Garbage Disposal Tips
The holidays can be a joyful and stressful time for everyone. While much attention is given to family meals, garbage disposals typically go unnoticed. To keep garbage disposals working for as long as possible, it’s helpful to remember a few essential tips.
Know What the Garbage Disposal Can Handle
Garbage disposals can sound a little like a metal factory once turned on, but they are not as strong as they seem. Even if they can filter certain foods through the plumbing system, these textures can significantly damage the blades.
A few preventative measures will keep homeowners from constantly hitting the garbage disposal reset button. This includes disposing of most food waste in a garbage bin and not the garbage disposal.
Coffee grounds, while small, should never be thrown down the garbage disposal. Once wet, coffee grounds become hard and compact morsels that wreak havoc on the plumbing system. Not only can they hurt the garbage disposal, but they frequently cause obstructions deep within the piping. Instead of tossing them down the sink, compost piles are a better solution.
Grease will not harm the garbage disposal blades, but it will cause clogs to form. As it sits at the bottom of the disposal, other particles stick to this substance, forming minor blockages throughout the system. Homeowners are advised to dispose of fats and oils in the trash if possible.
Since egg shells are easily crushable, many people assume they can be safely tossed in the garbage disposal. This is not true. The membrane of the egg negatively affects the garbage disposal by wrapping itself around the blades.
Ice cubes, citrus fruits, and certain natural soaps are all safe to go in the garbage disposal. Most finely chopped meats are also okay.
A Clean Garbage Disposal
Before and after using the garbage disposal, it is advised that homeowners run a steady stream of water through the drain. Cold water will help keep the blades clean and sharp. Since pieces of food and oil will inevitably stick to the metal, washing them away keeps the blades functional for longer.
After running the garbage disposal, the sink may look clean, but the disposal is usually full of remains. Not only will this smell, but it slowly erodes the blades over time. Rinsing the disposal out takes a short time, but the food and the number of people eating should be considered.
For large feasts, the garbage disposal will need to work overtime to prevent blockages from building in the plumbing system. A thorough rinse takes approximately ten minutes. This should be done while the garbage disposal is on.
Ice cubes are an effective way of dislodging food from deep within the disposal. Although crunchy, they are sharp enough to get rid of solid food stuck between the blades.
Hire Plumbers With Garbage Disposal Experience
Garbage disposal installation, as well as repairs, are best handled by professionals.
Garbage disposal repair is dangerous. Even if the switch is turned off, homeowners are never advised to stick their hands down the garbage disposal. Plumbers have specialized tools to work within the inside of a plumbing system. These tools can also be used for garbage disposal.
Common signs of damaged or clogged garbage disposal include strange noises, frequent clogs, and water leaks. Even if the power works, the garbage disposal may still be broken. Garbage disposal humming should not be an issue after repairs.
About The Plumbing Dr
The Plumbing Dr has won numerous awards, including Angi’s Super Service Award, and is dedicated to providing their customers with the very best service. Their technicians always arrive on time, provide honest advice, and never start work without providing you with a price. Call today for garbage disposal repair and services in Falls Church, VA.
