Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

A garbage disposal is an essential appliance for any kitchen, whether in a home or commercial setting. By grinding up food waste and preventing clogs in drain piping, garbage disposals simplify kitchen cleanups and help keep plumbing systems running smoothly. However, our plumbing contractors in Michigan and Florida encourage proper garbage disposal maintenance to avoid costly issues such as a broken garbage disposal or severe blockages. 

Here are 8 essential tips to ensure your garbage disposal remains in top working condition. 

1. Regular Use Is Key

One of the simplest ways to maintain your garbage disposal is to use it on a regular basis. Frequent use prevents rust, corrosion, and debris buildup in the drain piping. Even if you don’t have much to grind, running the disposal with cold water helps keep the internal mechanisms moving and free of drain clogs.

2. Know What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal

A common cause of garbage disposal repair is misuse. To avoid trouble down the line, don’t put the following items down your disposal:

• Grease and oils: These can solidify in drain piping, leading to stubborn clogs.
• Fibrous foods: Items like celery, corn husks, and potato peels can wrap around the blades and jam the system.
• Hard objects: Bones, shells, and fruit pits can damage blades or even lead to a broken garbage disposal.
• Non-food items: Always double-check that no utensils, wrappers, or other objects are accidentally sent down the drain.

Knowing what not to put in a garbage disposal will save you time and prevent unnecessary damage.

3. Always Use Cold Water

When operating your garbage disposal, make it a habit to run cold water. Cold water solidifies any grease or fat, allowing it to be chopped up and flushed away more effectively. Hot water, on the other hand, can melt grease, which then re-solidifies further down the drain piping, leading to blockages.

4. Clean Your Disposal Periodically

Garbage disposals can develop unpleasant odors over time, especially in residential plumbing setups. To combat this, clean your disposal every few weeks by:

• Grinding small ice cubes and rock salt to sharpen the blades and remove debris.
• Adding citrus (lemon, orange, lime, etc.) to neutralize odors.
• Pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down buildup in the unit and drain piping.

These simple steps can help keep your garbage disposal in great condition while preventing the need for garbage disposal repair. Need more advice? Give our local plumbers a call and we can talk with you more about cleaning techniques.

5. Avoid Overloading the Disposal

Cramming items like food scraps into your garbage disposal is a surefire way to damage it. Feed waste in small amounts and ensure it is ground completely before adding more. This is particularly important in commercial plumbing environments, where heavy use is common. Overloading can lead to a broken garbage disposal and the need for immediate assistance from plumbing contractors.

6. Seek Professional Help for Repairs and Installation

While basic garbage disposal maintenance is manageable for most homeowners, certain tasks should always be left to the experts. If you’re dealing with a broken garbage disposal or considering installing a garbage disposal, it’s wise to contact our experienced team. Professional plumbing contractors like ours have the expertise to handle garbage disposal installation, garbage disposal repair, and drain cleaning safely and efficiently.

7. Routine Drain Cleaning for Long-Term Success

Garbage disposals are closely linked to your overall plumbing system, making regular drain cleaning an essential part of maintenance. Clogs in the drain piping can reduce the effectiveness of your disposal and lead to backflow issues. Routine maintenance performed by our local plumbers ensures your residential or commercial plumbing stays in optimal condition.

8. Use the Right Tools for Minor Issues

For minor jams, always use the manufacturer’s recommended wrench or tool to safely turn the blades and dislodge debris. Never use your hands to fix a jammed unit. For persistent problems, rely on professional garbage disposal repair services instead of risking further damage.

Call for Garbage Disposal Help Today

By following these simple tips, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with a broken garbage disposal or expensive plumbing repairs. Whether you need help with garbage disposal installation, drain cleaning, or fixing a garbage disposal, our plumbers in Michigan and Florida are here to help. Call Whitney Services today at (844) 909-7767 or contact us online to request a quote.