Tips to Help Keep Garbage Disposals Working Properly
When prepping for the holidays, the last thing homeowners want to deal with is a clogged or broken garbage disposal or a clogged drain or sewer line. Fortunately, there are things homeowners can do to help avoid problems with the garbage disposal, which can also help them avoid clogs.
Foods You Should Never Put Down the Garbage Disposal
Certain food items should never go down the garbage disposal, as they can cause problems for the disposal as well as clogs and blockages in the pipes. Grease, fats, and cooking oils should never go down the drain. These can easily cause blockages when they solidify. Instead, they should always be thrown away in the trash after cooling down.
Homeowners should also avoid putting things like stringy vegetables down the disposal, expandable foods like pasta and rice, hard items like bones and fruit pits, coffee grounds, and eggshells. When in doubt whether something can do down the disposal, it’s best to be cautious and throw it in the garbage to avoid problems. Another tip is to limit how much food is placed in the garbage disposal. Putting too much of any food down at once, even foods that can go into the disposal, can cause issues.
Run Cold Water When Using the Garbage Disposal
When using the garbage disposal, plumbers recommend that homeowners run cool water while using it and for at least 10 seconds after it’s off. Some of the advantages of running cold water while using the garbage disposal include:
- Keep food scraps flowing through the system to prevent clogs in the garbage disposal or pipes.
- Keep the motor cool and prevent it from overheating.
- Help grind down the food by adding water to the mixture.
- Prevent foul odors by preventing food from getting stuck in the garbage disposal.
In addition to running cool water, homeowners can also place ice cubes down the garbage disposal occasionally. Doing this can help dislodge food that has gotten stuck and sharpen the blades.
Have a Plumber Perform Garbage Disposal Services
When a garbage disposal unit malfunctions and homeowners notice warning signs of a faulty unit, such as their garbage disposal humming, leaking, or not working, they should resist the urge to try to make the repairs themselves and call professionals.
Occasionally, the garbage disposal reset button could help, but needing to use it or use it too often can also indicate a larger problem with the unit that needs attention. Plumbers have the expertise to safely repair and replace garbage disposals quickly. So whether homeowners need garbage disposal repair, a garbage disposal installation, or a garbage disposal replacement, call an expert to have it done right.
About My Professional Plumber
My Professional Plumber is a family-owned and operated company serving Maryville, TN, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate prices, on-time service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Maryville, TN.