One household utility we often take for granted is the garbage disposal in our kitchen sink. It makes disposing of food waste simple and easy, allowing for easier cleanup after meals and smaller loads each week for the trash can. However, we often don’t care about our garbage disposal in the correct manner, leaving it susceptible to breaking or losing efficiency. If your garbage disposal is already broken or you are looking for ways to prevent it from breaking, look no further than this blog! We at T.J. Huggard Plumbing will give you the dos and don’ts of adequately maintaining your garbage disposal.
What To Do
Garbage disposals only have one purpose: to grind up food waste so that it can go through your wastewater plumbing system rather than a landfill. If improperly used, however, you can ruin your wastewater system, which will affect more than just your garbage disposal.
Food Waste Only
Only put food waste inside the garbage disposal. The blades and plumbing are designed to handle food waste, so putting any other objects inside could cause a breakage.
Running Water
Whenever you use your garbage disposal, ensure you are also running cold water. The water will help stop any oils that are attached to your food from hardening. Water also makes it easier for the garbage disposal to break the food up enough to drain it down the water waste system. You should also clean your garbage disposal every now and then by pouring a little soap inside and letting it run with cold water.
Remove Odors
Sometimes, garbage disposals can have unpleasant odors. Here is a list of quick and inexpensive ways to help your sink smell fresh!
- Grind a few orange and lemon wedges in the garbage disposal.
- Pour baking soda into the drain and let it set for a couple of hours before running cold water.
- Pour three tablespoons of Borax down the garbage disposal and let it sit for an hour before running hot water.
What Not to Do
Modern garbage disposals last 8-15 years with proper care, so by avoiding the following don’ts, you can help give your garbage disposal its maximum lifespan.
Non-Food Waste Items
Many items that are often assumed to be food waste are still harmful to your garbage disposal. We’ve listed common things people throw in their garbage disposal that they shouldn’t.
- Any Oils (Canola, Grease, Vegetable oils, etc.)
- Corn Husks
- Egg Shells
- Non-Food Items
- Coffee Grounds
- Expandable Foods (Pasta, Rice, Bread, etc.)
We also recommend feeding the garbage disposal food waste little by little instead of big chunks all at once to avoid clogging or damage.
Sharpening Blades
Your garbage disposal blades don’t need to be sharpened at all, really. Instead, to avoid rusting or dullness, remember to run the disposal every so often.
Chemicals
Any chemicals like drain cleaners or bleach should never be used to clean or dispose of in the garbage disposal. They often damage the blades and the pipes, so use the methods we mentioned earlier to clean your garbage disposal.
Repair or Install Your Garbage Disposal Today!
If you require prompt repair or a replacement garbage disposal, T.J. Huggard Plumbing stands ready to offer exceptional service and unmatched expertise. Don’t let a malfunctioning disposal inconvenience you any further. Contact our professional team today to restore your kitchen’s functionality. Call T.J. Huggard Plumbing to schedule an appointment or request a complimentary estimate. Experience the convenience of a well-functioning kitchen with our reliable plumbing solutions.
