Installing a garbage disposal is an excellent way to cut down on kitchen cleanup. While they may seem invincible, however, there are many ways to damage your garbage disposal, and London Plumbing & Remodeling of Pine Grove, CA, wants to share some crucial dos and don’ts. Taking proper care of it will ensure you get consistent, reliable service and an effective disposal for years to come.

Dos

1. Use Cold Water

Hot water tends to cause foods to bunch together, which can lead to clogs further down your pipes. When using your garbage disposal, keep a steady stream of cold water running. This will help push foods safely down piping. Don’t just stop when the water clears out of the drain.  Run the cold water for at least another 30 seconds at full volume.  This ensures the disposal is clean & the trap & initial run of the kitchen sink drain is clean & free of food & debris.

2. Clean Your Disposal

Even though the food is flushed from your disposal, it can leave bacteria behind. Over time, this can create unwanted smells and also slow down the motor. Regularly cleaning it with dish-washing soap and white vinegar is a practical way to sanitize and keep your disposal running properly.  Another great trick is to run the disposal while your dishwasher is draining.  The soap that cleans the dishes also eats away at  the small amounts of food in the disposal & drain pipes.  Once this is done, things are usually pretty clean.

3. Sharpen the Blades

To keep your garbage disposal functioning well, it’s essential to regularly sharpen the blades. The best way is to use citrus peels and ice cubes. Before placing them in, run cold water. Then, place them into the disposal and run it for about a minute. This will help clean the blades and sharpen their edges. Please use just a small amount of the citrus peel.

Don’ts

1. Avoid Calling a Professional

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, breakdown, or need to install a new disposal, leave the job to a professional. A qualified plumber can ensure your new device is properly installed and can also safely fix clogs to ensure repeat issues don’t occur.

2. Abandon Your Trashcan

Garbage disposals aren’t built to handle everything. They’re designed to dispose of small amounts of soft foods, so avoid putting bones, pits, and other hard materials into it. Starches, coffee grounds, and other water-absorbent foods should go in your trashcan as well to avoid clogs.

3. Pour Grease Down It

Oils and grease pose a significant threat to your garbage disposal and piping. Once it cools, grease will coagulate, coating your disposal blades and gears and also causing clogs in your piping. The best way to dispose of grease is in the trash, so pour it into an old jar or can & then put it into the trash.

If you need garbage disposal repair and other plumbing jobs, turn to  London Plumbing & Remodeling. Our team offers comprehensive repair services, ranging from water heaters to bathroom fixtures. Call (209) 296-3613 to schedule an appointment, visit him online, and check out his Facebook page to learn more about the services offered.