Don’t Overload

When it come to garbage disposal tips, it is important to not overload it. You may think you garbage disposal has super powers, but those powers get worn out over time. If you are doing some heavy cooking in the kitchen, run your garbage disposal at regular intervals to prevent overloading it. As an added bonus, if you are  running the dishwasher, try running the garbage disposal first to clear the drain. Since the dishwasher drains into the garbage disposal, this helps prevent overflow in your sink, and also helps prevent clogs in your dishwasher from back-flow.  

Always Run With Water

One of the most important garbage disposal tips is to always operate the garbage disposal with running water to avoid burning out the motor, and help direct waste down the drain. Cold water is best during the grinding process. It allows any grease that might have end up in the garbage disposal to remain solid allowing it to pass through the drain. Hot water is perfectly acceptable to run, if you are simply clearing out the drain.  

NEVER Put Grease Down The Drain

Grease is your garbage disposals worst enemy. Grease will build up in your plumbing up over time, collecting other debris, and eventually forming a massive clog. To keep clogs at bay, and help keep things flowing, it it best to avoid putting any type of grease or fat down the drain. Just don’t do it!  

Watch What Goes Down The Drain

One of the biggest misconceptions about garbage disposals is that it is like a garbage can. Just because garbage is in the name, does not mean that it should be treated like a garbage can. In fact, far from it. The garbage disposal as designed to macerate particles of food that ended up down the drain while rinsing dishes. This helps waste flow through the plumbing freely, preventing clogs. When it comes to trash, the garbage disposal can only do so much. Some things that should never go down the drain include:

• Bones
• Batter
• Pasta
• Large portions of leftovers
• Coffee grounds
• Egg shells
• Grease, oils, and fats (mentioned above)
• Trash
• Glass
• Plastic
• Hair
• Chemicals
• Prescription medication

  All of these items can not only cause clogs, but also damage to your pipes. To prevent unwanted items from entering the drain, install a screen to capture unwanted items.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is good for any machine. It is particularly good for your garbage disposal because it allows things to continue to run smoothly, and allows the garbage disposal to work more effectively. On a regular basis, clean the garbage disposal with a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. This help remove buildup and also deodorizes the drain. It is also good to run the garbage disposal with some ice cubes and citrus peels every now and then. The ice cubes help know buildup off of the blades and the citrus helps sanitize and deodorize the drain. In addition, regular annual drain cleaning is the best way to prevent unwanted plumbing problems from creeping up. To learn more or to schedule your drain cleaning, contact Rooter Hero today!  

Related Articles The Effect of Heavy Rain on Your Plumbing Why Is My Plumbing Making Noises? 5 Signs Your Water Heater is About to Quit