Tips for Proper Garbage Disposal Maintenance and Repair
Your garbage disposal is a hardworking appliance in your kitchen, helping to break down food waste and keep your sink clear. However, like any appliance, garbage disposals require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly and avoid breakdowns. In this guide, we’ll provide essential tips for maintaining and repairing your garbage disposal to keep it running smoothly.
Use Cold Water
When using your garbage disposal, always run cold water, not hot. Cold water helps solidify fats and grease, making it easier for the disposal to chop them into small particles. It also helps prevent overheating of the motor. Run cold water for at least 30 seconds before and after using the disposal to flush out any remaining food particles.
Avoid Specific Food Items
Avoid putting hard items like bones, fruit pits, seafood shells, and coffee grounds into the garbage disposal. These items can damage the blades and motor. Instead, dispose of these items in the trash or compost bin.
Fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, and corn husks, should only be added to the disposal in small quantities since the long fibers can wrap around the blades and cause a clogged disposal or clogged drainpipes.
Clean Regularly
Keep your garbage disposal clean by running it regularly and cleaning it periodically to remove buildup and odors. To clean the disposal, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by boiling water. You may grind a small amount of citrus peals to provide a fresh odor in your disposal. And you can grind ice cubes to sharpen the blades. Â
Avoid Chemical Cleaners
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners or bleach in your garbage disposal. These cleaners can damage the blades and corrode the metal components. Instead, opt for natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, or commercial enzyme-based cleaners to keep your disposal clean and odor-free.
Check for Leaks
Periodically inspect your garbage disposal for leaks or signs of water damage.
- Look for water puddles or dampness under the sink
- Look for visible cracks in the disposal
- Look for corrosion on or inside the disposal unit
If you notice any leaks, tighten connections or replace worn gaskets to prevent water damage to your cabinets and floors. If you notice corrosion on the disposal, it may be time to replace your disposal.
Note: If you’re interested in reducing one of the causes of leaks, call us to learn about water softener installation options that may be right for your home.Â
Reset the Disposal
If your garbage disposal stops working or jams, try resetting it before calling for repairs. Locate the reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal unit and press it to reset the motor. If the disposal still doesn’t work, check for obstructions or jams in the disposal chamber and use a hex key to manually rotate the disposal’s impeller to free up any stuck objects.
Know When to Call a Professional
While many garbage disposal issues can be resolved with simple maintenance and troubleshooting, some problems may require professional disposal repair or replacement. If you’re unable to resolve an issue on your own or if you notice signs of a more serious problem, such as grinding noises, foul odors, or repeated clogs, it’s best to call professional plumbers for assistance. Olde Town Plumbing has plumbers in Boerne, Timberwood Park, Blanco, and everywhere in between in Kendall, Bexar and Blanco counties.
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By following these tips for proper garbage disposal maintenance and repair, you can keep your unit running smoothly and avoid costly breakdowns. With regular care and attention, your garbage disposal can continue to serve you well and keep your kitchen plumbing clean and efficient for years to come.
