How to Care for the Garbage Disposal and Prevent Clogs
The kitchen garbage disposal is a convenient tool for managing food waste, but it requires the right care to function properly and avoid issues. When mistreated, these units can become sources of a frustrating drain or sewer line clog, a malfunctioning or clogged garbage disposal, and bad odors. They may require garbage disposal repair or a garbage disposal replacement.
Fortunately, keeping the garbage disposal running smoothly and avoiding sewer and drain line clogs and backups is simpler than people might think. By adopting a few easy habits and understanding what not to put down the garbage disposal and drain, households can help significantly extend the life of their unit and keep their plumbing clear.
Be Careful What Goes Down the Disposal
A garbage disposal is designed to handle small amounts of certain food scraps, but it's crucial to understand its limitations. Never put grease, fats, or oils down the disposal and drain, as they solidify and coat the pipes, leading to severe clogs. Other common culprits of problems that should never go down garbage disposals include fibrous items like celery, corn husks, and pumpkin, hard materials like fruit pits and bones, and anything that absorbs water and expands, such as rice and pasta. Also, avoid coffee grounds, eggshells, and potato peels as they can clump together to clog or get stuck inside the disposal.
To keep the disposal in good working order, only feed it easily ground food waste that can be washed down with a strong stream of cold water. These foods that can go down disposals include small scraps of fruits and vegetables, besides exceptions like fibrous foods and potato peels, small pieces of cooked meats, and rinds from citrus fruits. When in doubt about whether an item is safe for the garbage disposal, it’s best to throw it in the garbage instead.
Use Cold Water and Ice
Running a strong, consistent stream of cold water before, during, and after using the garbage disposal is one of the most critical steps for proper disposal usage. Cold water keeps the motor from overheating, helps solidify any residual grease or oils that might accidentally enter the unit to prevent them from coating the interior of the unit and pipe walls, and acts as a carrier, ensuring that all ground food particles are thoroughly flushed through the plumbing system rather than settling and causing a clog. Always keep the water running for at least 30 seconds after the unit is turned off to ensure the waste is properly drained and help maintain a clean garbage disposal.
For a powerful cleaning boost, periodically run a handful of ice cubes through the garbage disposal while running cold water. The hard ice, along with the spinning motion of the disposal, acts as a mild abrasive, scraping away built-up food residue and sludge from the grinding chamber and blades. This action helps to sharpen the grinding elements slightly and dislodge any lingering food particles. For an added benefit, add in citrus peels with the ice cubes to help neutralize any odors from the garbage disposal unit.
Avoid Putting Too Much Down the Disposal at Once
It is essential to pay close attention to both the size and quantity of food waste that is fed into the garbage disposal. Overloading the unit by dumping a large amount of scraps all at once, or attempting to grind large pieces of food, can quickly overwhelm the disposal's motor and grinding mechanism. It can lead to overheating, jamming, and premature wear on the components. Instead of clearing the waste, an overloaded disposal often struggles, leaving behind partially ground material that can contribute to clogs further down the line.
To maintain optimal performance and prevent blockages, always break up large food scraps into smaller, manageable pieces before feeding them into the disposal. Adopt a gradual approach, introducing small quantities of waste at a time while the cold water is running. This allows the disposal to effectively grind and flush the food scraps completely before the next batch is added. A little patience in this process goes a long way toward ensuring a longer and smoother operational life for a garbage disposal.
About Escape Plumbing & Heating
Escape Plumbing & Heating has been serving Morris and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and on-time service. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Morris, CT.
