Best Garbage Disposal Air Switch – An air switch is one of the most significant trash disposal accessories you can buy, particularly if you don’t already have a wall switch. Your garbage disposal must be corded to a power source to utilize an air switch (not hard-wired). The majority of trash disposals come with a power cord, but if yours doesn’t, you should be able to purchase a power cord kit separately.
The disposal’s power cable will be hooked into the air switch’s control box, and the whole machine will be plugged into an electrical outlet. Garbage disposal air switches are a terrific addition for anybody with a garbage disposal, so we’ve compiled a list of the best ones available to choose the appropriate one for you.
Why Use An Air Switch?
Substitute for a wall switch: The air switch is a must-have item for individuals with island kitchen sinks and no wall on which to mount a wall switch. The air switch button connects to an outlet beneath the sink and may be simply fitted in a sinkhole or mounted on your countertop. You won’t have to deal with untidy electrical work or install a wall switch at an uncomfortably remote spot.
Easy Access
Many trash disposal controls are positioned within the base cabinet for easy access. You won’t have to bend over and reach inside the cabinet to turn your disposal on and off if you use an air switch.
Safety
Because air switches are actuated by a pulse of air rather than an electrical current, they are also safe to use. Electrical control is forced to open and shut by air pressure. When you press the air switch button once, the disposal will turn on, and when you press it again, the disposal will turn off.
Easy Installation
Finally, and most importantly, installing an air switch is simple. It just takes 30 minutes to complete. You won’t have to undertake any sophisticated electrical work compared to installing a wall switch.
How To Install An Air Switch In A Garbage Disposal
Although you may always pay someone to install your waste disposal switch, the procedure is relatively simple. You may want to pay someone to conduct the installation for you. If you don’t have a 120v electrical outlet beneath your sink and need to drill a hole in a countertop, you may use this method.
A pre-drilled hole for a soap dispenser is seen in many sinks. The trash disposal button may simply be inserted into these holes. Although you may need to drill a hole in the countertop in certain circumstances, if this is the case, you may want to hire a professional if you are not comfortable doing so.
Steps On How To Install An Air Switch In A Garbage Disposal
- Insert the tube into the air switch button’s bottom.
- Insert the tube’s end into the hole in your sink or countertop.
- To keep the air switch from moving, insert it in your sink or countertop hole and cover it with a hefty item.
- Calculate how much tubing you’ll need to reach the outlet comfortably. Remove the excess. If you need to replace your PVC tubing in the future, you may wish to save the excess tubing in a secure location.
- Seal the tubing and tighten it to the threads at the bottom of the countertop button by running the washer and tightening it to the threads at the bottom of the button.
- Place the tube’s end into the control box/air switch.
- Connect the control box/air switch to a power outlet.
- Connect the trash disposal to the air switch/control box.
Identifying and Resolving Problems
One advantage of garbage disposal air switches’ simple construction is that there isn’t much that can go wrong. If your air switch isn’t working as it should, you should first figure out which portion is causing the issue.
Simply press the countertop push button to do so. If you hear a click, the air switch is measuring air pressure and not the countertop push button. The air switch is not measuring air pressure if you don’t hear a click. This indicates a problem with the air tubing or the countertop button.
Problems with Countertop Buttons
The garbage disposal is a regularly used device in most houses. Thus it’s not unusual for problems with the push button to arise. Water may easily find its way inside the button, making it difficult to push. Alternatively, an internal component may fail or get worn.
You might attempt disassembling the button, but this is an excellent time to replace it with a new one in most situations. Perhaps you’d want to experiment with a different finish! The good thing is that you can simply replace the countertop button.
Problems with Air Tubing
It’s fairly unusual for the PVC air tubing that links the countertop button to the control box/air switch to be detached from the control box/air switch or the countertop button. If this is the case, replace the air tubing, and you’ll be good to go. It’s also conceivable that the tube has been kinked or has started to leak. When this occurs, the air tubing cannot send enough air to the control box’s air switch.
You may attempt to lose the air tube or seal a leak with electrical tape, but replacing the tubing is usually preferable. If you have any leftover tubing from when you installed the air switch kit, you may use it; otherwise, you’ll need to buy new tubing. It’s also conceivable that water or food has gotten stuck in the air tube. Clear the clog and reconnect the air tubing if this occurs.
Problems with Control Boxes and Air Switches
The air switch is located in the control box. The garbage disposal is connected to the control box attached to a wall outlet. The most typical problem is that the diaphragm has blown if the air tubing is in satisfactory operating condition, yet you hear a hissing sound coming from the control box/air switch. You’ll need to get a new air switch if this is the case. Many homeowners prefer to replace the whole trash disposal air switch kit when this is the case.
ALSO READ: What Causes Garbage Disposal To Leak From Bottom? Find Out!
