May 02/2024
Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
A garbage disposal is a great tool that can help you keep your kitchen plumbing clog-free and kitchen cleanup a bit easier. Unfortunately, many of us take these appliances for granted until they break down. Like any appliance, a garbage disposal requires proper maintenance to function at its best and get the most out of it. Follow these garbage disposal maintenance tips to keep your appliance in top shape.
- Use Your Disposal Selectively
Garbage disposals aren't meant for everything. Avoid grinding fibrous materials like celery strings, coffee grounds, or eggshells that can clog the blades. Stick to grinding food scraps that are easy to break down.
- Do Run Your Garbage Disposal Regularly
Even if you don't have food scraps to grind every day, run your disposal with cold water for a few seconds every week. This helps keep the blades sharp and prevents odors.
- Keep the Cold Water Flowing When You Run the Disposal
Always turn on the cold water before activating the disposal, and keep it flowing for several seconds after you're finished grinding. The cold water helps flush food scraps down the drain and prevents jams.
- Use Cold Water (Don’t Use Hot Water)
Hot water can melt grease and fats, which can solidify later and clog the disposal. Cold water helps keep grease moving smoothly through the pipes. However, it’s advisable not to put grease and fats down your garbage disposal to avoid clogs.
- Do Break Up Large Scraps Before Grinding
Instead of shoving large chunks of food down the disposal, cut them into smaller pieces first. This makes grinding easier and reduces the risk of jams.
- Clean Your Garbage Disposal Regularly
Deep clean your disposal every few weeks to prevent odors and buildup. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, ice cubes and salt, or an organic disposal cleaner, following the manufacturer's instructions. If you need professional help with cleaning your garbage disposal, reach out to a nearby plumbing repair service.
- Grind Citrusy Fruits To Help With Bad Smells
Occasionally grind lemon or orange peels to freshen up your disposal and neutralize odors. This is also an easy way to remove food buildup on the impellers.
- Don’t Overfill the Disposal
Adding too much food waste at once can overload the disposal and lead to clogs. Grind food scraps in small batches for better results.
Do not fall for the gimmicks that brands use to market liquid chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners can damage your disposal blades and pipes. It’s advisable to use natural cleaning methods or call a professional plumbing service for professional drain cleaning.
- Turn Off Your Garbage Disposal When You Need To Repair or Clean It
Always unplug the disposal or turn off the power at the breaker box before reaching into the disposal for repairs or cleaning. If you’re not sure about the process, consult with a trusted plumbing service that provides garbage disposal services.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing Can Help
We hope these garbage disposal maintenance tips will help you keep your unit running smoothly and extend its lifespan. Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we offer reliable garbage disposal services, including garbage disposal installation and garbage disposal repair. If you’re looking for a plumbing service that provides professional garbage disposal services, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing.
