Do’s and Don’ts for Your Garbage Disposal

The Dos

• Use Cold Water: Always run cold water when operating your garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oils in the disposal, making it easier to chop them up and flush them away.
• Cut Food into Small Pieces: Before tossing food scraps into the disposal, cut them into smaller pieces. This reduces the strain on the disposal's blades and motor, prolonging its lifespan.
• Keep it Clean: Regularly clean your garbage disposal to prevent odors and buildup. One easy method is to grind ice cubes and citrus peels in the disposal, which helps remove residue and freshens the unit.
• Use it Regularly: Surprisingly, using your garbage disposal regularly can actually help prevent clogs. Running it every day or two keeps the blades sharp and prevents food from accumulating and hardening.
• Dispose of Non-Food Items Properly: Garbage disposals are designed to handle food scraps only. Avoid putting non-food items like glass, metal, plastic, or paper into the disposal, as these can damage the unit or cause clogs.
• Seek Professional Help When Needed: If your garbage disposal is acting up or showing signs of trouble, don't hesitate to call a plumber from High Speed Plumbing. Attempting DIY repairs can lead to further damage down the line. You may even need to renew your disposal with garbage disposal installation.

The Don'ts

• Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain: Grease and cooking oils can solidify in your pipes, leading to clogs and sewer backups. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in a heat-resistant container and dispose of it in the trash once it cools.
• Avoid Fibrous or Starchy Foods: Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and potato peels can wrap around the disposal's blades and cause jams. Similarly, starchy foods like pasta and rice can expand in water and clog the drain.
• Don't Overload the Disposal: Trying to cram too much food into the disposal at once can overwhelm the motor and lead to jams or burnout. Feed food scraps into the disposal gradually, allowing it time to chop them up and flush them away.
• Keep Hard Items Out: Hard items like bones, fruit pits, and nutshells should never be put into the garbage disposal. These can damage the blades and motor, resulting in you needing to call a plumbing service for repairs.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: While it may be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners to clear a clog, these harsh substances can corrode the pipes and damage the disposal. Instead, choose gentler, eco-friendly alternatives or enlist the help of a professional plumber from High Speed Plumbing.
• Don't Ignore Strange Noises or Odors: If your garbage disposal is making unusual noises or emitting foul odors, it's a sign that something is amiss. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more significant problems down the road, so address them promptly.

In conclusion, proper maintenance and mindful usage are key to keeping your garbage disposal in top condition. By following these dos and don'ts, you can extend the life of your disposal, prevent costly repairs, and enjoy the convenience it provides. And remember, when in doubt, don't hesitate to call a trusted plumbing repair service like High Speed Plumbing for assistance.