Homeowners Should Take Care of Their Garbage Disposals to Prevent a Disruption of Holiday Festivities
Garbage disposals cannot last or do their job well if they are misused. The holidays are often a time of heavy use for the kitchen and its plumbing, so homeowners should brush up on these tips and knowledge to prevent a broken or clogged garbage disposal this holiday season.
Don’t Use the Garbage Disposal for Certain Foods
Some food scraps can be put in the disposal. That is what it is made for. Garbage disposals grind up food waste small enough to travel through the piping without causing clogs. There are, however, things that should never be put in the drain and garbage disposal. Cooking oil and grease should never be put down the drain as they can solidify in the pipes and cause clogs. The list below highlights some more food waste that should not go down garbage disposals:
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Stringy foods, like celery, asparagus, and artichokes
- Potato peels
- Foods that expand with water, like bread, rice, and pasta
- Too much of any food at a time
Use Cold Water and Ice
Homeowners should always run cold water from the kitchen faucet when using the garbage disposal and for around ten seconds after the garbage disposal gets turned off. It helps to wash the ground-up food particles down the drain, preventing them from getting stuck in the disposal and helping prevent clogging. Additionally, cold water can help prevent the garbage disposal motor from overheating.
Running ice cubes through the garbage disposal on occasion can also assist with cleaning the blades and the disposal, helping to dislodge stubborn food waste. Keeping a clean garbage disposal and following these tips will help it work better for longer.
Leave Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation to the Pros
Plumbing professionals should be the ones to perform garbage disposal installation and repair. Because the garbage disposal is connected to both electricity and water, it can be dangerous to attempt any sort of DIY work. If a homeowner notices the signs listed below, they likely need to make a repair appointment for their disposal:
- Humming: The garbage disposal humming is a sign something is wrong.
- Constant Need for Reset: The garbage disposal reset button is there for a reason and is a great failsafe, but if a homeowner has to use it often, something within the unit needs attention.
- Foul Smells: If the garbage disposal is giving off a bad smell, it is probably clogged and needs attention.
- Leaking: A garbage disposal leak is another clear sign of a problem that needs addressing.
About Plumb Perfect Plumbing
Plumb Perfect Plumbing has been serving Fredericksburg, VA, and the surrounding areas since 2015. They provide flat rate pricing, financing, and fast, flawless service. Call them today for garbage disposal repair and installation services in Fredericksburg, VA.
