Modern kitchens often rely on garbage disposals to efficiently manage food waste. However, improper use can lead to clogs, unpleasant odors, and even equipment damage. Canyon Plumbing & Heating is committed to empowering homeowners with the knowledge to maintain optimal disposal performance. This guide provides some tips and practices you can take as a homeowner to keep your garbage disposal clean and working properly.
Recommended Practices for Effective Grinding
- Suitable Food Waste: Garbage disposals are designed to effectively grind and process biodegradable food scraps. This includes fruit and vegetable peels (excluding starchy food varieties discussed later), eggshells (in moderation), coffee grounds (limited quantities), and cooked boneless meat scraps.
- Pre-Processing for Efficiency: For larger or tougher food scraps, consider pre-chopping them into smaller pieces before introducing them to the disposal. This reduces strain on the motor and ensures thorough grinding.
- The Power of Cold Water Over Hot Water: Always activate cold water flow while using the disposal and continue for at least 15 seconds after. Cold water facilitates the flushing of food particles and discourages grease buildup within the system.
- Natural Deodorization with Citrus: Looking for an eco-friendly way to freshen your disposal? Introduce lemon or orange peels into the grinding process. The citric acid effectively deodorizes and eliminates buildup.
Materials to Avoid for Optimal Performance
- The Threat of Grease: Grease, oils, and fats are leading contributors to clogged drains. These substances solidify within pipes, creating blockages that can be both inconvenient and expensive to resolve. It's essential to allow grease to cool and solidify before scraping it into the trash bin.
- Starchy Culprits: Potato peels, rice, pasta, and flour can transform into a starchy paste that clogs disposal blades and pipes. Consistently scrape these items into the trash before rinsing dishes.
- Fibrous Foods: Fibrous vegetables such as celery, corn husks, and artichokes can potentially wrap around the disposal's impellers, causing jams. Composting these items is a more suitable disposal method.
- Eggshells in Moderation: While a limited number of eggshells are acceptable, avoid overloading the disposal. The membrane can contribute to clogging of the grinding mechanism.
- Coffee Grounds (Use with Caution): The use of coffee grounds in disposals is a topic of debate. While small quantities are generally safe, excessive use can lead to buildup within pipes. Consider composting coffee grounds as an alternative.
- Non-Food Items: It's crucial to refrain from introducing anything other than food scraps into the disposal. Metals, glass, plastic, and other non-biodegradable items can damage the unit and obstruct pipes.
Preventative Maintenance for Long-Term Performance
- Unusual Sounds: A noisy disposal can indicate dull blades, object jams, or improper use. If you encounter unusual sounds, turn off the disposal immediately and consult your user manual or contact one of our qualified plumbers.
- The Ice Cube Sharpening Technique: Want to sharpen the blades and remove light buildup? With the disposal switched off, fill the sink with ice cubes and a sprinkle of baking soda. Run cold water while grinding the ice for 30 seconds. This technique can help freshen the disposal and potentially improve blade sharpness.
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Once a month, pour approximately a cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for 15 minutes before flushing with cold water. This process helps eliminate foul odors and light buildup, saving you from costly repairs in the future.
When Uncertainty Arises, Discard Safely
If you're unsure whether a particular item is safe for your garbage disposal, always err on the side of caution and dispose of it in the trash. Remember, a clogged disposal or damaged pipes can result in significant inconvenience and financial burden.
Canyon Plumbing & Heating: Your Trusted Partner in Garbage Disposal Solutions
At Canyon Plumbing & Heating, we prioritize maintaining optimal functionality in your kitchen. Should you encounter any plumbing issues, contact us! Our professional plumbers possess extensive expertise in garbage disposal repair and maintenance. We will quickly diagnose the problem and provide an effective solution to restore your disposal to peak performance.