The garbage disposal in your Stroudsburg, PA, home is a convenient feature that can help your kitchen run much more smoothly and efficiently. As with any other appliance or equipment in your home, there is a certain degree of maintenance and care that your disposal should experience. Let’s look at proper garbage disposal care basics.
Be Careful What You Insert
A garbage disposal is designed to pulverize very small and soft materials so that they go down your drain easily. Ideal materials include scraps of fruit, crumbs, cooked vegetables, etc. You want to avoid adding large items to your disposal that will be hard to grind up. This includes large pieces of meat, potato or apple peels, eggshells, fruit pits, or non-food items.
If something accidentally goes into your drain that shouldn’t be ground up using your disposal, turn the water off, unplug your disposal, and carefully remove the item before it has a chance to cause damage.
Keep the Water Running
Always run water into your drain while you are running your disposal. This will help pulverize and push the items through. It’s optimal to use cold water for this process. If you use very hot water, this can cause certain items to become very slick. They won’t be broken down as easily. This includes things like grease, sauces, or fats.
Break Things Down
Cut up or break apart any large items that you’re going to put into your disposal. While you may be inserting things that can be pulverized, the items being too large can have a negative impact on the function of your garbage disposal.
Ice Cube Maintenance
Placing ice cubes into your disposal a few times per month can help keep the blades of your disposal sharp and clean. This can also help remove any food particles that have built up in your garbage disposal.
Avoid Using Chemicals
It may be tempting to use chemical-based drain cleaners to unclog your kitchen drain. Unfortunately, these chemicals can damage your garbage disposal, resulting in necessary repairs or replacement. Stick with natural alternatives, or bring in a professional if you suspect a clog.
Avoid pouring chemical cleaning products down your drain to keep your drain smelling fresh. They can have the same negative impact. Vinegar is a great way to freshen your drain without any risk to your plumbing system or your health. You can also fill the sink up with soapy water. Pull the plug and allow the water to go down the drain while the disposal is running. Ask us about our drain cleaning methods!
Stay Safe
The blades inside your garbage disposal are very strong and powerful. To avoid injury, never place your hand down the drain if your disposal is plugged in. If you experience any kind of malfunction, always power the unit off before proceeding. If you need to move the blades to remove built-up debris or a clog, many units have a slot at the base of the unit under your cabinet. You use a hex key in that slot to move the blades. There may also be a reset button that can be used if you think your unit has overheated.
If any issues seem to be outside of your expertise as a homeowner, make sure you call our team of professionals. We can safely diagnose and repair any issue that you’re experiencing with your disposal.
Consider an Upgrade
If you use your garbage disposal a lot, consider upgrading your unit to something more powerful. This will allow you to experience fewer clogs and issues. You’ll have more uses for your garbage disposal as well. Leave the installation to the professionals so the job is done right.
Contact the Professionals for Assistance
If you live in the Stroudsburg area and need professional garbage disposal assistance, reach out to our team here at R.J. Groner Inc.. We can install a new garbage disposal in your kitchen, perform routine maintenance on your existing unit, and make any necessary repairs. We would be happy to educate you on proper garbage disposal practices. We also install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems, service boilers, unclog pipes, repair sewer drainage, work on sump pumps, and install radiant floor heating, among many other services. Reach out to R.J. Groner Inc. today to schedule an appointment.
