After a delicious meal, cleaning up is a breeze when your garbage disposal is working properly. Taking the necessary maintenance steps to keep this powerful grinder in top condition can prevent damage to your kitchen’s plumbing system. Here are several tips for ensuring the garbage disposal will continue to effectively get rid of food waste.

4 Tips to Protect Your Garbage Disposal

1. Avoid Hard Items

While garbage disposals grind food so leftovers can easily pass through plumbing, certain items can cause jams. Avoid placing hard items such as seeds, meat bones, and fruit pits in the disposal. Additionally, don’t toss non-food items in the system. Twist ties, plant clippings, cigarette butts, and food wrappers should be tossed in the regular trash. 

2. Use Cold Water

As the garbage disposal is operating, turn on the cold water. The cooler temperature helps prevent the bearings, motor, and other components from overheating. Cold water also moves grounded food through plumbing easier. Once you’ve finished, let the water run for up to a minute so that there is enough time for the sink’s drain to clear. 

3. Skip DIY Repairs

Sticking your hand in a garbage disposal can be dangerous and cause serious injuries. Your repair attempts may cause further damage to a non-working disposal. If your appliance is not operating properly, contact a plumbing professional for service. They have the tools and equipment to safely dislodge food and other obstructions.

4. Clean It Regularly

It’s inevitable that some sludge may form on the blades and sides. Turn the device off and pour baking soda and vinegar in the disposal to break up sludge. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse with cold water. A few times a month, toss small ice cubes in and turn on the disposal to help break up debris that may have formed on the blades. Run cold water simultaneously. 

For more than 45 years, John Lockwood Plumbing in Ontario, NY, has provided expert garbage disposal repair and maintenance services. The family-owned firm has a team of plumbing technicians with extensive experience who work on a wide range of drains, sinks, and disposals. Call (585) 265-0736 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for a list of services.