Posted on 6/7/2012
Garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are one of the most useful appliances in the kitchen. They help you keep your sinks working by eliminating food waste. They also help prevent plumbing problems like clogs. However, the work performed by a garbage disposal also makes it particularly susceptible to damage. Here are some tips for keeping your garbage disposal running at its best:

  1. Keep Fibrous Foods Out of the Garbage Disposal
One of the main reasons for garbage disposal malfunction is exposure to high-fiber foods. Foods that are in high in fiber generally cannot be properly shredded. This means fragments can get stuck in the garbage disposal and in your drains. Fibrous vegetables are particularly bad for garbage disposals, as are corn husks, potato peels, and coffee grounds. By throwing these foods out in the trash can, you can extend the life of your garbage disposal and ensure that your sink’s drain remains unclogged.

  1. Only Insert Small Chunks of Food
If you are going to dump food scraps in your sink, it is important to ensure that the pieces are small. Running large scraps of food through your garbage disposal can cause damage and result in serious clogs.

  1. Run Cold Water Through the Garbage Disposal
When you run food particles through your garbage disposal, small pieces often get lodged inside of it. For this reason, it is important to run a cold stream of water from your faucet through the garbage disposal during and after it is operating. The water will help remove any remaining particles, thereby preventing clogs.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to repair your garbage disposal. By practicing good maintenance habits and having your unit regularly inspected, you can keep your garbage disposal working like new. If you have any further questions about how to keep your garbage disposal performing at its best, call Arrow Plumbing, Inc. in Libertyville at (847) 549-9600.