Best Garbage Disposal Air Switch
Essential Values Disposal Air Switch
The Essential Values Disposal Air Switch is our top option, providing all the bells and whistles we desired and the durability we required. Its hose is made of high-quality vinyl that is both durable and flexible. Not to mention that it’s six feet long, making it suitable for almost any switch location. The button is chrome in appearance.
As the name implies, this Essential Values air switch has two outlets, so you can connect a second device to it and run it with the same degree of increased safety. The switch switches electricity between the two outlets, ensuring that they are never both turned on simultaneously. This feature guarantees that your circuits do not get overloaded due to needing to operate a water heater and a garbage disposal at the same time.
This air switch has it all and at a reasonable price. It also includes several finish choices for the button (although just three) to complement your décor.
Pros
- Durable and safe to use
- Has 2 outlets
- Easy to install
- Long hose
Cons
- None
Cleesink Sink Top Air Switch Kit
If you want to save money and don’t need all of the bells and whistles of our top option, we recommend the Cleesink Sink Top Air Switch Kit. It doesn’t have dual outlets, and the hose is just five feet long, but that should be enough for most people.
If you intend on installing the button in a typical location with an averagely sized sink, you won’t need two outlets, and you won’t need a hose longer than five feet. The Cleesink is nonetheless sturdy and effective despite not having those additional items. It just works. This switch also offers a few more button finish options.
Pros
- Safe to use
- Easy to install
- Budget-friendly
- Works with any garbage disposal
Cons
- No power cord included
Northstar Décor AS010 Air Switch
Because it comes in several finishes to fit any kitchen décor, the Northstar Décor AS010 air switch is an easy suggestion. The switch is simple to set up and use. It has a wonderful appearance and fits flat against any surface.
The 6-foot-long tubing that comes with the switch is included. Because this is longer than most people need, trim the tubing to the necessary length for a smoother installation.
This air switch is less expensive than typical trash disposal air switches. These “third-party” switches will work with any garbage disposal, so you don’t have to purchase one that matches the brand of your garbage disposal.
Pros
- Durable and easy to use
- Comes with a long tube
- Works on all types of garbage disposal
- Stylish alternative than wall switch
Cons
- Does not have 2 outlets
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch
The InSinkErator garbage disposal Air Switch, model STS-OOSN, is also a dual outlet switch, allowing you to use a single electrical outlet to power both your garbage disposal and an instant hot water dispenser.
You may choose an air button kit with a nickel finish or one with a chrome and white button finish. InSinkErator also offers various button colors, including matte black and french gold, which may be ordered individually.
A 6-foot airline and a 33-inch power wire are included with the package. It is compatible with all InSinkErator waste disposal models and the majority of other garbage disposals. This air switch kit is pricier than many other air switches.
Pros
- Dual outlets
- Suitable for any garbage disposal
- Comes with button colors
- Simple to install
Cons
- Quite expensive
SINKINGDOM SinkTop Air Switch Kit
The Sinkingdom single outlet comes in matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, champagne bronze, antique copper, and brushed nickel. Finding a switch that suits your décor might be challenging, especially if you’ve chosen something a bit out of the ordinary. You can, however, discover your mate with these switches!
Garbage disposals with a power rating of up to 3 HP are also supported. Many switches have a maximum power rating of 1 HP. If you have a more powerful trash disposal device, this is the switch to use.
Pros
- Comes in various
- Suitable for powerful garbage disposal
- Works perfectly
- Easy to install
Cons
- Has a single outlet
Best Garbage Disposal Air Switch FAQs
Are Garbage Disposal Air Switches Safe?
Yes, air switches are safe to use. There is no power at the point of contact with the countertop trash disposal button, despite the control box/air switch being hooked into an electrical outlet beneath the sink. As a result, the danger of electrical shock is reduced.
Where Should A Disposal Air Switch Be Placed?
The ideal position for the disposal switch is close to the faucet, on an air switch on your counter. Having the air switch there will neither damage or break your granite. So many people on this site have an air switch near the faucet in their countertops, yet we’ve never heard of it breaking the granite.
Why Do Garbage Disposals Use Air Switch?
Instead of installing an electrical switch on the flat surface of the counter, where water leaks might pose a possibly lethal shock hazard, a garbage disposal air switch avoids that risk and allows for a user-pleasant horizontal arrangement.
How Do You Bypass The Air Switch On A Garbage Disposal?
Make sure the garbage disposal switch is turned off. To reset the garbage disposal, gently push the red button in. Wait 10 minutes and try again if it does not stay in (retracted). Turn on a cold stream of water, and the disposal switch to “ON.” The disposal should now flow normally.
Do You Need An Air Gap If You Have A Garbage Disposal?
An air gap is a straightforward approach to ensure that wastewater and toxins do not re-enter your pure water supply. The last thing you want is your dishes to come out stained with filth blasted in from your blocked trash disposal while being washed.
