Tips to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Functioning Over the Holidays
The holiday season means more entertaining and more cooking. While that can be fun for homeowners, it can also put their garbage disposal and plumbing at risk. With an increase in cooking and baking, the chances increase of putting the wrong types of foods down the drain, causing a clogged pipe or garbage disposal. This post will provide tips on how to help maintain the garbage disposal to prevent problems with it and clogged pipes.
Items That Shouldn’t Go Down Your Garbage Disposal
One of the leading causes of garbage disposal problems is putting the wrong types of food scraps down the system. These items can cause clogs in the pipes or issues with the disposal, requiring repairs to fix. While there are numerous types of foods that should not go down the disposal, some of the biggest ones to avoid are grease and cooking oils. As these solidify, they can cause blockages. Stringy vegetables like celery and starchy foods like pasta and rice should also be avoided.
Homeowners should also never put items like bones or fruit pits down the disposal, as these can damage the blades. Coffee grounds and eggshells can cause clogging or get stuck inside the disposal and should also be thrown in the garbage instead. Additionally, too much of any food should never be put in a garbage disposal at once to avoid problems with it.
Benefits of Running Cold Water When Using Disposal
Plumbers recommend that homeowners run cold water when using the garbage disposal. This can have many benefits for the system. For one, the running water can help flush the food down the drain, preventing it from causing clogs. Forcing food scraps down the drain will also reduce the risk of foul odors, and the cool water will prevent the motor from overheating.
In addition to running cool water, plumbers recommend that homeowners occasionally put ice cubes down the garbage disposal. The ground pieces of ice will help keep the blades sharp and help clean garbage disposals of any food scraps that have gotten stuck inside them.
Call a Plumber for Garbage Disposal Services
It is crucial to leave any garbage disposal repair, installation, or replacement to the professionals. This is because they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and equipment to handle such tasks safely and efficiently. Attempting to fix or install a garbage disposal without proper training can lead to serious injuries or even damage to the disposal or plumbing system.
There are several signs that a garbage disposal needs professional service. These include strange noises coming from it, leaks from the disposal, foul smells, and frequent resetting of the machine using the garbage disposal reset button. If homeowners notice these signs, do not hesitate to call a plumber for garbage disposal services. They will be able to identify and fix the issue promptly, ensuring the garbage disposal is back up and running smoothly in no time.
About Buddy’s Plumbing Inc.
Buddy’s Plumbing Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Oklahoma City, OK, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day services, straightforward pricing, and on-time services. Call them today for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Oklahoma City, OK.