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Garbage disposals are one of the most effective yet misunderstood kitchen appliances. However, the reason they are so misunderstood is because the common homeowner isn’t informed on how to use them. If not operated or maintained regularly, a garbage disposal can easily break down, clog the drains, and rust out causing a long list of expensive plumbing and drain nightmares. Pro-Fetick Plumbing receives several service calls a week that involve repairing or even replacing garbage disposals due to a homeowner being uninformed. Avoid having to fork the money out for a plumbing professional by not putting these items down your drain:

Grease, Oil, or Fat 

When grease cools it solidifies clogging up the drain. Oil and fat can form a filminess on the garbage disposal’s teeth, limiting the effectiveness.

Fibrous Foods

The strings of celery, asparagus, lettuce, carrots, corn husks, potato peels, and onion skins can wrap around the teeth preventing proper operation. 

Egg Shells

The shells create sand-like particles which can stick to the shredding ring. It will also stick to the pipe walls, slowing the drain and possibly causing a clog.

Pasta

Pasta expands when wet which can ultimately lead to a blockage in the drain.

Fruit Pits or Seeds

These can do serious damage, limiting the usefulness and life of your garbage disposal.

Bones

Chicken, pork, lamb, or beef bones should never go down the garbage disposal. A garbage disposal is not strong enough to handle bones, which will just end up causing a jam in the disposal. 

Non-Food Items

These items include twist ties, paper clips, rubber bands, tupperware, utensils, sponges, and plant clippings.

In the event that one of these food items or non-food items causes a jam and a dull, humming noise occurs, the repair can be easy enough to handle yourself. Follow these steps if your garbage disposal does not operate properly:

  1. Unplug or turn off the electrical circuit that powers your disposal.
  2. Press the reset button located on the bottom side of the disposer.
  3. Look for a foreign object such as bone, plastic, or glass.
  4. Using pliers or a retrieval tool, remove the items from the grinding chamber. It is never safe to use your hands to remove items.
  5. Look to see if your disposer has a hex key jam clearing tool.
  6. Check for a slot at the bottom of the disposer where the tool can be inserted and turned back and forth to clear the jam.

Garbage disposals are heavy duty but even the best model cannot handle unsuitable items. If you run into any problems with your unit, call the professionals at Pro-Fetick Plumbing. With over 30 years of experience serving Lexington, Versailles, Frankfort, Nicholasville, Richmond, and Winchester, KY, they offer quick response times and quality service. Visit their website to send a message, or call the plumbing contractors at (859) 263-5727 to make an appointment today.

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