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Items Your Garbage Disposal Unit Can Handle

The garbage disposal unit is a hardy kitchen ally. Thanks to these devices, leftover scraps and food waste are disposed of with ease. However, these machines have their limits. Knowing what to put down your garbage disposal can protect you from a host of plumbing issues.

The Basics: What’s Safe to Toss in the Disposal

A garbage disposal is best used for soft and small food scraps. Soft fruits, cooked vegetables, and small quantities of grains are generally safe bets. Citrus peels may also be put into garbage disposals, like those from lemons or oranges. They can be processed easily and even help freshen up the unit.

When using the disposal, be mindful of the water temperature. Running cold water while using the disposal may solidify fats or oils present in the food. Aside from preventing a clogged drain, this can also prevent fats from coating the unit. 

Next, instead of dumping scraps in the disposal all at once, feed them into the unit slowly. This can prevent strain on the motor and avoid jamming.

Things Your Garbage Disposal Should Never Face

Certain items can cause issues when thrown into a garbage disposal. Bones, shells, and other hard materials can dull or break the blades. Although some disposals might claim they can handle small bones, do this sparingly to preserve your garbage disposal’s lifespan.

Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins are another no-go. These materials are stringy materials that tend to wrap around the blades and can jam the motor. 

Potato peels, pasta, and rice can also cause trouble. Starchy food expands in water and can form sticky clumps. Improper disposal should be avoided as much as possible as it may end in clogged drain repair for proper resolution.

How Regular Maintenance Helps

Keeping your disposal in top shape goes beyond simply watching what you put in it. Regularly running the unit with cold water keeps it free of lingering particles and helps prevent rust. Every so often, consider grinding ice cubes in the unit to help sharpen the blades.

To clean the unit, sprinkle baking soda and vinegar down the disposal. This combination will bubble up and help break down residues. As mentioned earlier, using citrus peels can also deodorize the disposal. Regular drain cleaning in Goodyear, AZ, also helps improve function.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention

A well-maintained garbage disposal should work quietly without issue. The following are telltale signs that it may be in trouble:

  1. Unusual Noises
    A properly working disposal should operate with a steady, familiar sound. If you hear metallic clanking, grinding, or rattling, something may be loose or jammed inside. 
  2. Frequent Clogs
    Occasional clogs are common, especially if the disposal is overloaded. But if your disposal backs up frequently, it might signal an internal problem.
  3. Persistent Odors
    Some mild smells are normal. Call drain cleaning services if you detect strong or persistent odors as this may mean trapped food particles are decaying inside.
  4. Water Leaks
    Water pooling under your sink or dripping from the disposal unit is a red flag. Leaks can stem from cracks in the disposal housing, loose connections, or faulty seals. 
  5. Slow Draining
    A garbage disposal should clear food waste smoothly. If the water drains slowly, there could be a partial blockage that should be cleared ASAP.
  6. Unresponsive Power or Frequent Resets
    A garbage disposal that struggles to turn on may be facing motor issues, electrical problems, or even potential failure.
  7. Overheating or Smoking
    Switch off your garbage disposal if it overheats, emits smoke, or gives off a burning smell. Overheating means that its motor is working too hard.

What Happens When You Ignore the Rules

Ignoring simple maintenance is asking for trouble. Ignoring clogs can render your sink unusable and may lead to messy backups. Your disposal’s motor is also at risk of burning out when it is overloaded or forced to process materials it’s not designed for.

Beyond the disposal itself, improper use can also clog your plumbing, especially if fats, oils, and fibrous foods manage to reach further down the pipes. Such clogs can require solutions from a drain cleaning company to resolve, making sticking to safe practices all the more worthwhile.

A garbage disposal makes food waste management easy and convenient. However, this device is only as reliable as the care it receives. Use your garbage disposal wisely. With proper care, it can be a low-maintenance workhorse that keeps your kitchen clean and functional.

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