Take Care of the Garbage Disposal This Holiday Season
With the holidays here, one thing’s for sure – the kitchen is about to be a very busy place. Between baking cookies and pies, snacking on holiday treats, and whipping up extravagant feasts for the family, the kitchen tends to be where all the action is. And with all the food prep and cleanup that goes on, the garbage disposal will have its work cut out for it!
So, to avoid clogging or damaging the garbage disposal and clogging the pipes, here are a few easy tips and habits homeowners can use to keep their garbage disposals running smoothly.
Avoid Putting Certain Foods Down the Disposal
One way to prevent a damaged or clogged garbage disposal and clogged sewer line or drain pipe is to limit what goes down the drain. Certain foods should never be put down disposals to prevent problems with the garbage disposal and piping. Some items to avoid putting down the disposal include:
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds
- Cooking oil, fats, and grease
- Starchy foods (bread, rice, pasta, etc.)
- Nuts and pits
- Potato peels
- Fibrous foods (celery, pumpkin, asparagus, etc.)
- Animal bones
- Too much of any type of food at once
It may take an extra step or two to throw these items in the trash rather than putting them down the drain, but considering the trouble they can cause for the pipes and the garbage disposal, it’s worth the extra effort!
Always Run Cold Water When Using the Disposal
When putting food waste down the kitchen sink into the garbage disposal, even in small amounts, homeowners should be sure to turn on the cold water before running the disposal and keep it running for at least 10 seconds after the disposal stops running. Without running water, food waste can stay in the grinding chamber after it’s been broken down. If it dries, not only will it lead to nasty odors and contribute to clogs, but it will be much harder to clean.
In addition to running cold water during operation, it also helps to put food waste into the disposal a little at a time. Forcing too much material into the grinding chamber can strain the motor, damage the impeller, and increase the likelihood of clogging. Even if homeowners are diligent with these two habits, some food residue can still remain inside the garbage disposal. So it’s a good idea to run the disposal with ice cubes inside periodically. The ice will help dislodge stubborn food particles from the impeller and grinding wheel.
Leave Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation to the Pros
When problems do arise with the garbage disposal, many homeowners are tempted to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, this is fine. For instance, if the garbage disposal is not working and the garbage disposal reset button pops out, pressing it could help.
But if pressing the reset button is a common occurrence, it doesn’t work, or if it’s not applicable, a plumber should be called. Other signs the garbage disposal needs professional attention are unusual sounds and leaks from the unit. Hiring a plumber for garbage disposal services ensures that the work will be done safely and won’t cause further damage or problems for the plumbing system.
About Henco Plumbing Services
Henco Plumbing Services is a residential and commercial plumbing company serving Vancouver, WA, and the surrounding areas with award-winning customer service. They provide flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Vancouver, WA.
