Garbage disposals are incredibly handy appliances to handle food scraps that regular sinks cannot. Just like the other parts of your plumbing system, they require the proper maintenance and a little know-how to ensure they continue to operate smoothly. The best way to avoid inconvenient and expensive septic repairs is to be aware of a few disposal do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Run Cold Water Through the Disposal

Surprisingly, it does matter what the temperature of the water is when you’re using the disposal. Hot water may overheat the appliance and could worsen any existing clogs by pushing debris into the pipes. Therefore, before you turn on any water while the disposal is running, make sure it’s cold.

Call a Professional

If something gets stuck in the disposal or it starts making odd noises, don’t try to fix the problem yourself. The blades are dangerous to touch, and any DIY solutions you try to use may negatively affect other parts of the plumbing system. Instead, call a septic repair expert. They’ll be able to fix the issue the right way.

Don’t:

Use It to Process Food Scraps

Despite popular belief, garbage disposals are not meant to act as an alternative to a trash can. It’s still best to scrape food scraps off plates and into a garbage receptacle as opposed to a disposal. These delicate appliances are simply meant to grind up what’s left behind.

Pour Drain Cleaner Down the Appliance

The drain cleaning products available to consumers are surprisingly corrosive and will harm your pipes. You should never use them to get rid of a clog, whether it’s in the toilet or the garbage disposal. You may wind up damaging the appliance beyond repair.

If you’re having trouble with your garbage disposal, call P & H Septic Service for assistance. Their technicians are certified, have more than 35 years of experience, and will help you solve any issue quickly. They help residential and commercial customers with a variety of septic repairs and maintenance. For an appointment, dial (860) 848-8507 or go online today.