Easy Ways to Keep Garbage Disposals Working
While homeowners might pay close attention to kitchen appliances like the refrigerator or the oven, the garbage disposal also needs attention to ensure it keeps working and to prevent problems. This post will share some simple steps to help prevent problems with garbage disposals and clogs.
Foods to Not Put Down the Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can break down some food scraps. However, many types of food and items should not be put down the disposal. To keep the garbage disposal running smoothly and avoid blockages in the pipes, plumbers recommend that households keep things like these out of the disposal:
- Hard items like bones, fruit pits, and nuts
- Fibrous foods and vegetables like celery, corn husks, and asparagus
- Cooking fats, grease, and oil
- Coffee grounds
- Foods that retain water, like rice, pasta, and oatmeal
Run Cold Water to Keep Garbage Disposals Functioning
Running cold water while using the garbage disposal unit and for a few seconds afterward helps any flush food scraps down the drain to prevent clogs and result in a clean garbage disposal. This is a simple step, but it’s incredibly important.
Cold water also helps prevent the system from overheating. Ice cubes can also be run through the disposal. When ice cubes are ground up in the unit, the pieces can help dislodge lingering food particles stuck in the disposal and even help sharpen the blades.
Limit the Amount of Food Down the Disposal
Overloading the garbage disposal with food scraps can lead to frustrating clogs in the pipes and problems with the unit. To avoid this, plumbers recommend placing only small amounts of food waste down the drain at a time. If scraps seem too large, homeowners should take a moment to cut them into smaller pieces before grinding.
If the disposal starts making unusual noises or struggles to grind food effectively, it might be clogged or malfunctioning. Address the issue promptly by calling a plumber for garbage disposal repair to avoid further problems. By following these tips and addressing issues quickly, homeowners can ensure the garbage disposal continues to run correctly.
About Schuelke Plumbing & Construction
The team at Schuelke Plumbing & Construction offers quality plumbing services to the Beaumont area. A family-owned and operated company, they offer same-day service and on-time service. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Beaumont, CA.
