Tips to Keep the Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly
Garbage disposals are important kitchen appliances used to grind food waste into small particles that can more easily travel down drain lines and sewer lines, which makes a properly functioning garbage disposal important for preventing clogged sewer lines. However, without proper care and using it correctly, it can quickly become a source of unpleasant odors, costly repairs, and frustrating clogs. In order to prevent these issues, knowing how to maintain the garbage disposal is essential. This post will share tips to help better care for the garbage disposal and prevent clogs.
Be Careful What Goes Into the Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is designed to handle some food scraps, but many homeowners inadvertently damage their units or cause clogs by disposing of the wrong food and items. People should never put fibrous materials like celery, pumpkin, and corn husks down the disposal, as these can wrap around the blades and jam the motor. Also, avoid hard items such as bones, fruit pits, nuts, and seafood shells, which can dull or break the grinding components.
Coffee grounds, eggshells, and foods that expand, such as rice, pasta, and bread, should also never go down disposals to avoid clogs. Grease and oils should also be avoided as these substances can cause clogs and coat the mechanisms when they solidify, leading to decreased performance and blockages.
What people can safely put down the disposal includes pieces of fruits and vegetables, small scraps of cooked meats, and citrus peels, which can actually help clean and freshen the unit. Following these guidelines will help prevent a clogged sewer line, extend the life of the disposal, and prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Use Cold Water and Ice
Running cold water while operating the garbage disposal is essential for optimal performance and longevity of the unit. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oils that may enter the disposal, allowing them to be broken down and flushed through the system rather than coating the blades and internal components. Always run cold water for at least 15-20 seconds before turning on the disposal, during operation, and for about 30 seconds after turning it off to ensure all food particles are completely flushed through the drain line.
Ice cubes can also be put down the garbage disposal and can help maintain it. When fed through the running disposal, the pieces of ice help clean the grinding chamber and blades, dislodging built-up food particles and debris that water alone cannot remove. The ice also helps sharpen the blades as they are crushed, maintaining their effectiveness. For best results, dump ice cubes into the disposal while running cold water at least once a month. This will help prevent unpleasant odors and maintain the disposal's grinding effectiveness.
Don’t Put Too Much Food Down the Disposal at Once
Overloading the garbage disposal is a common mistake that can lead to clogs and mechanical failures. While these units are designed to handle some food waste, they have limitations on the quantity and size of items they can process effectively. A good rule of thumb is to feed food waste gradually in small amounts while running cold water rather than stuffing large quantities or large scraps of food down the disposal at once.
When dealing with larger food scraps, take the time to break them into smaller pieces before they go into the disposal, which will make them more manageable. Items should typically be no larger than 1-2 inches in size to ensure proper grinding process. This approach not only helps prevent sewer line clogs but also reduces strain on the motor, helping maintain optimal performance.
About Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing
Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing has been serving the Reno area since 1986. They offer upfront pricing and personalized solutions. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Reno, NV.
