Grinding to Perfection: Garbage Disposal Care for Thomasville Homes
The convenience of a garbage disposal in our kitchen sinks is undeniable, whisking away food scraps with just a flick of a switch. But like all appliances, it requires proper care and maintenance to ensure smooth operation and a long lifespan. Bohannon Plumbing is here to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to take care of this powerful kitchen helper.
Understanding Your Garbage Disposal:
Garbage disposals are electrically-powered devices installed under kitchen sinks, designed to grind up food scraps so they can be washed down the drain. They are equipped with sharp impellers that break down the waste, ensuring minimal risk of drain clogs.
Why Proper Care is Essential:
- Avoiding Clogs: Incorrect use can lead to drain blockages, requiring professional intervention.
- Maximizing Lifespan: Proper care can extend the life of your disposal unit.
- Efficient Performance: Regular maintenance ensures optimal grinding capabilities.
Garbage Disposal Care Tips:
- Run Regularly: Even if you don’t have anything to grind, turn on your disposal every few days. Regular use prevents rust and buildup, ensuring smooth operation.
- Cold Water is Key: Always run cold water when using the disposal. Cold water solidifies any fats or oils, allowing the disposal to grind and flush them away more efficiently.
- Feed Slowly: Avoid overloading the disposal. Feed food scraps in gradually to prevent jams and undue strain on the motor.
- Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods: Items such as bones, fruit pits, corn husks, or fibrous vegetables can strain or jam the disposal. When in doubt, opt to compost or throw it in the trash.
- Steer Clear of Non-food Items: Never put non-biodegradable items, like plastic, metal, or glass, into the disposal.
- Freshen Up: Over time, the disposal can develop odors. Freshen it by grinding citrus peels or by freezing a mix of water and vinegar into cubes and grinding them in the disposal.
- Clean Regularly: Once a week, with the unit turned off and unplugged, use a brush or cloth to clean the inner side of the rubber in the sink leading to the disposal. This prevents bacterial buildup.
- Sharp Blades, Happy Disposal: Occasionally grind small, hard materials like eggshells or small chicken bones. These can help scour the disposal’s walls, keeping the blades sharp.
What to Do When Issues Arise:
- Jams: If the disposal gets jammed, turn it off and unplug it. Use a flashlight to locate the obstruction. Use tongs or pliers (never your hands) to remove the offending item.
- Reset Button: If your disposal stops working, try pressing the reset button, typically located at the bottom of the unit.
- Professional Help: Persistent problems or unfamiliar sounds from the unit warrant a call to a professional. Remember, safety first!
In summary, your garbage disposal is a trusty kitchen ally that deserves regular care and attention. A little effort goes a long way in ensuring its optimal performance. For further guidance, questions, or plumbing needs, remember that Bohannon Plumbing in Thomasville is always ready to assist. Keeping Thomasville’s homes running smoothly is our utmost priority!
In conclusion, your drains are an integral part of your home’s plumbing system and deserve respect and proper care. A little mindfulness goes a long way in maintaining smooth-running drains and avoiding unnecessary headaches. And remember, whenever you’re in doubt or face plumbing challenges, Bohannon Plumbing in Thomasville is just a call away. Our mission is to ensure every home in our community enjoys hassle-free plumbing!
Click here to learn about the Top 10 Plumbing Tips Every Thomasville Homeowner Should Know.
Our Plumbing Service Areas include:
Thomasville, NC – High Point, NC – Denton, NC – Asheboro, NC – Lexington, NC – Archdale, NC – Sophia, NC – Hillsville, NC
Call (336) 561-1261 or click here to schedule an appointment today
Author: Robert Bohannon
Robert is a licensed plumber with over 40+ years experience in both residential and commercial plumbing projects. Robert is a proud veteran and has enjoyed over 20 years of serving our communities of Thomasville and High Point, NC – all from the same location!
