How to Avoid Garbage Disposal Problems and Clogs
Most homeowners don't think about the condition of their garbage disposal, but when it suddenly stops working, it can be top-of-mind. Homeowners rely on garbage disposals to effectively get rid of some food scraps. However, garbage disposals can break down, and pipes can clog if households do not take the right precautions.
To avoid these risks, this post will explain some tips to help keep garbage disposals working well, including what foods cannot go down the disposal, how cold water can benefit the system, and why to limit the amount of food put down the disposal at once.
Foods to Not Put Down the Disposal
One common cause of sewer line clogs and garbage disposal problems is putting the wrong things down the drain and into the garbage disposal. So, an important way to avoid issues with the garbage disposal and clogs is to know what things should never go down the disposal.
Some food scraps and things to avoid include coffee grounds, pasta, rice, eggshells, fibrous foods, potato peels, bones, nuts, grease, oil, fats, and more. These items can cause problems and clog the disposal as well as lead to a clogged sewer line. If someone is unsure of if something can go down the disposal, it's best to throw it in the garbage.
Use Cold Water When Using Garbage Disposals
In addition to being cautious about what foods they put down in the garbage disposal, people should also ensure they run cold water down the system any time they use their garbage disposals and immediately after.
Doing this will help prevent buildups in the garbage disposal unit, leading to cleaner garbage disposals. Using cold water will also help prevent overheating. People can also run ice cubes in the disposal to help keep it clean and dislodge any scraps of food stuck in the unit.
Don’t Put Too Much Food Down the Disposal
Plumbers also recommend that homeowners take care when putting food down the disposal to avoid putting too much down at once. Too much food entering the system simultaneously can cause a clog or other problems with the garbage disposal. Instead, residents should ensure they don’t put large food scraps in the unit or too much of anything down at once. If they notice some pieces are too big, they should cut or break them into smaller pieces.
Homeowners should also schedule garbage disposal repair or replacement when the system acts up. They should call a plumber if they notice common signs of problems, like garbage disposal humming noises, the unit not turning on, bad smells from it, or if it needs frequent resets.
About Service Experts Plumbing
Service Experts Plumbing provides plumbing services to the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. They offer flat-rate pricing, on-time service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in D’Iberville, MS.
