When it comes to taking proper care of your garbage disposal, there are definitely some dos and don’ts that should be taken into consideration. When the system breaks down, it can be really frustrating, but fortunately a lot of time you have control over how long your garbage disposal lasts – it’s all in how you treat it!
Check out some of our tips below, then be sure to depend on the team at Stadler Plumbing if you come across any issues. We repair and install garbage disposals all throughout Macomb County, and we’d be happy to help you out!
Garbage Disposal Dos
One easy step in keeping your garbage disposal healthy is to use it regularly. Some people rarely turn theirs on, which can cause the blades to corrode and rust. Even if you don’t have anything to send down the drain, it’s a good idea to run it every couple of days to ensure everything stays primed and ready to go at all times.
It’s also a good idea to clean the unit every so often by sending down some some basic products from your own kitchen. Peels from citrus-y fruit, baking soda and vinegar, or even just some soap and water will go a long ways in keeping your appliance clean and free from buildup. And be sure to use plenty of water when running it, too!
And speaking of water, most people’s instincts will tell them to use hot water when using their disposal. The truth is that cold water is actually much more effective when getting food and grease to properly drain. It hardens things up, so that the waste can be effectively ground up and sent away. Hot water will simply melt it to the sides of the system.
Garbage Disposal Don’ts
Now, there are also some things that you should definitely try to avoid when operating your disposal. For example, there are lots of foods that many assume are safe to send down that are, in fact, causing damage. Things like banana peels, coffee grounds, potato peels, egg shells, and other starchy or fibery foods are known for clogging things up. Rice and pasta should also be avoided, as these foods are known to expand and cause blockages.
You’ll also want avoid throwing non-food items like bones, glass, plastic, metal, or paper down the disposal. These could jam up your system in a hurry, and they’ll dull the blades, too. If you do experience a jam that you would like to try and address yourself, never stick anything down the drain until the system is shut off and unplugged. You should also never put your hand inside of it, as this could easily result in a bad injury.
Give Our Team A Call Today
The Stadler Plumbing crew is more than qualified to help you out with any garbage issues and, if worse comes to worst, we can install a new model, sure to meet your every need. Please count on us today. We’ll set you up right.