Garbage disposals are really handy for getting rid of food scraps, but they can also be a bit finicky. Knowing what you can and can’t put down there can save you a lot of trouble (and smelly messes). Let’s examine this fully and make sure your disposal continues to operate as needed.
Only Put Disposal-Friendly Foods Down Your Drain
Your garbage disposal is pretty tough, but it can’t handle everything. Because of this, you want to be careful of what foods you allow to go down your drain. Disposal-friendly food waste includes fruit and vegetable peels, small food scraps, and even eggshells. Eggshells are actually good for your disposal because they help to scrub the inside and keep things clean. Just make sure to run cold water while the disposal is on to help everything flow smoothly.
No Bones of Any Kind
Now, there are some things your disposal really doesn’t like. Bones are a big no-no. They can get stuck and damage the blades. The same goes for food parts, such as fruit pits, corn cobs, and anything hard or stringy. Grease and oil are also bad for your disposal. They can solidify and cause clogs that are difficult to get rid of. Imagine trying to unclog a pipe full of greasy gunk. If the clog is too thick, you will probably have to call a professional plumber to get rid of the clog.
Make Sure to Clean It Regularly
Taking care of your garbage disposal is actually pretty easy. Always run cold water while it’s on. This helps to flush everything down and prevents clogs. You can also freshen things up by grinding some citrus peels, like lemon or orange. They smell great and help to clean the blades. Every once in a while, you can even toss in a few ice cubes to help sharpen the blades and knock off any gunk that’s built up.
Some Simple Troubleshooting
Even if you’re careful, your disposal may still get clogged. If that happens, don’t panic. First, turn off the disposal and unplug it. Then, you can try using tongs or pliers to carefully remove any large objects that might be stuck. If that doesn’t work, you might need to use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. If you’re still having trouble, it’s best to call a plumber for help. They have special tools and know-how to get things flowing again.
If your garbage disposal stops working, be proactive about repairs. Putting problems off can lead to more trouble, such as a clogged drain. To schedule garbage disposal repair services in Rochester, NY, call the plumbers at Nichols Electric and Plumbing. We will work quickly to get everything operational again.
