How to Protect the Garbage Disposal This Holiday Season
The garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen plumbing fixture to have during the busy holiday season, but without the proper care, it can get clogged, smell bad, or break. This brief guide will share some tips on how to keep the garbage disposal in good condition.
Foods That Should Not Go in the Garbage Disposal
One of the best ways to keep the garbage disposal from becoming clogged or having other issues is to be mindful of what kind of food goes down it. Garbage disposals are not to be used as a trashcan. They cannot easily break down all types of food, while some food is more likely to cause clogs in the disposal or piping.
Some things that should not go in the garbage disposal include:
- Cooking oil, grease, or fats
- Fibrous or stringy foods like corn husks, celery, asparagus, etc.
- Non-food garbage
- Eggshells
- Bones, nuts, pits, and any other hard food waste
- Seafood shells
- Starchy foods like rice and pasta
- Coffee grounds
Additionally, large quantities of any kind of food scraps should never be run through the garbage disposal at the same time. So, it is best to scrape plates of food into the garbage before rinsing dishes, then use the garbage disposal to help break down the food residue left behind on plates.
Keep Cold Water Running
It is recommended to always have the cold water running while the garbage disposal is operating and for a bit after. Running the water while the garbage disposal is on helps keep the blades clean and prevents things from getting stuck. Cold water is recommended because it helps solidify any cooking grease or oils that inevitably get washed down the drain, which helps them be carried away to the sewer line as a solidified shape rather than coating the inside of the pipes and forming clogs. The cold water also helps prevent the motor from overheating during operation.
Homeowners can also routinely run the garbage disposal with ice cubes. The shards of ice can help dislodge any stubborn food scraps that have gotten stuck in the disposal while it is running and help clean the garbage disposal of food and debris. It can also help to add wedges of peeled lemon or dish soap along with the ice to get rid of any bad smells.
Leave Garbage Disposal Repair and Services up to Professionals
Garbage disposal installation and repair can be dangerous and done wrong if not completed by a professional due to the sharp blades and high speeds of the hardware. Homeowners can sometimes use the garbage disposal reset button to get a garbage disposal working again, but if the reset button is constantly being pushed, it can indicate an underlying issue that needs a plumber.
Some other common signs that it is time to call the plumber for repair include the garbage disposal humming or making strange noises, persistent clogs, bad smells, or the garbage disposal leaking water under the sink. Following these tips will ensure homeowners get the best performance from their garbage disposals.
About PlumbCrazy
PlumbCrazy has been serving Abingdon, MD, and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. They provide top-notch customer service, personalized solutions, and timely and efficient service. Call them today for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Abingdon, MD.
