Garbage disposals come in handy in the kitchen for several reasons. They make it much easier to do the dishes and clean other items. If you’ve never used a garbage disposal before or don’t have the best record with them, then you’ll need to know a few tips about garbage disposal care before using yours.
Although they can help the kitchen, they can also cause plumbing issues if not used and cared for properly. We want you to avoid making those mistakes that can cause backups and get the most out of your garbage disposal without damaging your plumbing.
In the guide below, you’ll learn all the dos and don’ts about garbage disposal care. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know!
Do These Things
Because your garbage disposal disposes of different food particles for you, it will become dirty and coated in grime over time. To keep your disposal running smoothly, you should be sure to clean it regularly.
First, you should check with your disposal’s manufacturer about the proper way to clean it. If you can’t find this information online, then be sure to give them a call. Otherwise, turn the water on and allow it to run for a few moments.
Next, you can pour a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar down the disposal to lift the stuck-on food and wash the drain clean.
Do Use Running Water
Whenever you need to turn the disposal on, be sure to run the water before and after doing so. When the food goes down the disposal, run the water, and then turn it on. After the grinding noises have stopped and the food’s broken down, shut it off.
Keep the water on for a few more moments. Continuous running water will ensure you wash all food particles down the drain.
Do Use It in Moderation
Garbage disposals are great, especially if you’ve never had the luxury of using one before. Although it can be fun and convenient to shove everything down the disposal, use it in moderation. You should only place small pieces of food down the disposal.
The disposal can then easily grind the food up and send it on its way. If you place a large amount of food down the disposal at once, then you could clog the drain. You should also only use your disposal when necessary.
For example, if you’re cleaning out the refrigerator, try to place most of the food in your garbage can. Save the disposal for small bits of food left on plates.
Do Avoid Certain Foods
Unfortunately, not everything can go down the disposal. You need to be sure to avoid certain foods. Anything that’s expandable shouldn’t go down the disposal.
Why?
Because expandable foods such as rice and pasta will soak up water in your drain and continue to expand, eventually clogging the system. Any large food items and large animal bones should also be avoided. Your disposal isn’t strong enough to break these items down, and you could end up breaking it.
Another thing to avoid is placing coffee grounds in the disposal. Coffee grounds in garbage disposal drains can build up over time and create a clog.
Do Have a Plumber on Call
Proper disposal care will ensure yours lasts for years, but like anything else, there will come a time when your disposal will need replacement or repair. Nothing lasts forever, and even after following all of the necessary care tips, time will eventually get the best of your disposal.
There might also come a time when a mistake is made, and a problem occurs. During these times, you’ll want to have an Atlanta plumbing service on call.
Don’t Do These
Now that you know everything you should do with your disposal, it’s time to know all the don’ts as well. Be sure to avoid doing any of these things listed below, and you should have few troubles with your disposal.
Don’t Use It for Trash
Although the name would suggest otherwise, you shouldn’t send actual garbage or trash down the garbage disposal. The disposal is made for grinding up small food particles, not trash. Never place anything other than food items down the disposal.
Anything other than small pieces of food can cause a clog or other problems.
Don’t Pour Grease or Fats Down It
Grease and fats from cooking are liquid when still hot, but they solidify once they begin to cool. If you pour cooking grease or fat down the disposal, it’ll make its way into the drain and then become cool and harden.
When this happens, the drain will become clogged. It’s also more difficult to clear this type of clog because the grease isn’t a solid object. It’s gooey and tends to spread around rather than clear out when trying to clean it without professional services.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
As tempted as you might be to pour sink and drain cleaners down your disposal, refrain from doing so. Harsh chemicals can cause damage to your disposal. Instead, try using something less harsh, such as borax.
When your disposal needs serious cleaning or is clogged, you’ll want to contact your plumber in Atlanta.
Don’t Use Your Hands
The last don’t you should keep in mind isto never place your hands down the disposal. Even when it’s off, you don’t want to use your hands to grab anything inside the disposal because you can still cut yourself.
If something drops down it, such as a utensil, use a pair of tongs or something similar to grab it out.
Follow These Tips for Garbage Disposal Care
If you follow these tips for garbage disposal care, then you should have little to no issues. Make sure to have this guide handy whenever using your disposal. You can even print this guide out and hang it up above the disposal until you have all the dos and don’ts memorized.
Are you in need of garbage disposal repair in Atlanta, Georgia? It’s our goal to provide you with high-quality services at affordable prices.
Be sure to contact us today and receive a quote!