A garbage disposal is a convenient tool in your kitchen that helps keep your sink clean by grinding up food waste. However, many homeowners are unaware of how to use it properly, which can lead to clogs, odors, and even costly repairs. To help you avoid these issues, we’ve compiled a list of essential do’s and don’ts for using your garbage disposal effectively.
The Do’s of Using Your Garbage Disposal
Do Run Cold Water While Using the Disposal
Always run cold water when using your garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fats, allowing them to be ground up more easily and preventing them from coating the pipes. Once the grinding is complete, let the water run for a few seconds to flush any remaining debris down the drain.
Do Cut Large Food Items Into Smaller Pieces
Before placing large food scraps into the disposal, make sure to cut them into smaller pieces. Large chunks of food can put a strain on your disposal’s motor, leading to jams or a clogged drain. Cutting food into smaller pieces will make the grinding process much smoother and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
Do Clean Your Disposal Regularly
To keep your garbage disposal functioning properly, clean it regularly. You can grind up ice cubes or citrus peels to help clean the blades and eliminate odors. Additionally, using baking soda and vinegar can help eliminate any grease buildup inside the disposal.
Do Use the Disposal for Organic Waste Only
Garbage disposals are designed to handle organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and small amounts of meat. Using your disposal for the right types of waste will keep it running smoothly and avoid unnecessary strain on the motor.
Do Contact a Professional for Repairs
If your garbage disposal starts making unusual noises, becomes jammed, or isn’t working properly, contact a professional plumber. Attempting to repair the disposal yourself can lead to more serious damage, and a professional plumber will have the tools and expertise needed to fix the issue.
The Don’ts of Using Your Garbage Disposal
Don’t Put Non-Food Items in the Disposal
One of the most important things to remember is to never put non-food items into your garbage disposal. Things like plastic, metal, glass, and paper can cause damage to the blades and motor. Avoid putting anything that isn’t biodegradable down the drain.
Don’t Dispose of Grease or Oil
Grease, fats, and oils should never go down your garbage disposal. When these substances cool, they can solidify and cause clogs in your pipes. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Don’t Overload the Disposal
It can be tempting to load up the garbage disposal with a lot of food scraps at once, but overloading it can lead to jams and motor strain. Add food waste in small batches, allowing the disposal to grind the food efficiently before adding more.
Don’t Use Your Disposal as a Trash Can
While a garbage disposal is a helpful kitchen tool, it’s not a replacement for your trash can. Avoid putting large amounts of food waste, bones, or fibrous materials like celery and corn husks down the drain. These materials can damage the disposal and clog your pipes.
Don’t Ignore Strange Noises or Smells
If your disposal starts making grinding noises or emits unpleasant odors, don’t ignore them. These are signs that something is wrong with your unit. Continuing to use it without addressing the issue can lead to more significant problems down the road, such as complete failure of the unit or a clogged drain.
Protect Your Garbage Disposal with Proper Care
Proper care and maintenance of your garbage disposal can extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined above, you can avoid clogs, odors, and other plumbing issues. If you're experiencing problems with your garbage disposal or need assistance with installation or repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hull Plumbing, Inc.
Contact Hull Plumbing, Inc. Today!
Our team of experienced plumbers is here to help with all your plumbing needs, including garbage disposal installation, maintenance, and repair. Give us a call or visit our website to schedule an appointment and keep your kitchen running smoothly!