A garbage disposal is a hardworking kitchen appliance that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. While it’s designed to grind up food scraps and keep your kitchen clean and efficient, it can quickly become a plumbing nightmare if not properly maintained. Homeowners frequently turn to a plumber for garbage disposal repairs that could have been avoided with simple, regular care. Whether you're new to using a garbage disposal or just want to make sure yours lasts as long as possible, understanding how to protect this appliance is key.
In this blog post, our professionals from Mr. Rooter Plumbing will cover essential maintenance tips that can help you avoid clogs, bad odors, and expensive plumbing service calls.
The first rule of garbage disposal maintenance is knowing what not to put in it. Although it may seem powerful, your disposal isn’t equipped to handle all food waste. Hard items like bones, fruit pits, and eggshells can damage the blades, while fibrous foods such as celery, corn husks, and onion skins can tangle the motor and cause blockages. Grease, fats, and oils may seem harmless when poured in liquid form, but they solidify and coat the pipes, leading to clogs that often require a professional plumbing service to fix. By avoiding these items, you’re already taking a major step toward protecting your garbage disposal and your plumbing system.
Many homeowners overlook the importance of water temperature when running their garbage disposal. Always use cold water while the disposal is in use. Cold water helps solidify any lingering grease or fat, allowing the blades to chop it up and push it through the pipes without it sticking to the interior walls. Hot water, on the other hand, can melt grease, making it more likely to congeal further down the line, where it’s harder to remove. Keeping the water running for a few seconds after shutting off the disposal also helps flush any remaining debris through the drain and prevents buildup.
Like any other appliance, your garbage disposal benefits from routine cleaning. Without regular cleaning, food particles can get stuck and start to rot, causing foul odors and eventually affecting performance. A good method is to pour a small amount of dish soap into the disposal and run it with cold water for a minute or two. You can also grind up ice cubes to clean the blades and dislodge any stubborn debris. Citrus peels are another popular trick—not only do they help clean the blades, but they also leave behind a fresh scent. However, if you notice persistent odors or poor performance, it may be time to call a plumber in Follansbee, WV for a thorough inspection and cleaning.
Feeding too much food into the disposal at once is a common mistake that can lead to jams and clogs. Instead of dumping large amounts of scraps into the disposal, feed them slowly while the water and motor are running. This gives the blades a chance to process the material effectively and prevents the system from becoming overwhelmed. When homeowners rush through kitchen cleanup, they often forget that the disposal has its limits. Taking a few extra seconds to feed the disposal properly can help you avoid a costly call to a plumbing service down the road.
Your garbage disposal is a convenient tool that makes kitchen cleanup much easier, but it’s not invincible. With a little awareness and regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your disposal and avoid the hassle of unexpected breakdowns. Avoiding certain foods, using cold water, cleaning the system, and calling a trusted plumber when necessary are all part of responsible ownership. A well-maintained disposal doesn’t just save you money on plumbing service—it also keeps your kitchen running smoothly day after day.
