The garbage disposal is a useful tool in any kitchen, which can make your life a lot easier if you use it properly. Know what you should and shouldn’t do while using this appliance to ensure it functions reliably and safely. Use the plumber recommendations below to make the most of your garbage disposal.

Do:

Use it often.

Using the disposal often will keep the blades from rusting so they’ll run smoothly. It will also flush out any items that get down inside the drain. Try to use your disposal at least once a week.

Run it with water.

Turn on the cold-water faucet every time you use the disposal. Never run the disposal without flushing it with water. Keep the faucet running for at least 15 seconds after you have turned off the disposal.

Clean and freshen it.

Drain cleaning and freshening the disposal will help it run smoothly and keep bad smells at bay. Use only dish soap and cold water to clean the blades, never hot water or harsh chemicals. Pour a little dish soap down the disposal after using it and run it for ten seconds with cold water. To remove bad smells, grind up a disposal freshener or a lemon peel.

Don’t:

Dump grease in it.

Grease will congeal inside the disposal and clog up the blades, so never pour oil, fat or grease inside. Instead, let it congeal and put it in your garbage can.

Reach inside.

The blades inside your disposal are sharp, so you can hurt yourself even if it isn’t running. Use tongs or pliers to pull out anything that gets stuck inside. If the disposal starts misbehaving, call a plumber to look at it instead of taking it apart yourself.

Grind fibrous or expandable foods.

Expandable foods will clog up the blades once they get wet, and fibrous foods will tangle up inside the blades. Put them in the garbage can instead. This includes rice, pasta, corn husks, onion skins, celery and artichokes.

Sandollar Services is the premier trusted affordable plumbing company of the Port Aransas, TX, area. Their plumber has built a reputation for high-quality work, exceptional customer service, and honest pricing with no hidden fees. When you work with them for a clogged drain or broken disposal, you’ll see why they have earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Contact them online or at (361) 749-4274 to schedule an appointment today!