Garbage Disposal Dos & Don'ts
Garbage disposals are great appliances to have. But if you don’t operate or maintain it properly, it can require expensive repairs and cause drain nightmares.
Here are a few dos and don’ts to extend its life and prevent plumbing and drain mishaps:
DO’S:
Use a strong flow of cold water (never hot) when you grind food.
Grind peelings of citrus fruits to freshen up the drain smells.
Grind some hard materials, such as small chicken and fish bones. The souring action created will clean the disposal walls.
Pour a little dish soap in the disposal after washing dishes and let the cold water run for a minute or so.
DON’TS:
Pour grease or fat into your garbage disposal. It will impede its grinding ability and eventually clog the drain.
Use hot water with your disposal. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and clog the disposal.
Put expandable foods like rice in the disposal. These foods expand like they do in a pot and will clog your drain.
Grind fibrous materials like corn husks or onion skins. These fibers can tangle and jam the disposal.
If you do have a clogged disposal or drain, call a professional plumber to fix it before it becomes a major problem.