3 Aspects to Know About Using the Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is a critical workhorse in most homes since it pulverizes food waste into tiny particles that can be washed away without clogging your plumbing. But without proper use and maintenance, your garbage disposal could break down and cause serious plumbing problems. Keep reading to learn how to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and avoid costly
appliance repairs.
How To Properly Use Your Garbage Disposal
1. Know Which Foods Go Down the Disposal
Grease from fatty foods, such as bacon or gravy, can collect in your pipes and cause clogs. Coffee grounds cling to pipes and attract grease, creating a sludgy, clay-like substance that is challenging to remove.
Eggshells also like to stick to the insides of pipes and trap other food particles that get washed down the drain, causing clogs. Starchy items, like pastas, potato peels, and rice, turn into a gluey substance that coats your pipes.
These items should be put in a garbage bin instead of the disposal to avoid expensive appliance repair bills. Alternatively, many of these foods can be used in compost, providing a nutrient-rich fertilizer for gardens, reducing waste, and saving energy.
2. Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clean
A dirty garbage disposal causes bad odors, so keep your appliance running clean by grinding a lemon peel and a few ice cubes once a month. The ice sharpens the blades and clears away waste stuck to the sides of your unit while the lemon peel gets rid of odors.
When running your disposal, always use cold water to prevent grease or oils that have accidentally made their way down the drain from building up and clogging the disposal. After each use, pour a few drops of dish soap down the drain and run your disposal with water for about a minute to help keep it clean.
3. Reset Your Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal stops working, try resetting it before calling an appliance repair service. You can find a red or black reset button on the disposal motor under your sink. If you press the reset button and the unit still does not work, make sure it is getting power by checking that it is plugged into a wall outlet.
If your disposal is getting power and still does not work, contact an appliance repair service.
Expert Appliance Solutions
in Elyria, OH, repairs all models of home and commercial appliances. This locally owned and run business aims to save you money by helping you get the most out of your appliance through good maintenance and effective repairs. Call them at
(844) 423-9737 or visit their
website.
