All You Need To Know About Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposal systems make it easy for us to process leftovers, peels, and expired food. We just send these down the drain and forget them. Often we also forget to care for the disposal since it is located under the sink -- out of sight, out of mind. The system can thus slowly spiral into ruin without us noticing. Make it a habit to do the following to keep things running smoothly:

1.  Use cold water to harden the food so that grinding will be easier for the machine.
2. Run the system about a minute longer than usual to make sure that everything has been flushed.
3. Throw in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges every so often to get rid of foul odors.
4. Run it regularly to keep the parts moving and prevent rusting and freezing.
5. Whenever possible, cut waste into smaller pieces to that the motor won't be overly taxed.

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Just because you keep the water running doesn't mean that everything is clean. Bits and pieces of food may have clung to the sides. Extracts may turn foul after a while. The system requires proactive cleaning on a regular basis. The good news is that this is a breeze to do and the materials you need are already in the kitchen. Prepare a few lemons or other citrus fruits, baking soda, white vinegar, ice cubes, rock salt, and boiling water. Start by sprinkling baking soda down the hole - about half a cup will do. Follow this up with a cup of the vinegar. If you paid attention to your chemistry class, then you'll know that this combination creates an interesting reaction with noise and fizz. Once things subside, let boiling water flow through the drain. Next, place 2 cups of ice cubes and 1 cup of salt inside the drain. Let cold water run then turn on the disposal system. The friction will help remove the grime from the sides. Turn it off once the ice has melted. Finally, get the lemons and cut them in half. Turn on the water and the machine then shoot a piece of fruit down the drain for a more fragrant smell.

 

Garbage Disposal Don'ts

Clogged drains and system breakdowns can be costly to fix. As always, prevention is much better than cure. Know what to do and what to avoid so that you can steer clear of headaches.

1. If it's not biodegradable food, then it shouldn't go down the drain. There's a trash can for everything else: plastic, glass, paper, etc.
2. Oil, fat and grease should be kept out of the system. They will gradually accumulate on the surfaces and reduce performance. They could even cause clogs.
3. Keep out materials that are high in fiber as they can get entangled with parts of the motor. Examples include artichokes, celery stalks, and corn husks.
4. Mind the starchy items like potato peels. These can cause a thick paste to form which will stick to the blades and impede the grinding action.

For any issues that you may be experiencing with your garbage disposal, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions or concerns that you might have. What seems like a minor issue can quickly progress into a bigger one so  be sure to call us immediately. We offer plumbing services in Salisbury, PA and all surrounding towns. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

All You Need To Know About Garbage Disposals was originally published on Robinson Plumbing