What Is an Air Switch on a Waste Disposal Unit and How Does It Work?

At first glance, the term “air switch” may seem like something you’d find on a jet or a spacecraft. However, air switches are actually a common feature on many waste disposal units. If you’re not familiar with this technology, you might be wondering what an air switch is, how it works and why it matters. In this article, we’ll explain all of that and more, so you can have a better understanding of your waste disposal unit and how to use it.

What Is a Waste Disposal Unit?

Before we get into air switches, it’s worth taking a moment to define what we mean by a waste disposal unit. This is a device that is installed in your kitchen sink and is designed to grind up food waste so that it can be safely sent down the drain. Waste disposal units are convenient, hygienic and eco-friendly, as they help to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills.

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So, now that we know what a waste disposal unit is, what exactly is an air switch? Essentially, an air switch is a button that you can press to turn your waste disposal unit on or off. What makes it different from a regular switch is that instead of using electricity to activate the disposal, an air switch uses air pressure.

How Does an Air Switch Work?

To understand how an air switch works, it’s helpful to know a bit about the waste disposal unit itself. Inside the unit is a spinning disc with sharp blades that grind up food waste. When you turn on the unit, the blades start to spin and water is introduced to help move the waste through the system.

When you press the air switch button, it activates a small air compressor that sends a burst of air through a tube and into the unit. This burst of air activates a pressure switch that turns on the waste disposal unit. When you release the button, the air pressure is released and the unit turns off.

Why Use an Air Switch?

So, why would you want to use an air switch instead of a regular switch? One reason is that it can be more convenient. If you have wet hands, for example, it’s safer to press an air switch than it is to touch an electrical switch. Additionally, air switches can be mounted on your countertop or sink, making them easier to access than a switch that is mounted under the sink.

Another advantage of an air switch is that it eliminates the need for an electrical connection under the sink. This can be a safer and more convenient option, especially if you’re not comfortable working with electricity.

How to Install an Air Switch

If you’re interested in installing an air switch on your waste disposal unit, it’s important to do so safely and correctly. First, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need an air switch kit, which typically includes the button, tubing and an air compressor. You’ll also need a drill, a hole saw and a screwdriver.

To install the air switch, you’ll need to drill a hole in your countertop or sink. The size of the hole will depend on the air switch kit you’ve purchased, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Once the hole is drilled, you’ll need to run the tubing from the switch to the waste disposal unit. This may involve some cutting and trimming, so be sure to use caution and follow the instructions carefully.

Once the tubing is in place, you can connect it to the air compressor and test the system to make sure it’s working properly. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional plumber to handle the installation.

Looking to buy and Air Switch Model, visit our Air Switch Waste Disposal Unit page

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