Garbage disposals are a convenient and essential appliance in many homes, including those in Huntingdon Valley, PA. As the owner of McGinnis Plumbing, you likely understand the importance of proper maintenance for household plumbing fixtures. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how to maintain your Garbage Disposal to keep it running smoothly
1. Know What Can and Can’t Go In
One of the most critical aspects of garbage disposal maintenance is understanding what you should and should not put into it. While garbage disposals are designed to handle food scraps, some items can cause damage. Always avoid putting hard materials like bones, shells, and fruit pits down the disposal. Grease and oil can also lead to clogs, so it’s best to dispose of these in a separate container.
2. Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your garbage disposal is an important step in maintenance. You can do this by running a mixture of ice cubes and rock salt or vinegar through the disposal. This helps to break down any residue and keeps the blades sharp.
3. Avoid Overloading
It’s tempting to stuff as much food waste as possible into the disposal, but overloading it can lead to jams and breakdowns. Be sure to feed the disposal slowly, allowing it to grind up the waste efficiently.
4. Use Cold Water
When running your garbage disposal, always use cold water. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat, making it easier for the disposal to chop it up and prevent clogs. After grinding is complete, continue running cold water for a few seconds to flush out any remaining debris.
5. Grind Citrus Peels
Citrus peels like lemon or orange can be a natural and pleasant way to freshen up your disposal. Simply toss a few peels down the drain and run the disposal. This will leave a fresh, clean scent.
6. Fixing Jams
If your garbage disposal ever becomes jammed, don’t panic. First, turn off the unit to avoid injury. Then, use an Allen wrench or the disposal’s built-in wrench to manually rotate the impellers. Once the jam is cleared, turn the disposal back on.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance
As a plumbing service provider, you know the value of professional maintenance. Consider scheduling periodic check-ups for your garbage disposal. A trained technician can inspect the unit, ensuring everything is functioning correctly and addressing any potential issues.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your garbage disposal in excellent working condition. This, in turn, will help prevent plumbing problems and extend the life of the appliance. If you ever need professional assistance with your garbage disposal or any plumbing-related issue in Huntingdon Valley, PA, don’t hesitate to contact McGinnis Plumbing.
Remember, regular maintenance can save you from the inconvenience and expense of a malfunctioning garbage disposal. Happy disposing!
