I rarely write reviews. So let this serve as an indicator that I am impressed.
I was hesitant on this switch. Some of that is because I think such things are often just a gimmick, or a "nice to have" that actually makes us lazier. Perhaps it could said that it has made me lazier, actually though... I think I use my disposal MORE often now. I was lazier before I got this because reaching up to turn on the toggle switch on the wall was just a bother right? ( Yeah I'm that lazy at times. )
Anyhow, this thing is "air-gapped". And it's great. This means there is zero interaction between electricity, water, and your hand.
When you depress the button to turn it on, you can feel the air pocket as if your squeezing a barely inflated balloon. This sensation is very different than what I am used to, so it makes me skeptical about whether or will actually turn the power off. But it does, every time. It just took some getting used to.
And I did get used to it. I love pushing the little silver button, letting it run, and then pushing it again to stop. It's not a momentary on switch. It's a toggle style switch.
The installation was insanely easy, it was only exasperated by the fact that it was under the sink -- all under sink work is harder of course because of various factors. I don't count that against this device of course. It's necessary.
I am very mechanically inclined, have all the tools type of thing. And I say this with the complete newb DIY person in mind. You can definitely install it.
Now I already had a spare hole in my sink basin from a previously installed soap pump that we no longer use. So I didn't have to drill another hole. Keep that in mind, you will need to drill one out if you don't already have one. A drill, drill bit, and a large enough stepper bit will be required. But that too is VERY easy. If you have a metallic basin that is.
If you have stone or something else, you're on your own. That is slightly more difficult, but still not too bad with diamond hole saws and burrs.
As for looks, looks professional.
And this is my greatest appreciation of the button above all, and also another reason I was hesitant. I was concerned that like might accidentally activate the switch, or it might get brushed/hit and turned on.
I have pet parrots, and they like to play on the sink. I was thinking if they stepped on it, it dropped a toy on it, it may activate.
After using it, I can't really see how that would happen. You have to depress the switch about an inch, to an inch and a quarter past the bezel in order to activate it. The further you press it, the harder it gets (it's an air activated switch remember). It feels very natural and satisfying. And the button press has to be intentional.
You plug the switch into your existing outlet, and then plug the disposal into the new box - like an outlet expander or extension cord. That box then only turns on when you activate the switch.
So in practice, you will leave your old disposal switch "on" all the time. When you want the disposal to come on, you press the switch, then press it again to toggle it off. It's simple and clever.
The switch is connected to the toggle device by an air hose. You can sort of adjust the switch functionality dependent upon how long the hose is, and how many turns/loops you leave in it.
For me, I just made a mostly straight run from the switch to the box, no loops, I left a little extra length in case it is needed in the future.
Take the robe to think about how you will route the air hose connection, the instructions say you want to keep it straight for it to function properly. I advise doing that. But giving yourself a little extra hose so it doesn't bind it kink (like a water hose) is probably a good idea.
Buy it, you won't regret it.
Manufacturer | CLEESINK |
---|---|
Part Number | BHY001M2WM |
Item Weight | 11.3 ounces |
Package Dimensions | 5.47 x 4.53 x 3.11 inches |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Size | SHORT/2" |
Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
Style | SHORT/2" |
Finish | BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL |
Material | Aluminum Alloy |
Pattern | Modern |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
Switch Style | Pushbutton Switch |
Batteries Included? | No |
Batteries Required? | No |