Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts
Of all the appliances ever created for the kitchen, most people would agree that the garbage disposal has been the one that has made life extremely easy. While it’s capable of doing plenty of things, you need to remember that if you don’t give your disposal the respect it deserves, lots of things can go wrong. If you’re eager to avoid unnecessary problems and learn how to use your garbage disposal correctly, our pros here at Boss Plumbing have compiled all the garbage disposal do’s and don’ts you’ll ever need to know.
What is the Correct Way to Use a Garbage Disposal?
Since your garbage disposal seems invincible, you may think there’s nothing to worry about in terms of its operation. However, if you know how to properly use a garbage disposal, you’ll save yourself from needing repairs and being without the services of your disposal for days or longer.
One of the best things you can do is to only use cold water with your garbage disposal, and to make sure the cold water is always running when it’s in use. Since this will keep waste moving down the drain and ensure any grease or fat will solidify rather than liquify, doing this on a regular basis will help prevent a sink backup and the need for drain cleaning services to be performed in your kitchen.
It’s also important that you do not overload your garbage disposal, since this can make your disposal’s motor overheat as well as damage the disposal blades.
Last but not least, it’s a good idea to make sure silverware is kept away from your garbage disposal’s opening, and to remove any rings or other jewelry from your hands prior to using it. On numerous occasions, we have been called to homes to repair garbage disposals that were damaged due to small objects such as these finding their way down the drain.
What Can Damage a Garbage Disposal?
When the wrong things are put into a garbage disposal, varying amounts of damage can occur. As for what should not be put into your garbage disposal, here’s a list of the things that can cause the most damage.
1. Fibrous Material
Celery stalks, corn husks, and other fibrous materials can entangle within a disposal’s blades. If done on a regular basis, the damage can become so bad that you will be buying a new garbage disposal and then calling us to schedule an installation at your home.
2. Cigarette Butts and Coffee Grounds
Both of these can quickly accumulate in your drain, leading to clogs and horrible smells coming from your disposal.
3. Expandable Foods
Should you put pasta or rice down your garbage disposal, they will expand as they enter the drain and pipes, since they will be mixing with water. As a result, you’ll need our residential plumbing experts to come to the rescue.
4. Glass, Plastic, and Paper
Glass, plastic, and paper should always be tossed into a nearby trash can, rather than sent down the drain of your garbage disposal. Otherwise, blades get bent, drains get clogged, and you’ve got a disposal that’s likely going to be in need of major repairs or even replacement.
Garbage Disposal Do’s
To keep your disposal in top condition, here’s what you should do regularly.
Run it Daily
This will help prevent rust and corrosion, keep moving parts in good condition, and lessen the chances of having a clogged drain.
Cut Larger Items into Smaller Pieces
Cut larger pieces of food and put them into the garbage disposal one at a time instead of trying to shove a large amount in at once.
Grind Citrus Fruit Peelings
Doing this will keep your drain smelling fresh and give your disposal’s blades a good workout.
Keep it Clean
One of the best things you can do to avoid kitchen plumbing repairs is to pour soap down your disposal and run cold water for several minutes. This will get rid of any food particles that may have started to build up.
Tend to Problems Early On
If you notice strange noises or your disposal not working as usual, call us here at Boss Plumbing right away.
Have a Regular Maintenance Schedule
To keep your garbage disposal working well and for a long time, have a regular maintenance schedule. By having it looked at once per year by an experienced plumber, small problems can be detected and fixed before they do major damage.
Garbage Disposal Don’ts
If you do the following, you’ll definitely need a new garbage disposal in your kitchen.
Don’t Put Grease and Fat Down the Drain
This will clog your drain, put strain on your blades and motor, and decrease the lifespan of your disposal.
Don’t Turn Off the Disposal Prematurely
Wait until the grinding is finished before you shut off your disposal. Otherwise, food particles will accumulate.
Avoid Bleach and Drain Cleaners
These harsh chemicals will quickly damage disposal blades and pipes, meaning you’ll need plumbing repair services to get your disposal working properly.
Avoid the DIY Fix
If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll just create more problems with your disposal.
Trust Our Garbage Disposal Experts
Whether you need garbage disposal installation, repair, or maintenance, trust our garbage disposal experts here at Boss Plumbing. By calling us today for all your garbage disposal and other plumbing needs, you’ll get service you can trust at a price you can afford.
