As an incredibly convenient residential plumbing appliance, garbage disposals allow homeowners to easily remove solids from wastewater. However, without proper care and maintenance, these appliances can develop blockages that may lead to costly repairs. Follow the guidelines below to ensure your disposal continues working well for many years to come.

The Basics of Residential Plumbing

Keep It Clean

Over time, bits of food can become caught and accumulate in the disposal. When this happens, you’ll end up with foul odors that waft throughout the kitchen. Rather than allowing food to remain in the disposal, keep it clean by thoroughly washing the rubber ring in the center of the sink. Food often gets caught in the underside of this ring, so make sure you scrub that portion thoroughly.

Use It Properly

In addition to regularly cleaning your garbage disposal, rinse it with cold water while grinding a few scraps of food at a time. Avoid allowing fibrous foods, such as grapes and celery, to go down the drain. These foods are difficult to break down and can become trapped in the disposal. You should also keep hard foods, including bones and fruit pits, out of the disposal because these could break the appliance. With proper usage, you can ensure your disposal stays in optimal condition without becoming damaged. 

Grind Acids

Finally, consider making ice cubes from vinegar or lemon juice and grinding these in the disposal. The acidic nature of these liquids will kill any bacteria and disinfect your appliance. They can also cut grease, remove odors, and knock off any accumulated debris. You can even feed citrus rinds from lemons or oranges into the disposal to ensure it always smells fresh.

 

By following this guide, you can keep your garbage disposal working for many years. However, if you experience problems or need help keeping it maintained, reach out to the residential plumbing experts at Joe Klosterman Plumbing, located in Cincinnati, OH. Family owned and operated, this plumbing company has been providing the Tri-State area with exceptional drain cleaning and repair services since 1983. As licensed master plumbers, they even specialize in home remodels and new construction. To learn more about their prompt services, visit them online or call (513) 941-6766 to speak with a knowledgeable team member.