Maintaining your garbage disposal is crucial for ensuring it operates efficiently and lasts for years. Regular upkeep can prevent unpleasant odors, reduce the risk of clogs, and extend the life of the unit. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to properly care for your garbage disposal.
What Not to Put Down the Disposal
A major aspect of maintaining your garbage disposal is knowing what should and should not be put down the drain. Many issues arise from improper use, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Different horsepower have varying capacities for handling materials. ½ horsepower (HP) units are best for lighter loads, whereas ¾ and 1 HP units can manage more substantial waste.
Avoid Hard Materials
Disposals are designed to handle soft food waste, but hard materials can cause serious damage. Bones, fruit pits, and large seeds can jam or break the blades. They also place undue stress on the motor, which can lead to failure. This is especially important for ½ HP units as tough materials may seriously damage the unit. Instead of disposing of these items in your garbage disposal, throw them in the trash or compost them if possible.
Avoid Grease and Oil
Pouring grease, oil, or fatty substances down the disposal can cause clogs. When these materials cool, they solidify and can create blockages in the pipes. To dispose of grease, pour it into a container, let it solidify, and then throw it away. For smaller amounts of grease, you can also wipe it out of pans with a paper towel before washing.
Avoid Non-Food Items
It might seem obvious, but non-food items like plastic, paper, and metal should never be put down the disposal. These items can cause damage to the blades and motor, and they might not break down properly, leading to clogs. Always check your garbage disposal for foreign objects if you notice it’s not working correctly.
Using the Disposal Properly
Proper usage is essential for keeping your garbage disposal in good working condition. Follow these guidelines to ensure your disposal operates efficiently.
Run Cold Water
Always run cold water while operating your garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat, allowing it to be ground up more effectively and preventing it from sticking to the inside of the pipes. Let the water run for about 15 seconds after turning off the disposal to flush out any remaining food particles.
Feed Items Gradually
Avoid overloading your garbage disposal by feeding it waste gradually. Introducing too much food waste at once can overwhelm the motor and cause jams. Instead, feed small amounts of waste at a time and let the disposal grind it up before adding more.
Avoid Overuse
Using your garbage disposal for every bit of food waste can lead to wear and tear. If you find that you are frequently using the disposal, consider composting vegetable scraps or using a kitchen trash can for non-disposable waste. Regularly using your disposal for heavy or large food waste can also strain the unit.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best maintenance practices, problems with your garbage disposal can arise. Knowing how to troubleshoot common issues can save you time and money.
Disposal Humming but Not Working
If your garbage disposal is making a humming noise but not grinding, it’s often a sign that the motor is stuck. This can be due to a jammed blade. To fix this, turn off the disposal and unplug it. Use an Allen wrench to manually turn the blades and clear any obstructions. After clearing the jam, plug the disposal back in and turn it on.
Disposal Leaking
Leaks can occur from various sources, such as the sink flange or the discharge pipe. If you notice water pooling around your disposal, check the connections. Tighten any loose screws or fittings. If the leak persists, you might need to replace seals or gaskets. In some cases, it might be best to call a professional to address more complex leaks.
Disposal Getting Jammed
If your disposal is jammed, first ensure it’s turned off and unplugged. Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris. Avoid using your hands, as this can be dangerous. After removing the obstruction, manually turn the blades with an Allen wrench to ensure they’re moving freely. If the jam persists, you might need to reset the disposal by pressing the reset button usually located on the bottom of the unit.
Professional Maintenance and When to Call a Plumber
While many maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, some situations require professional expertise.
Signs You Need Professional Help
If you experience persistent problems with your garbage disposal, such as unusual noises, persistent odors, or continuous leaks, it might be time to call a plumber. Professional help is also recommended if your disposal is frequently jamming despite following proper usage guidelines or if the unit is not functioning at all.
Finding a Reliable Plumber
When selecting a plumber, look for licensed and insured professionals with good reviews and recommendations. An experienced plumber will be able to diagnose the issue accurately and offer a lasting solution. Be sure to ask about their experience with garbage disposals and get a detailed estimate before any work begins.
The Garbage Disposal Experts
Maintaining your garbage disposal involves a combination of proper usage, regular cleaning, and being mindful of what goes down the drain. By following these guidelines, you can prevent common issues and keep your disposal running smoothly. Remember to clean your disposal regularly, avoid putting unsuitable materials down the drain, and seek professional help if needed. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your garbage disposal but also ensures it continues to perform efficiently, making your kitchen a more pleasant place to work. Ask us about our other plumbing solutions, too!
At Plumbing & Cooling Nerds in Naples, we can help you with the installation of a new garbage disposal as well as offer emergency repairs and maintenance. We also provide service for your other kitchen plumbing areas, toilet repairs and water heater services for homes in the Southwest Florida area. We also offer AC repairs, new equipment installation and HVAC maintenance services. Contact Plumbing & Cooling Nerds for more information today or to schedule an appointment.
