A kitchen garbage disposal is one of the most effective ways to get rid of food waste. Knowing the proper way to use a garbage disposal will save you time, money, and space in your home by making all that left-over food go down the drain instead of filling trash bags. It also reduces odors from decomposing garbage because it grinds up everything so finely that the odor dissipates.
Although it’s a convenient appliance to have, using the garbage disposal the wrong way can lead to breakdowns, a clogged kitchen drain, and premature replacement. Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of garbage disposal usage.
Do:
Clean the garbage disposal from time to time. Running it with some ice cubes and dish soap or baking soda and vinegar will clean the blades and remove the gunk that tends to build up over time.
Run the disposal regularly. Running the garbage disposal on a regular basis will prevent debris accumulation, rust, and corrosion.
Always run water when grinding food. The water is necessary to liquefy the food items and help them go down the drain.
Cut any large pieces into smaller pieces for the disposal. Then, add smaller pieces one at a time, rather than trying to cram too much down the disposal at once.
Don’t:
Use the disposal like a trash can. It isn’t designed for high volumes of waste, even food waste or scraps. If you have a big bowl of leftovers, it’s better to put it in the trash or compost pile.
Put starchy food down the disposal. Items like rice, potatoes, and pasta turn into a gooey substance when they go down the disposal and drain. Starchy food will eventually cause a clog.
Dispose of stringy or hard food items. Anything with pits, seeds, or lots of fibers should not go down the disposal. These items include bones, corn cobs, avocado pits, and celery.
Use harsh chemicals like drain cleaners or bleach. These chemicals can damage the pipes and disposal blades. Instead, use lemon, white vinegar, borax, or dish soap to clean.
Get Reliable Garbage Disposal Services When You Need Them
Is your garbage disposal not working its best? It may be time for repair or replacement. Most garbage disposals last between 10 and 15 years, but if yours is malfunctioning more than it’s working, you can save time, money, and headaches with services from Progressive Plumbing.
Our licensed Atlanta plumbers provide expert garbage disposal services, including garbage disposal replacement. We know how to correctly install and maintain your kitchen disposal. Plus, we can help you learn the proper way to use a garbage disposal and meet all of your plumbing needs for your Atlanta home. Contact us today to schedule service.
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