Your garbage disposal can break down, clog your drains, and cause other problems if not operated and maintained properly. Repairing it and the plumbing mishaps that result can be a costly affair. Follow these tips to use and maintain your garbage disposal correctly.
Operation
Allow enough time for food particles to get ground thoroughly and flushed. Leftovers can cause odors.
Cleaning
Clean your disposal at least once a week. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside. You can clean the grinding elements and eliminate odors by filling the disposal with ice cubes and one cup of rock salt, and running it for a few seconds. They will grind up against the interior components and scrape sludge and debris away. Alternatively, you can use vinegar ice cubes or pieces of fresh citrus fruits.
Repairs
When your disposal malfunctions unexpectedly, turn off the power switch before doing any repair work. Use tongs or pliers to dislodge any objects that may be stuck inside. Never insert your fingers.
What to Put In
Cold water — Run cold water whenever your disposal is on. It solidifies grease and oils that can get into the unit.
Small food scraps — Your disposal is intended for small bits of food. Avoid putting in large chunks.
Cooked vegetables and meat — These are soft enough to be ground with ease.
What Not to Put In
Rice and pasta — They expand inside your pipes when mixed with water and can cause clogs.
Grease, fats, oil and fat-based foods — They harden when cooled and can gum up blades and cause clogs.
Stringy vegetables — Vegetables like asparagus and celery can twist around the blades and impede their functioning.
Anything that's not food — Although the name is deceptive, your garbage disposal shouldn't be used as a trash can. Non-food items can damage the motor and blades.
Your disposal will give you many years of excellent service if you properly care for it. If you have any questions about your garbage disposal, please contact us at Air Assurance. We've served the Broken Arrow area since 1985.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about garbage disposals and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Brett_Hondow/Pixabay”