How to Care for the Garbage Disposal Unit and Prevent Clogs
The garbage disposal in the kitchen sink is an invaluable appliance for handling minor food debris, but it relies on proper use to perform at its best and avoid problems. If misused, these units can quickly become the source of irritating plumbing issues, such as a drain or sewer line clog, disposal malfunctions, a clogged garbage disposal, and unpleasant smells. Addressing these problems often necessitates professional garbage disposal repair or even a complete garbage disposal replacement.
However, households can help the garbage disposal unit run well and avoid clogs by adopting a few straightforward usage habits and understanding exactly which items should be kept out of the disposal and drain. This post will share some simple tips to help keep the disposal running smoothly and prevent issues.
Be Careful What Goes Down the Disposal
While a garbage disposal is built to process small quantities of specific food remnants, it is critical to know its limitations. Never pour cooking grease, fats, or oils down the disposal and into the drain, as these substances cool and solidify, forming a sticky layer inside the pipes that inevitably leads to severe obstructions and clogs. Other frequent causes of disposal issues and clogs that should never go down the disposal include stringy, fibrous foods, such as artichokes, asparagus, and corn husks; hard items, such as fruit pits, bones, or seafood shells; and foods that can expand in water, such as oatmeal, rice, and pasta. Additionally, things like coffee grounds, eggshells, and potato peels should also never go down the garbage disposal unit.
However, certain food scraps are okay to go down garbage disposals, including non-fibrous fruit and vegetable scraps, small pieces of cooked meat, and citrus fruit rinds. Knowing what can and should not be put down garbage disposals will help keep it in good condition and help avoid a clogged sewer line or drain line. When there is any doubt about whether a food item is safe to go down the disposal, the safest choice is always to dispose of it in the trash bin instead.
Use Cold Water and Ice
When using the garbage disposal, it’s crucial to run cold water before, during, and for at least 30 seconds after the disposal is turned off. Cold water helps protect the motor from overheating, solidifies any accidental traces of fat or oil entering the unit to prevent them from adhering to the grinding chamber and pipe walls, and helps ensure that all ground food particles drain properly instead of settling and causing a blockage.
For an extra cleaning boost, periodically add ice cubes into a running disposal while the cold water is flowing. The ice, combined with the disposal’s rotation, helps dislodge and remove stubborn food residue and accumulated grime from the grinding elements and inner chamber walls. This process helps to slightly sharpen the blades and remove any trapped bits of food. For the added benefit of odor neutralization, try adding citrus rinds along with the ice cubes.
Avoid Putting Too Much Down the Disposal at Once
It is vital to monitor both the volume and the size of the food waste being introduced into the disposal. Attempting to process large quantities of food scraps simultaneously or trying to grind overly large pieces of food will rapidly overload the motor and the grinding components. This stress can result in the motor overheating, the unit jamming, or accelerated wear and tear on essential parts. It can also cause the food not to be ground up enough, which can lead to a drain or sewer line clog.
To maintain the disposal's performance and help prevent clogs, always break down substantial food pieces into smaller, more manageable portions before feeding them into the unit. Also, adopt a gradual feeding technique, introducing only small amounts of waste at a time while the cold water continues to run. This allows ample time to thoroughly grind and flush the food scraps completely. If homeowners notice any issues with their garbage disposal, it’s important to call a plumber to inspect the unit, identify the problem, and determine the best solution.
About St Pierre Plumbing & Drain Cleaning
St Pierre Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is a locally owned and operated company serving Raymond and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day services, and trusted technicians. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Raymond, NH.
