Schedule a Plumber This Thursday to Get 50$ OFF
Schedule a Plumber This Thursday to Get 50$ OFF
A garbage disposal is an indispensable appliance in modern kitchens, making it easier to dispose of food waste and reducing the strain on landfills. However, to ensure its efficiency and longevity, proper care and maintenance are essential. In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we will share some best practices for garbage disposal care, offer troubleshooting tips, and highlight signs that it's time for a garbage disposal replacement. If you ever need reliable plumbing service by a uniformed plumber, you can call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to schedule a convenient appointment. Our team is also on standby to arrange urgent plumbing repair when you need.
Prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, and proper care and regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your garbage disposal, saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
For beginners, refrain from disposing of hard materials like bones, nutshells, or fibrous foods like celery or corn husks, as they can damage the disposal's blades and motor. To prevent overloading the disposal, cut larger food waste into small pieces before feeding it into the unit.
After each use, run cold water and a small amount of dish soap through the disposal to flush away food particles and residues. Occasional use of citrus peels can help freshen the disposal's scent.
Even with proper care, garbage disposals may encounter occasional problems. When you notice signs of trouble, it’s important to identify and address the root cause as soon as possible.
If the disposal stops working suddenly, locate the reset button on the bottom or side of the unit and press it to reset the motor.
If the disposal is not draining or making a humming noise, it might be clogged. Turn off the power and use a disposal wrench or a broom handle to manually rotate the blades and dislodge the clog. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the unit.
Foul odors are also problematic. To combat unpleasant smells, grind ice cubes and baking soda in the disposal to eliminate odors and clean the blades.
If your garbage disposal is leaking, then it might be better to call in a plumber. Many times, the fix will involve removing the unit and replacing a part, or the whole thing.
Despite diligent care, most garbage disposals last around 10-15 years. If your unit is nearing or has exceeded this range and is experiencing frequent issues, it's a sign to consider a replacement. Other tell-tale signs that it’s time for a new garbage disposal include:
A faulty garbage disposal can be an inconvenience at best and a cause of extensive water damage at worst. We understand that issues can arise at any given moment, which is why Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers emergency plumbing service. Call us at any time of the day to speak with a live member of our team.
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