Your garbage disposal is a marvel of modern convenience, effortlessly pulverizing food scraps and whisking them away. But, like any powerful tool, it needs to be treated with respect. Misuse can lead to clogs, nasty odors, and even costly repairs.
Let’s break down the essential do’s and don’ts for keeping your disposal humming happily and avoiding those dreaded plumbing emergencies.
The DO’s:
- DO run cold water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify fats and grease, preventing them from coating the blades and pipes.
- DO feed it slowly: Don’t overload the disposal. Feed food scraps in gradually, giving the blades time to grind them up.
- DO use it regularly: Regular use helps prevent rust and corrosion.
- DO grind citrus peels: Citrus peels can help freshen up your disposal and eliminate odors.
- DO clean it regularly: To keep your disposal fresh and odor-free, try grinding ice cubes, rock salt, or baking soda in cold water.
The DON’Ts:
- DON’T put non-food items down the disposal: This includes plastic, metal, glass, paper, and even stringy or fibrous foods like celery or corn husks. These items can damage the blades or cause clogs.
- DON’T pour grease or oil down the drain: Grease and oil solidify as they cool, leading to clogs and backups.
- DON’T grind starchy foods: Foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can expand in your pipes, causing blockages.
- DON’T grind large bones or fruit pits: These are too hard for the disposal to handle and can damage the blades.
- DON’T use harsh chemicals: Bleach and drain cleaners can corrode the disposal and pipes.
Pro Tips:
- It may be jammed if you hear a humming sound but the disposal isn’t grinding. Turn it off immediately and try to dislodge the obstruction manually with tongs (after unplugging the unit!). If you can’t clear it, call a plumber.
- A lingering odor can often be banished by grinding a few lemon or orange peels.
- If your disposal makes unusual noises or isn’t working efficiently, it’s time to call a professional.
Remember, your garbage disposal is a helpful kitchen appliance, not a trash can. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can extend its lifespan, prevent plumbing problems, and ensure a smooth-running kitchen for years to come.
We hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any further questions about your garbage disposal or plumbing in general, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help!