Take Better Care of the Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal can be an important part of kitchen plumbing, grinding away food waste so the pieces can travel safer through the plumbing system and reducing the risk of sewer line clogs. However, malfunctioning garbage disposals or using the garbage disposal incorrectly, like putting the wrong foods down it, can disrupt the kitchen routine, leading to repair or replacement, and cause a clogged sewer line. So, it’s crucial to use garbage disposals correctly to avoid problems. This post will share good habits and tips to help keep the garbage disposal running smoothly.
Be Careful What Goes Down the Disposal
A garbage disposal is designed to handle certain types of food waste, but not everything should take a trip down the drain. People should avoid putting fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, artichokes, and more), starchy foods (pasta, rice, potato peels), cooking grease or oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, and non-food items down the disposal. These items can wrap around the blades, cause other problems for garbage disposals, and lead to clogs. Additionally, hard materials like bones, fruit pits, nuts, and seafood shells should never enter the disposal as they can damage it.
So, what can safely go down the disposal? Fruit and vegetable scraps, small pieces of cooked meats, and citrus peels, which actually help clean and freshen the disposal, are acceptable. However, there are some exceptions, such as potato peels and fibrous vegetables. Remember that garbage disposals are a convenient tool for small food waste, not a replacement for the garbage can. So, when in doubt, throw it out.
Use Cold Water and Ice
Cold water is a garbage disposal's best friend during operation. Unlike hot water, which can melt fats and grease that later solidify and cause clogs, cold water helps solidify food particles so they can be effectively ground up and flushed away. Always run cold water before turning on the disposal, continue running it while the unit operates, and keep it flowing for at least 15-20 seconds after turning the disposal off. This helps the food waste get through the disposal chamber and move through the pipes.
For a deeper clean without chemicals, ice cubes can work wonders for the disposal. Routinely run ice cubes through the disposal. When the ice is ground up, it can dislodge food particles stuck in the grinding components while also helping to remove buildup from the disposal walls. Removing food scraps stuck in the disposal will help prevent bad odors from the disposal and drain.
Avoid Putting Too Much Down the Disposal at Once
Overloading the garbage disposal is another common mistake that can lead to clogs, jams, and disposal problems. When disposing of food waste, always be mindful of both the quantity and size of items going into the unit. Large food scraps should be broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces before they go into the disposal, and it's best to introduce these pieces gradually while running cold water. This measured approach allows the disposal's blades to effectively grind each piece before the next one enters, preventing the motor from straining against too much resistance and avoiding clogs.
Garbage disposals aren't designed to process large volumes of food waste all at once. So, allow the grinding process to complete before adding more food waste. If homeowners hear the motor struggling or slowing down, immediately stop adding food and let the current process complete. This approach can extend the disposal's operational life and help prevent a clogged sewer line, saving homeowners from needing repairs or premature replacement.
About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning
PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has been serving the Staten Island area since 1978. They offer fast turnarounds, accurate diagnosis, and quality workmanship. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Staten Island, NY.
