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Garbage disposals make kitchen cleanup and waste removal a quick and convenient process. However, if they aren’t properly taken care of, these appliances can easily malfunction, resulting in foul odors, clogged drains, and pipe damage. As such, here are a few maintenance tips that plumbers recommend to avoid serious issues.

Do:

Clean regularly.

Over time, your garbage disposal can build up food particles and sludge around the sides and on the impellers. Eventually, this will cause unpleasant smells to come back up through your kitchen sink; it also may be difficult for new waste to move through. Thus, your disposal should be cleaned at least once a month.

This can be done by pouring a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar down the drain, rinsing it down with hot water, and scrubbing inside the mouth with a bottle brush. You can also cut up citrus fruits and grind the pieces along with ice cubes to sharpen and deodorize the blades.

Run cold water while the disposal is running.

plumberAlways leave the cold water faucet on whenever your garbage disposal is in use and for 10-15 seconds after turning it off. This will help thoroughly flush the drain of food particles you put inside. Hot water will liquefy fats and oils that may accidentally enter the drain line, making it easier for them to stick to the impeller blades and eventually create a blockage.

Don’t:

Put all food waste down the drain.

Many homeowners make the mistake of treating their garbage disposal as a trash can. However, bones and fibrous vegetables have the potential to jam it, as do starchy products, like pasta and rice, that inflate when exposed to water. Also, avoid tossing in potato peels, eggshells, oil, grease, and fat.

Use harsh cleaning chemicals.

Never pour store-bought drain cleaners or bleach solutions inside your garbage disposal. These contain harsh chemicals that can damage the impellers and cause your pipes to degrade prematurely. If there’s a clog, try using a plunger or call your plumber to perform a drain cleaning.

 

Whether your garbage disposal needs repairs or you’re looking to install a new one, rely on the plumbers at Passanisi Services to get the job done right. Offering more than 20 years of experience, these skilled professionals in Elyria, OH, are qualified to keep water running easily through your pipes. Call (440) 984-2322 to speak with a knowledgeable representative. Visit their website for more information on the services they provide.

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