A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient and handiest of tools to have around the house. It can help you deal with food scraps in a safe and environment-friendly manner. But only if you use it properly! Put one wrong thing down the drain and you’ll have a costly, plumbing problem at hand.
While garbage disposals are incredibly efficient, they’re not entirely indestructible. You need to keep a few things in mind when it comes to maintaining your garbage disposal system.
Use Dish Soap and Plenty of Water
Using a grease-fighting dishwashing soap can help clear away any grime and gunk that could be clogging up your garbage disposal system. Squeeze a tiny amount of liquid soap in the disposal and turn it on while running water through it. Running water through the garbage disposal is essential for helping it run smoothly. It also helps to flush out any bits of food scraps stuck in the disposal. Use hot water as it can help break down coagulated fat and oils in the pipes.
Don’t Put Hard Objects in the Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal may seem like an all-too-powerful tool, but if you keep putting extremely hard objects down the drain, the blades of the shredder will ultimately get blunt. Small sized hard objects can also get stuck in the rotating parts, jamming up the whole system. Avoid throwing in fibrous vegetables, hard seafood shells, un-popped popcorn kernels, fruit pits, and bones down the garbage disposal.
Don’t Put in Any Starchy or Fibrous Items in the Disposal
Starchy items can absorb water and thicken up whereas the fibers can get tangled and block the drain. Don’t put things like celery, banana peels, corn husks, coffee grounds, onion and potato skins, and eggshells in the disposal.
Never Throw Trash in the Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal may seem like a convenient alternative for trashcans. You won’t have to worry about taking the trash out. But that’s not what it’s made for. Things like rubber bands, glass, nails, screws, cigarette butts, bottle caps, plastic, string, fabric, sponges, rags, hair, or grease should never be thrown in the disposal.
Cut Up the Larger Items into Smaller Pieces
If the items you’re going to put in the disposal are too big, cut them up and dispose of them one at a time.
About Pro Serve Plumbers
Are you having trouble with your garbage disposal system? The licensed plumbers at Pro Serve Plumbers can identify the cause of trouble and fix it up right away! Our plumbing services in Fort Worth, TX can help you fix and repair any plumbing problems.
Call us now at 817-244-0614!
