Garbage disposals are a handy device to have in a kitchen. But have you ever read your instruction manual to know exactly how it should be operated? You should call a plumber if your garbage disposal gets clogged, but you can avoid a blockage altogether if you follow a few simple guidelines. 

3 Plumber-Recommended Ways to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

1. Proper Usage

The proper way to use a garbage disposal is to thoroughly rinse it with cold water while you grind just a few scraps at a time. But not every food scrap should be put down the drain. For example, it’s impossible for a garbage disposal to break down fibrous, slippery food waste such as banana peels, corn husks, potato peelings, celery and onion skins. Hard food waste such as unpopped popcorn kernels, bones, fruit pits and corn cobs can break a garbage disposal. As with any plumbing, you should never put grease or trash such as twist ties, pull tabs, rubber bands, flower clippings or glass down the disposal.

2. Regular Cleaning

Garbage disposals require more than a continuous flow of soap and water to stay clean. Proper usage will prevent most issues, but if bits of food remain in the disposal, you could have odor problems. Wash the rubber ring in the center of the sink, including the underside where food can stick. Grind some ice every once in a while to knock off built-up debris.

3. Grind Vinegar & Citrus

Make ice cubes from vinegar or pure lemon juice and grind them into the garbage disposal. Vinegar will eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Citrus will cut grease and remove odors as well. Instead of throwing away your lemon, lime or orange rinds, feed them into your garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh.

If you have a clogged or broken garbage disposal, call Gonzo's Plumbing Service & Repair at (928) 727-1966. They are one of the most trusted teams of commercial and residential plumbers in the Bullhead City, AZ, area, offering repairs and service at affordable rates, 24 hours a day. Visit their website for more information.