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Garbage disposals are a convenient amenity to have, but they can also be detrimental to your plumbing if you’re not using them correctly. By following a few easy rules, homeowners can prevent costly piping issues and hassles. Below are some best practices to put into action and habits to avoid.

Do:

Use cold water.

Grease, coffee grounds, and other unwanted substances often filter into the garbage disposal and create issues. Hot water pushes them further into the plumbing, but switching to cold causes them to harden and easily grind. Avoid clogs by running a cool stream before turning on the system and keep it going for 15 seconds afterward to clear the drain.

Run it regularly.

garbage-disposals-k-and-g-plumbing-and-heatingThe system’s parts need to run regularly to avoid corrosion after getting wet. Turn on the disposal every few days, even if there’s nothing in it. Run cold water as well to flush any hardening food particles and prevent unwanted odors and future clogs. Doing so will boost the lifespan of your unit.

Don’t:

Pour grease.

The quickest way to cause a clog is to pour grease down the chute. Garbage disposals don’t handle these liquids well, and once the substance gets into your piping, it begins coating the walls. The issue leads to extensive blockages further down the system.

Overload it.

Overloading garbage disposals burns them out quickly. If it has to struggle, the motor eventually overworks and the blades get dull. Put moderate amounts of food in at a time and refrain from dropping bones and other hard materials.

 

Proper care keeps your plumbing features reliable for years. For assistance with an issue, turn to the team at K & G Plumbing & Heating in Hastings, NE. Whether it’s handling garbage disposals, water heater repairs, or general plumbing problems, they offer quality and effective solutions. Call (402) 463-4470 today to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about them and their services by visiting online.

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