In general, people don’t think about how important it is to maintain their garbage disposal until there is a severe problem.
In general, people don’t think about how important it is to maintain their garbage disposal until there is a severe problem. Garbage disposals keep kitchens smelling fresh and make post-dinner cleanup easier. They even minimize the amount of garbage in landfills. However, when this home appliance doesn’t operate accurately, the residue and decaying food can cause your home to have a foul odor. You can learn to properly maintain your garbage disposal by reading below.
Pay Attention to Water Consumption
You can properly maintain your garbage disposal by using plenty of water when you run it. Make sure to turn on the cold water as the food slides down the drain. After the grinding converts into a soft whir, shut off the device but keep the water running for 20 seconds. The running water will slide down any residue and thoroughly flush the pipes.
Utilize Cold Water
Even though hot water won’t damage your disposal, it will liquify greases and fats. When grease becomes liquid, it complies with the blades and becomes stuck. A rule of thumb: Never pour oils down your drain. Instead, thoroughly wipe out pots and pans with a paper towel and discard the paper towel.
Avoid Flushing Hard or Fibrous Foods
Disposals work ideally with foods that are easy to chop or grind. You can properly maintain your garbage disposal by throwing away hard foods such as bones, apple seeds, peach stones, and popcorn kernels. Moreover, the fibers on fibrous foods can wrap around themselves, triggering the blade to jam. So, please avoid draining foods like egg shells, corn husks, celery stalks, and onion skins.
Never Put Your Hands inside the Disposal
Anyone can risk injury by using their hands to eliminate wedged food. Unfortunately, the blade could activate. Alternatively, use pliers to remove something stuck in your garbage disposal. Otherwise, call B&D Plumbing at 301-595-1141 for a new garbage disposal installation or repair.
Always Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Another way to properly maintain your garbage disposal is to always clean it. Over time, sludge builds up on the blades. Also, avoid using abrasive chemicals that could damage your appliance; instead, use baking soda and vinegar. You may also use a cup of rock salt to clean the disposal as you put ice cubes down the drain.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!