Garbage disposals are convenient additions to kitchens to get rid of discarded food and small amounts of leftovers. However, it’s important to know how to correctly use yours to avoid constantly needing plumbing repairs. Here is a guide to help you increase the life span of your garbage disposal. 

What Items to Put In

Your garbage disposal can handle more foods than most people imagine. Small sections of citrus rinds and fruit scraps are both safe for your disposal and can leave your drain smelling fresh.

Leftover meat scraps are also safe as long as they are chopped into small pieces and don’t have chunks of fat on them. Most vegetable scraps are also okay to drop down garbage disposals, except for the exceptions listed below. 

What Items Shouldn’t Go In

Anything fatty, oily, or greasy should not go down garbage disposals (or any drain for that matter). These items are the number one cause of pipe clogs and sewer overflows, so play it safe and don’t’ add anything to your disposal that might cause a buildup. This includes peanut butter, heavy cream, and fatty meats. 

Other staples that should not go in your garbage disposal are starchy foods like rice and potatoes, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Fibrous vegetables and peels are also problematic. Avoid corn husks, banana peels, asparagus, and artichokes. 

What to Do if Your Garbage Disposal Stops Working

The root of your problem could be one of a few different issues. If your garbage disposal won’t turn on, it may be an electrical issue. Try unplugging and replugging the disposal to see if you had a tripped circuit.

It may also be an overheating issue; in this case, you can try resetting your disposal by pressing the reset button on the underside of the machine. If that doesn’t work, and you can’t figure out what is wrong, contact a plumbing contractor to take a look and get to the root of the problem. 

If you’re experiencing issues with your garbage disposal, contact Mike Hensley Plumbing and Electric in Cincinnati, OH. This company has been helping their community for over 25 years, offering services such as garbage disposal repairs, sewer cleaning, water heater repairs, and more. Visit them online to learn more about what they offer or call (513) 574-8553 to speak with a professional.