Whether you already have a garbage disposal or are planning on getting one soon, you probably recognize the enormous convenience it provides. However, it’s not a great idea to toss organic matter down the drain without knowing how this system works. Below, the talented plumbers at A All Valley Plumbing & Sewer Service in Cincinnati, OH, share some tips for using a garbage disposal to help you keep yours in top condition.

Follow These 4 Tips When Using Your Garbage Disposal

1. Only Add Food Scraps

Your disposal is not meant to handle everything. It won’t be able to grind up larger bones, grains, plastic, metal, or long noodles. It’s also important to avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the disposal as they’ll clog the pipes over time, leading to the need for an emergency plumber.

2. Mitigate Bad Odors With Citrus

It’s common for garbage disposals to smell when you use them frequently. Thankfully, it’s easy to fight the bad scents naturally with citrus. Place orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit peels in your disposal and run it with water to release citrus oils that will make your kitchen smell great.

3. Always Add Cold Water

Have you ever tried to make a smoothie with just ice and fruit chunks? It likely didn’t work, as you were missing a key ingredient: liquid. Your garbage disposal works similarly and requires water to help move organic matter through the system. Always pour cold water down the drain when running your disposal to encourage the flow of food through the pipes. This will also prevent accidental grease or oils from solidifying and causing plumbing issues.

4. Don’t Stop the Moment the Food Disappears

When you flip the switch to run the garbage disposal, don’t stop it the second you can no longer hear food being ground up. Instead, run the system at least 30 seconds longer. This moves the food further down the pipes to reduce the likelihood of odors or a clog that requires the attention of a plumber.

Your garbage disposal can help reduce the amount of garbage in your home so long as you maintain it properly. If you experience an issue with this appliance, call for emergency repairs from A All Valley Plumbing & Sewer Service at (513) 733-3311. Visit the website for information on their plumbers and sewer services, from cleaning and inspections to repairs, backflow testing, and excavation.