How to Keep Garbage Disposals Functioning Well
When homeowners clear plates after dinner each night, one of the first steps they typically take is to scrape the excess food scraps into the garbage disposal. This is a convenient way to clean the plates before putting them in the dishwasher.
But if the wrong items go down the garbage disposal or if too much food is put down at once, clogs can form in the pipes, and the disposal can experience problems. In order to prevent these problems, this post will explain some easy steps homeowners can take to keep their garbage disposals working correctly.
Be Careful What Is Put Down the Garbage Disposal
Homeowners can conveniently dispose of some types of foods in their garbage disposals. However, many types of food waste can damage the units and clog the line. Some examples of things that should never be put in garbage disposals include:
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Hard food scraps, like bones and fruit pits
- Foods that expand, like bread, rice, and pasta
- Oils, grease, and fats
- Fibrous or stringy foods, like artichokes, asparagus, pumpkin, and corn husks
Run Cold Water to Keep Garbage Disposals Working
It’s recommended that homeowners use cold water and ice cubes to keep their garbage disposals working correctly. Household members should run the cold water while using the garbage disposal and immediately afterward. Doing this will keep food scraps moving through the drain and prevent clogs. It will also prevent the disposal from overheating.
Running ice cubes through the disposal every once in a while can also help to keep it clean and reduce foul odors. When the ice is broken up in the garbage disposal, the small pieces will help dislodge small food scraps stuck in the disposal and may also help keep the blades sharp.
Limit the Amount of Food Put Down the Disposal
To prevent pipe blockages and garbage disposal problems, plumbers also recommend that people limit the amount of food scraps that they put down their garbage disposals at once. People should pay attention to the size of the food scraps they put down their disposals. If they are too large or the quantity is too much, the food should be cut into smaller pieces or gradually fed into the disposal.
Homeowners should also watch for signs that can indicate their system needs to be repaired. They should call a plumber if they notice common symptoms like garbage disposal humming noises or if it stops working correctly. Homeowners should call plumbers for garbage disposal repair or replacement when this happens.
About Plumbing Pals
Plumbing Pals is a family-owned and operated company serving the Philadelphia area. They offer 24-hour emergency services, straightforward pricing, and quality-trained technicians. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Bensalem, PA.