Tips for Protecting Your Garbage Disposal
Keeping your kitchen clean and functioning well depends on maintaining your garbage disposal properly. How frequently do you consider the upkeep of this essential device? Most people only think about it when something goes wrong, not very often. Without regular maintenance, garbage disposals can create odor problems, blockages, or stop working altogether. By properly maintaining them, you can avoid most issues and keep your kitchen clean and efficient.
Use Cold Water
A simple but commonly neglected suggestion is to consistently run cold water while operating your garbage disposal. Chilling the water aids in solidifying any grease or fat present in the disposal, enabling the blades to chop it up better. Alternatively, hot water can make grease become liquid and adhere to the blades and pipes, possibly resulting in blockages. Let the cold water continue to flow for a few moments after shutting off the disposal to clear out any leftover debris.
Understand What You Can Dispose
Knowing what should not be placed in it is crucial to keeping a garbage disposal in good condition. Even though it is called a garbage disposal, it cannot process all kinds of kitchen waste. Do not throw away items that are not biodegradable or fibrous because they can damage the blades, block the drain, and overload the motor. Things that should not go in your garbage disposal are grease and cooking oils, which can solidify and build up, causing clogs, stringy vegetables such as celery and onion skins, big bones or pits that could harm the grinding system, and coffee grounds and eggshells.
Don’t Overload
Avoid overloading your garbage disposal by adding small amounts of food waste at a time. Overloading the disposal with excessive food can lead to it becoming jammed or overheated. Feed scraps slowly into the unit while also running cold water to ensure the unit operates smoothly. This aids in minimizing stress on the motor and avoiding blockages in the pipes.
Troubleshooting
Despite consistent upkeep, garbage disposals may still encounter issues. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems can help you save time and possibly avoid expensive repairs. A common problem is the disposal not activating, usually fixed by pressing the reset button found at the bottom of the unit. The disposal could be stuck if it hums but doesn't grind. In this instance, you may attempt to smoothly turn the hex key to release any stuck items on the grinding plate.
There are instances where professional assistance is needed. If you detect lingering smells that persist despite regular cleaning, or if there are leaks under your sink, contact our technicians at Sunshine Plumbers. Issues with electricity or a garbage disposal completely ceasing operation also justify reaching out to a plumbing repair service in Tampa, FL. You can trust us to handle your disposal safely and effectively, so it can quickly return to optimal performance with our expertise.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
Despite being well maintained, garbage disposals only have a finite lifespan. If your garbage disposal is old, often malfunctioning, or no longer efficient at grinding food, then it might be a good idea to think about garbage disposal replacement. A plumbing service in Plant City, FL can assist in selecting the appropriate model for your kitchen and carrying out an efficient installation.
By adhering to these suggestions, you can prolong the lifespan of your disposal and upkeep a disposal that runs smoothly. If issues continue, feel free to reach out to our plumbers for expert assistance.
