As a busy homeowner, you rely on your garbage disposal to efficiently eliminate household food waste and keep your kitchen smelling fresh. However, without proper maintenance, your garbage disposal can quickly become clogged or malfunction, causing inconvenience and costly repairs. Dealing with garbage disposal repair is not something anyone wants to deal with, so it’s important to take preventative measures to maintain a healthy garbage disposal.
Know what can and cannot go in your garbage disposal.
The first step to preventing garbage disposal repair is knowing what can and cannot be disposed of in your unit. Common items that should not go into your garbage disposal include:
- Bones or hard food scraps
- Grease, oils, and fats
- Fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery, onion skins)
- Starchy foods (e.g., pasta, rice)
- Coffee grounds
These items can damage your disposal’s blades and cause clogs in your pipes. It’s best to dispose of them in the trash or compost instead.
Keep your disposal clean.
Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal prevents unpleasant odors and bacteria growth. To clean, pour a mixture of half vinegar and half water down the drain while running cold water. You can also use lemon or lime wedges to freshen up your disposal’s aroma.
Use cold water when running your garbage disposal.
Always run cold water when using your garbage disposal. This helps solidify any fatty substances and prevents them from sticking to the blades or walls of your disposal.
Avoid overloading your garbage disposal.
While it may be tempting to shove large amounts of food waste down your garbage disposal, overloading it can cause strain and damage to the unit. Instead, feed small amounts slowly while running cold water.
Grind ice cubes to sharpen blades.
Grinding ice cubes in your garbage disposal can help sharpen the blades and prevent them from getting dull over time. This also helps to remove any food buildup on the blades.
Know when to call a professional.
Despite your best efforts, sometimes garbage disposal repair is unavoidable. If you notice strange noises, leaks, or an unresponsive unit, it’s best to call a professional plumber for assistance. Attempting to fix the problem yourself can be dangerous and may cause further damage.
Keeping your garbage disposal in good condition is essential for a functioning kitchen and to avoid costly repairs. By following these tips and being mindful of what goes into your disposal, you can maintain a healthy unit that will last for years. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.
