Share:

A garbage disposal system is a convenient addition to your kitchen that reduces odors and makes cleaning the dishes easier. To keep it running safely and protect your kitchen plumbing, get acquainted with garbage disposal best and worst practices. 

Do:

Properly maintain and use your garbage disposal.

Clean your garbage disposal at least once a month to prevent clogs and odors. Use a degreasing dish soap and cold water, which will solidify any grease and make it easy for the disposal blades to chop it up. 

Every day, while your garbage disposal is grinding up food, flush it with cold water. Continue to run the tap for 30 seconds afterward to rinse waste down the drain. 

kitchen plumbingFollow safety procedures.

If you or a child accidentally drops a utensil or another item in the garbage disposal, don’t be tempted to reach down and grab it. You might incur injury by putting your hand inside.

Turn the disposal off, and warn others not to turn it back on. Then use tongs or another kitchen appliance to retrieve the item. If you’re unable to find the item, call a plumber for help.

Don’t:

Try to sharpen it.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to sharpen your garbage disposal’s blades with eggshells or ice cubes. Instead of blades, it uses impellers that are typically blunt and don’t require sharpening. Plus, disposing of items like eggshells or bones in your garbage disposal can cause jams instead of improving its performance.

Use your garbage disposal as a trash can.

As you’re washing the dishes, you might be tempted to make your job easier by scraping all the waste into the garbage disposal, but this will  slow and eventually clog your kitchen plumbing.

In general, avoid putting oils and fats down your drain. They not only thicken to create clogs but also trap food bits and bacteria. Also, avoid disposing of starchy foods, which will expand or turn into a paste, and fibrous foods, which will wrap around the disposal blades.

 

Keep your kitchen plumbing flowing with the help of Diamond Head Plumbing in Honolulu, HI. This family-operated business has served the local community for over 40 years. Their emergency plumbers are available 24/7 to diagnose and solve your plumbing issues. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 734-4344. Visit them online to find out about their range of services.

tracking