaner Kitchens, Less Smell

Nobody wants lingering smells from food waste sitting in the garbage, especially in summer. Garburators eliminate odours by grinding up peels, scraps, and leftovers immediately. This helps reduce the presence of flies and pests, especially when outdoor heat accelerates food rot.

For Calgary families with pets or children, maintaining a cleaner, safer kitchen is a major benefit and a big reason garburators are gaining popularity.

4. Affordable Options Are Widely Available

While garburators were once considered a luxury feature, today they’re more accessible than ever. From entry-level units to high-end models, there’s something for every home and budget.

Many people searching for garburator installation costs are pleasantly surprised to learn that basic installs are reasonably priced, especially during other kitchen work.

5. Modern Garburators Are Built Better

Older models were noisy, underpowered, and prone to clogging. But modern garburators offer improved grinding, quieter motors, and enhanced durability. Some even include safety features and automatic shut-off mechanisms for added peace of mind.

If you’re wondering whether now is the time to install one, the answer is likely yes, especially if your current kitchen setup is already being upgraded.

When To Repair Or Replace A Garburator

If you already have a garburator and it’s showing signs of wear, it might be time to upgrade. Common signs include:

• Strange or loud noises during use
  
• Water leaks under the sink
  
• Unit fails to turn on or trips the breaker
  
• Frequent jams or slow-draining
  

In these cases, a garburator repair professional in Calgary can inspect the system and advise whether repair or replacement is the better option.

Older systems (over 8–10 years) typically benefit more from a full replacement, especially if parts are outdated or the motor is weakened.

DIY Or Hire A Plumber? Here’s The Smart Choice

Many homeowners consider DIY after searching for “how to install a kitchen garburator” online. While the process may seem straightforward, installing a garburator requires plumbing and electrical work, and a mistake can lead to water damage or electrical hazards.

Hiring a licensed plumber in Calgary ensures:

• Proper fit and safe installation
  
• Code compliance for plumbing and electrical systems
  
• Protection of your manufacturer’s warranty
  
• Peace of mind that it’s done right the first time
  

Most garburator installation in Calgary jobs take less than two hours when handled professionally.

What Happens During Installation

A professional installation typically includes:

1. Disconnecting your old system or configuring your sink
   
2. Installing the new garburator and connecting it to the plumbing
   
3. Testing for leaks and electrical safety
   
4. Providing care and maintenance advice
   

Your plumber may also recommend models based on your cooking habits and household size. Options range from 1/3 HP to 1 HP, with stainless steel components and soundproofing available.

Choosing The Right Garburator For Your Needs

Here’s what to consider when selecting a unit:

• Power: ½ HP is good for smaller homes; ¾ to 1 HP is ideal for frequent cooking and larger households
  
• Material: Stainless steel grinders are more durable and less prone to corrosion
  
• Feed Type: Continuous-feed units are most common, while batch-feed units are safer for families with children
  
• Noise Level: Look for insulated models that reduce sound during operation
  

Your plumber can help you choose the best model to suit your kitchen and ensure proper installation.

Why This Upgrade Pays Off

Garburator installation is one of those upgrades that pays dividends every single day. It simplifies kitchen cleanup, reduces food waste, and supports cleaner, more efficient living.

For Calgary homeowners, especially those renovating during spring and summer, a garburator adds convenience without disrupting the kitchen aesthetic. It’s discreet, functional, and increasingly standard in modern kitchens.

When paired with proper maintenance and professional installation, a garburator can last for years, making it a solid, worthwhile investment.

About Us

Jack’d Up Plumbing is a Calgary-based plumbing contractor specializing in residential plumbing services, including clogged drains, toilet repairs, faucet installations, and garburator installs. Known for our fast service, experienced technicians, and no-fuss solutions, we help homeowners across Calgary enjoy clean, functional plumbing every day.

Need help with a garburator?
Contact us today.