disposal switch button in counter vs. wall switch

dcb1_2008

16 years ago

I talked with my electrician today and he suggested having the disposal be switched on by a button switch in the granite countertop.

It is the type that you have to hold it for it to stay on and then when you release it the disposal shuts off. I'd have to drill another hole in my granite, but that's ok.

Does anyone have this type of switch and like it or not like it?

Thanks,

Dave

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Comments (12)

dcb1_2008
Original Author
16 years ago
Maybe I'm wrong...does the switch have to be held on for the disposal to operate or do you press it once to turn on and once to turn off?
hest88
16 years ago
I have an Insinkator air switch but I *think* they all work the same. When I press it it turns on and I need to press it again to turn it off. So, no holding down involved at all!
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"It sounds all well and good to have a large array of things sitting along your countertop sink line" I do not think there should be an "array of things" along the back of the sink. The air gap is not required if you have a dishwasher with a high loop - dishwashers sold in the last 10 years or more come with the high-loop pre-installed. If you live in the one state in the U.S. that has a code requirement for an air gap (California), you put in the air gap for the inspection, and after that, replace it with an in-counter soap dispenser - as long as your dishwasher has a high loop hose. As has been said in this thread, use a batch feed disposal and you'll not need a button or switch anywhere for the disposal. I have a batch feed disposal. My sink has a single-hole faucet and an in-counter soap dispenser. i.e. two holes behind my sink. That is all.
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You'd have to see how the unit was wired from the box (which plugs into the outlet, and then the GD plugs into the box) to the pushbutton. If it's all sealed connection, then no, b/c it would be really hard to run the wire (with pushbutton attached) behind the sheetrock. Not to mention inspector wouldn't allow it b/c then you'd be mudding the switch into the wall, not an approved box/device. If there were wirenut connections inside the box and you could figure out how to mount the pushbutton in the wall (still might need plastic box?), run the wires down the stud cavity and out under the sink to the box (would have to be approved junction box) then maybe. But all you're gaining here is the air gap. Ergonomically, it's the same as having a wall switch. Just looks different from a light switch. But if you really want the switch on the wall behind the sink, it would be easier to put a horizontally-mounted box in with a switch for the GD/outlet, and label it "GD" so no one turns it on while you're stuffing leftovers down the drain. A standard electrical box will fit in 4" backsplash if turned sideways. Sorry, it's been 11.5 years since I installed one of these on a tub deck and it was hardwired (not a switched outlet that you plugged tub into).
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Lexluthor, it's not a stupid question. I didn't know what one was until I encountered the term here--and then I had to have one (two, actually!). An airswitch is an alternative to a wall switch. It's the little button on the counter to the right of the faucet in my pic. In most cases here, it's to operate the garbage disposal, although it could be used for just about anything with an on/off switch. Most people who use them like not having the clutter of a wall switch on their backsplash, or in the case of a garbage disposal in an island, having an easily accessible place for the switch. I have them at both sinks and love them.
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you may want to consider doing an undermount sink rather than a drop-in, so as to allow all your holes to be in the granite. it would make for a much cleaner look. (easier to clean up around as well). if i may ask, why are you planning on a drop-in sink?
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dcb1_2008
Original Author
16 years ago
That sounds great. So are there any downsides to this type of switch? Easy to clean around?
tamjo44
16 years ago
Like hest88, mine is an air switch. Press to turn on and off. In 3 months I haven't found a downside. It is so much more convenient. Before, I had to close the DW and reach clear across a counter to flip the switch. A friend says hers is one of her favorite features of her kitchen remodel. It was easy to install and not that expensive.
janwad
16 years ago
Think about batch feed as well. There are no holes to drill, no switches anywhere - one less thing to worry about. I really like mine.
jimandanne_mi
16 years ago
We've got one of each. Either is fine; I think it would depend on the location of the switch, and how you want things to look.

Anne
lightlystarched
16 years ago
I'm going to second the suggestion to look at batch feed disposals. We got an Insinkerator 3/4 hp cover control and I love it. No switches in the wall or counter, no black rubber grimy flange, and very very quiet.
sdlacrow
16 years ago
What is a batch feed disposal? Does it turn on anytime you put something in or is it activated by something? I like the idea of not having an extra hole in the granite and don't like the switch on the wall.
jtsgranite4us
16 years ago
I have my disposal switch button under the cabinet on the right side of the sink. It is all the way in the back of the cabinet and is hidden from view.
dscheidt
16 years ago
A batch feed disposal is turned on by putting the cover in, and turning it. the switch is inside the drain.
Another possibility is a switch inside the sink cabinet. You have to open a door to run the disposer, but there's no chance that it gets turned on by mistake.
pompeii
16 years ago
One thing I've always wondered about a batch feed: if you have to hold the cover down to turn it on, how does the water get in there while it is running?

FWIW, I have a regular disposal with an air switch. I like it just fine, but a batch feed would be great as well.
spoonwood
16 years ago
Here's another recommendation for a batch feed. Our sink is in our island, so the question of where to locate the switch came up. We went with a batch feed - and love it. There are slots in the cover which allow the water to run through as the disposer is grinding food. We have a 1 hp Kitchenaid; it comes with a stainless drain cover.

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disposal switch button in counter vs. wall switch

Comments (12)

dcb1_2008
Original Author

hest88

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disposal switch button in counter vs. wall switch

Comments (12)

dcb1_2008Original Author

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dcb1_2008
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