How to Care for the Garbage Disposal and Prevent Clogs
The garbage disposal is a frequently used, yet often misunderstood, part of modern kitchens. While incredibly convenient for breaking down certain food scraps so they travel safely through the drainage system without causing a clog, improper use of a garbage disposal can quickly lead to a drain or sewer line clog, unpleasant odors, and the need for garbage disposal repair or a garbage disposal replacement.
Fortunately, with a few simple habits and tips, homeowners can help keep them running smoothly, prolong the lifespan of their garbage disposal unit, and help prevent sewer line and drain line clogs. This post will share some simple ways to help prevent garbage disposal problems and clogs.
Be Careful What Goes Down the Disposal
To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of a garbage disposal, as well as help prevent clogging of the drain and sewer lines, it is crucial to monitor what goes into the garbage disposal. A general rule is to avoid anything stringy, hard, or that expands with water. This means food, such as rice, pasta, and oatmeal, which retain water and expand, potato peels, fibrous and stringy foods like celery, corn husks, asparagus, and more, bones, nuts, seafood shells, and pits should never go down the disposal.
Additionally, coffee grounds, eggshells, and grease, fats, and oils, which solidify and coat the blades and pipes, causing clogs, should never go down garbage disposals. People should never put non-food items, such as plastic, paper, paint, or harsh cleaning chemicals, down the disposal either, as they can cause significant damage to the garbage disposal and pipes, as well as cause clogging.
The garbage disposal is designed to handle small amounts of soft food scraps that remain after scraping plates, not bulk waste. Some safe items that can go down disposals include small pieces of cooked meat, rinds from citrus fruits, ice, and fruit and vegetable scraps, besides exceptions such as fibrous veggies, potato peels, and pits.
Use Cold Water and Ice
Running a strong stream of cold water before, during, and for at least 30 seconds after using the garbage disposal is essential for maintaining a clean and clear system. Cold water helps keep any fats, oils, and grease that have accidentally entered the disposal in a solidified state, helping prevent them from coating the interior of the pipes and the disposal chamber. Running the water also helps flush food particles completely through the disposal and drain line, preventing material from building up inside the unit or the drain pipe and causing stubborn clogs.
To maintain a clean garbage disposal unit, homeowners can periodically run a handful of ice cubes through the disposal. As the ice is ground, it can help dislodge food scraps stuck to the blades or that might have accumulated in the internal chamber. When cleaning the disposal, citrus rinds can also be run through it to help neutralize any stubborn odors in the unit from food waste.
Avoid Putting Too Much Down the Disposal at Once
Another important factor in preventing clogs in drain and sewer lines, avoiding garbage disposal problems, or a clogged garbage disposal, is managing the amount of food waste that goes down the disposal. Overloading the unit by putting too much food down the disposal quickly or inserting large chunks of food can not only lead to problems with the disposal, but also cause a clogged sewer line or drain line, even if the food scraps are considered safe for the garbage disposal.
So rather than putting a large quantity down the garbage disposal at once, people should ensure they only dispose of small amounts of food scraps that are safe for the disposal at a time, while running cold water the whole time. This will allow the disposal to break down the food waste effectively, ensuring the material is fully ground and flushed away before more is added. Gradually feed these smaller quantities into the running disposal, allowing the unit sufficient time to grind and clear the waste before introducing any more. This practice minimizes the risk of clogs and problems with the disposal.
About Honest Abe's Home Services
Honest Abe's Home Services is a heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company serving Osage Beach and the surrounding communities. They provide flat-rate pricing, emergency response, and fast turnarounds. Call them for garbage disposal repair and replacement services in Osage Beach, MO.
