Your garbage disposal is a nifty kitchen device that helps get rid of food waste effectively. Surely, like anything in your home, you want to keep it in good condition for a long time. However, many homeowners need to realize that certain habits can cause damage or shorten the lifespan of their garbage disposal. As your trusted plumber in Stow, OH, C. Lee Services discusses these habits in more detail and provides tips on how to avoid them.
Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Although this may seem relatively harmless, grease and cooking oil can solidify and form a layer inside your garbage disposal, reducing its effectiveness. It can also lead to clogs and blockages in the main sewer line over time, causing much larger and more expensive issues that only your local plumbing company can resolve. You should avoid pouring these substances down your kitchen drain and instead place them in a separate container before throwing them in the trash.
Using Harsh Cleaning Products
Understandably, you want your garbage disposal to be clean and free of any unpleasant odors. However, using harsh cleaning products such as bleach or drain cleaners is a recipe for costly plumbing repairs. These chemicals can damage the blades, seals, and other components, leading to leaks and malfunctions. Natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda, or even lemon peels, are safer and more effective alternatives.
Putting Things That Do Not Belong in the Disposal
Hard items like bones and fruit pits, fibrous foods like celery and corn husks, and starchy foods like pasta and rice can all cause damage to your garbage disposal. They can dull the blades or get tangled in them, causing the motor to overwork and potentially burn out. Opt for throwing these items in the trash or composting them instead. If you routinely put these through the disposal, you may want to schedule preventative plumbing services like drain cleaning.
Not Using Enough Water
This is a common mistake when running the garbage disposal. Your appliance needs water to flush out food particles, prevent clogs, and keep its blades sharp. Make sure to run cold water for at least 15 seconds before and after using your garbage disposal, and continue running it while the unit is in use.
Experiencing issues with your garbage disposal? For all plumbing-related concerns, including emergency plumbing situations, C. Lee Services is the team you can always rely on. Contact us today to request a service visit.
