.2504161332321.jpg)
A garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance, but improper use can lead to clogs, unpleasant odors, or even costly repairs. Knowing how to care for and maintain your garbage disposal can save you money and extend its lifespan. At Anytime Plumbing 365, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the do’s and don’ts of keeping your garbage disposal in top shape.
Do Use Cold Water When Running the Disposal
Always run cold water while your garbage disposal is operating, and leave it running for a few seconds afterward. Cold water helps solidify grease and other debris, making it easier for the blades to chop them into smaller pieces. This prevents buildup in your pipes and ensures the disposal can do its job effectively.
Don’t Put Grease or Oil Down the Disposal
Grease, oil, and fat might go down the drain as a liquid, but they’ll solidify in your pipes, leading to clogs over time. Instead of pouring them into your disposal, collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash once it cools. Keeping these substances out of your drain is one of the easiest ways to avoid plumbing issues.
Do Cut Food Scraps into Smaller Pieces
Your garbage disposal is powerful, but it’s not designed to handle large chunks of food. To avoid overworking the motor or jamming the blades, cut large food scraps into smaller, manageable pieces before dropping them in the disposal. This simple habit can help keep your disposal running efficiently.
Don’t Put Fibrous or Stringy Foods in the Disposal
Foods like celery, onion skins, corn husks, and asparagus are tough and fibrous, making them difficult for your disposal to break down. They can get tangled around the blades and cause jams. Avoid putting any stringy or fibrous materials into your disposal to prevent damage and ensure smooth operation. Toss these items into the compost or trash instead.
Do Clean Your Garbage Disposal Regularly
Cleaning your garbage disposal is essential for keeping it odor-free and running smoothly. To clean it safely, start by turning the disposal off. Then, grind up ice cubes and coarse salt to dislodge debris from the blades. For extra freshness, grind up citrus peels like lemon or orange. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can corrode the components of your disposal.
Don’t Put Hard Items Into the Disposal
Hard items such as bones, fruit pits, or shells can damage the blades and motor of your garbage disposal. These items are too tough for the machine to process and often lead to clogs or equipment failure. Save your disposal by disposing of these hard objects in the trash or compost.
Do Operate the Disposal Often
Using your garbage disposal regularly prevents rust and corrosion while ensuring it stays in optimal working condition. Even if you don’t have food scraps to grind, running the disposal with cold water for a few seconds can help keep its mechanics lubricated and functioning as they should.
Don’t Overload the Disposal
It’s tempting to stuff all your food scraps into the disposal at once, but overloading it can strain the motor and lead to clogs. Feed food waste into the disposal gradually to give the machine time to process everything thoroughly, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.
Know When to Call in the Professionals
While following these do’s and don’ts will help extend the life of your garbage disposal, problems can still occur. If your disposal is jammed, making strange noises, or not working altogether, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
At Anytime Plumbing 365, our skilled plumbers are here to help diagnose and repair any issues with your garbage disposal. Don’t wait for small problems to turn into major repairs. Contact us today for quick and reliable plumbing services!