It can be a huge advantage to have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. Washing dishes is faster and easier. Your trash doesn’t get as smelly. And all of the advantages seem even bigger if you have a large family or when you’re hosting guests or events. But your garbage disposal will only continue to offer all these benefits if you keep it in good condition. So how do you do that? We’ll tell you. If you have any questions about garbage disposals in Shelby County, AL, we’re delighted to be of service.
Remember What’s Not Safe to Put in the Disposal
The easiest way to cause a major garbage disposal problem is to put something down there that isn’t meant to be disposed of that way. There are a variety of things that people often don’t realize should go in the trash or the compost instead.
- Garbage: Despite the name, your garbage disposal is not for actual trash. Plastic wrappers or packaging, metal, chewing gum, and other garbage should never go down your sink.
- Grease: It might seem like a liquid when it slips down the drain with the hot water, but once it gets cold, grease can turn into a solid block inside your garbage disposal, like a chunk of butter! Wipe grease off dishes with a paper towel before you wash them.
- Hard Items: If your teeth can’t handle it, neither can your garbage disposal. Peach or cherry pits, bones, popcorn kernels, and anything else of this very solid texture should go in the trash.
- Fibrous Items: Tough strings can tangle around the components of the garbage disposal and prevent it from working properly. This includes things like celery stalks and onion skins.
- Ice: It is sometimes recommended that people put ice down their disposal to “sharpen the blades.” But there are no blades, only blunt impellers, and hitting hard things like ice would only dull blades, anyway. Don’t put ice down the disposal.
- Your Hand: If there’s something stuck in the disposal, you can try to dislodge it, but not with your hand. Use a wooden handle, such as on a large wooden spoon or small broom. Never put your hand down the disposal. If you can’t dislodge the item, get professional help.
Plan Regular Maintenance
A garbage disposal can last for many years. But as with any appliance or piece of machinery, it will last longer if it gets serviced regularly. Garbage disposal maintenance can help you avoid issues like leaks, clogs, and misalignments that would otherwise lead to sudden repair needs.
Get Repairs When Necessary
Don’t keep trying to use your garbage disposal when you know that something is wrong. Get help from a qualified professional right away. Leaking, slow draining, unusual noises or smells, ineffective operation, or a frequent need to be reset all indicate that you need repair.
“Your experience is what matters most!” Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today for help with all your plumbing needs.
