Garbage disposals are an incredible kitchen convenience, making cleanup faster and easier. However, they’re not invincible. Misusing your garbage disposal can lead to clogs, costly plumbing repairs, and even a shortened lifespan for the unit itself. With a little know-how and proper care, you can ensure your disposal remains a faithful kitchen ally for years to come. Follow this step-by-step guide to use your garbage disposal wisely and keep it in top shape.

Step 1: Scrape First

Before you even turn on your garbage disposal, start by scraping food scraps from your plates and utensils directly into the trash or compost bin. This simple step is the first line of defense against clogs and overloading the disposal.

• Why It Matters: Large food pieces can overwhelm your garbage disposal’s grinding capabilities and increase the risk of clogging pipes.
• How to Do It: Use a rubber spatula or a dedicated food scraper to ensure your dishes are free of excess food debris before rinsing.
• Pro Tip: Invest in a sink strainer to catch stray food particles and prevent them from inadvertently entering your disposal unit.

Step 2: Be Selective About What You Dispose of

While the garbage disposal is designed to handle food waste, not all types of waste are created equal. Being selective about what you grind can go a long way in maintaining your disposal.

Option 1: Compost Instead

Compost your food scraps whenever possible. Composting reduces waste sent to landfills and provides nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Compostable Items:

• Fruit and vegetable peels
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells

Avoid Composting:

• Meat
• Bones
• Greasy foods

Option 2: Grind Tough Remnants

Your garbage disposal is particularly helpful for grinding small amounts of stubborn food remnants that are hard to scrape off.

Safe Items to Grind:

• Small fruit pits (like cherry pits)
• Vegetable peels (in small amounts)
• Small fish bones

Step 3: Follow the Do’s and Don’ts

Knowing what you should and shouldn’t put down your disposal is essential for avoiding plumbing disasters.

Do’s:

1. Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using your garbage disposal. Cold water solidifies grease, making it easier to flush through the pipes.
2. Grind in Small Batches: Gradually feed small amounts of food waste into the disposal to avoid overloading the motor.
3. Use Ice Cubes: Occasionally grind a handful of ice cubes to help sharpen the blades and dislodge buildup in the grinding chamber.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Large Bones: Large bones can damage the grinding mechanisms. Stick to grinding small, soft bones.
2. Skip Fibrous Vegetables: Vegetables like celery, corn husks, and asparagus can wrap around the blades and cause jams.
3. Say No to Starchy Foods: Foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes expand when exposed to water, creating a sticky paste that clogs pipes.
4. Never Pour Grease or Oil: Grease solidifies in pipes, leading to stubborn clogs.
5. Ban Non-Food Items: Items like plastic, metal, glass, and paper should never be put in the garbage disposal.

Step 4: Clean and Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

Regular maintenance keeps your garbage disposal clean, efficient, and odor-free.

How to Clean Your Disposal:

1. Use Natural Cleaners: Mix baking soda and vinegar for a natural cleaner. Pour the mixture into the disposal, let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.
2. Deodorize with Citrus: Grind small pieces of citrus fruit like lemons or oranges to freshen up your disposal.
3. Use a Commercial Cleaner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using a disposal cleaner for a deeper clean.

Sharpen and Remove Buildup:

• Grind a handful of ice cubes with a sprinkle of rock salt to remove food buildup and sharpen the blades.

Address Issues Promptly:

• Strange Noises: Turn off the disposal and inspect for non-food items.
• Slow Draining: Use a plunger or call a plumber if needed.
• Persistent Odors: Clean thoroughly or consult a professional.

Step 5: Troubleshoot Common Problems

Even with proper care, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle common garbage disposal problems:

• Clogs: Use a plunger or a drain snake. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes.
• Jams: Turn off the power to the disposal and use a hex key to manually rotate the blades and free the jam.
• Leaks: Inspect the unit’s connections for loose screws or worn gaskets. If leaks persist, call a professional.
• Power Issues: Check the reset button on the bottom of the disposal. If that doesn’t work, inspect your circuit breaker.

Step 6: Upgrade Wisely

If your garbage disposal is outdated, consider upgrading to a newer model with enhanced features.

What to Look for in a New Disposal Model:

• Size: Choose a disposal with enough horsepower for your household’s needs.
• Noise Level: Opt for a unit with sound insulation for quieter operation.
• Warranty: Select a model with a comprehensive warranty for peace of mind.

Step 7: Know When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, DIY fixes aren’t enough. If you’re facing persistent problems, it’s time to call in a plumber. That’s where 535 Plumbing comes in. Our team specializes in garbage disposal troubleshooting, repairs, and replacements. Whether it’s snaking a clogged drain, addressing leaks, or installing a new unit, we’ve got you covered.

When to seek help:

• Recurring clogs or jams
• Water leaks
• Electrical Issues
• Grinding noises that persist despite cleaning

At 535 Plumbing, we understand how frustrating it can be when your garbage disposal isn’t working as it should. Our expert technicians will assess the problem, provide clear solutions, and ensure your disposal runs smoothly again. Don’t hesitate to contact us for fast, reliable service.

Conclusion

By following this step-by-step guide, you can keep your garbage disposal in top shape while avoiding plumbing headaches. Proper usage and maintenance will ensure your disposal serves you well for years to come. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional to protect your kitchen’s plumbing and your investment.

Tame your trash titan, and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient kitchen today! And remember, 535 Plumbing is always here to help with any of your garbage disposal needs.

Trust 535 Plumbing to Save You Time, Water, and Money

At 535 Plumbing, we specialize in leak detection and repair. Our experienced professionals are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to ensure your home stays leak-free. From minor fixes to major repairs, we’re committed to providing top-notch service and peace of mind.
Don’t let hidden leaks drain your wallet or damage your home. Contact 535 Plumbing today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward reclaiming control over your water bill and usage. We have the tools and expertise to diagnose and resolve your issue efficiently. Don’t let a simple plumbing problem escalate—take action today to maintain the functionality of your home’s plumbing system. For more plumbing maintenance tips and advice, check out our other guides!

Contact 535 Plumbing Today

535 Plumbing is here to help. We offer:

• Fast and Reliable Service: Get prompt assistance when you need it most.
• Expert Technicians: Our skilled plumbers have experience with all garbage disposal types and plumbing systems.
• Upfront Pricing: No surprises—just honest, transparent estimates.
• Sustainable Solutions: We fix garbage disposals efficiently to save water and reduce your environmental footprint.

If you live on Oahu and are in need of a licensed plumber to help with your plumbing issues, choose 535 Plumbing for the job! Our team of professional Oahu plumbers are highly skilled and our excellent customer support representatives will work with you to schedule your appointments at a time you most convenient. Learn more and schedule an appointment by calling (808) 300-0535, or Visit Our Contact Us Page. Mahalo!