Your garbage disposal has a tough job, its main focus is to shred food particles into micro pieces that can pass safely through a homes plumbing system. When used correctly, a garbage disposal can help prevent clogs and damage to a plumbing system. However often times garbage disposals are mistreated and not used correctly. One general misconception, that a garbage disposal can be used as a trash receptacle, stems from its name, garbage disposal. In fact, treating your garbage disposal like a trash can is one of the worst things you can do. Here are some tips to keep your garbage disposal running strong.
#1 Don’t Put Trash Down the Garbage Disposal
Trash goes in the trash can not the garbage disposal. We repeat never, ever put anything that will not be cut down to size with ease down the drain. Items like paper, plastic, and glass should never go down the drain. Not only is it a strain on your garbage disposal it can damage the blades and actually cause buildup and clogs in your plumbing system.
#2 Don’t Put Large Food Particles Down the Garbage Disposal
We know this can be somewhat confusing because the whole point of a garbage disposal is to chop food particles into little pieces so they can pass through your home’s plumbing system. However not all food particles can be chopped up. Bones, big chunks of meat, fruit pits, and fibrous vegetable scrapes like corn husks can cause too much wear and tear on your garbage disposal and cause clogs down the line.
#3 Don’t Pour Grease Down the Garbage Disposal
Grease is a big culprit in garbage disposal malfunction and can lead to clogs. Over time as grease cools and solidifies it can get stuck in a plumbing system and collect all kinds of debris, which can cause a major clog and major plumbing headache.
#4 Don’t Pour Chemicals Down the Garbage Disposal
It’s sometimes hard to know how to get rid of chemicals you may be used around the house. One thing we can tell you is don’t pour them down the drain or any other drain in your home. You don’t know the effect they could have on your plumbing system, septic tank, or the effect they could have on the environment. Remember everything you pour down the drain could eventually end up in the ocean, so err on the side of caution and dispose of them in a safe manner.
A few tips for operating your garbage disposal:
- Always run your garbage disposal with running water
- Run your garbage disposal frequently and often
- Deodorize your garbage disposal with citrus peels or a little vinegar
- Put ice cubes in the garbage disposal to knock debris off blades that can build up over time
Having a plumbing problem? Contact Courtesy Plumbing today!
