Did you know?
John W. Hammes invented the garbage disposal unit in 1927, and his InSinkErator company put it on the market in 1940. Still used in many homes today, the garbage disposal helps manage food waste and reduces bacteria and trash. While a quality garbage disposal can last 15 years or more, regular garbage disposal repair and maintenance are essential to keeping it in top shape.
That said, most homeowners don’t realize the do’s and don’ts of garbage disposal use or how to maintain them. As a result, hundreds of homeowners get stuck dealing with big, often smelly, and expensive garbage disposal problems.
We don’t want that to happen to you! Proper use of your garbage disposal can help it last. In this blog, we’ll discuss exactly how.
Do’s and Don’ts for Garbage Disposal Use
When you want to keep your garbage disposal working well, run hot water before, during, and after using it. This can help flush out food particles as well as prevent clogs and buildup from oil or grease residue in food.
You should also cut larger food scraps, especially cooked meats, into smaller pieces to avoid overworking the blades. Soft, biodegradable foods like fruits and vegetables (minus fibrous foods like celery or onion) can go down a disposal, while coffee grounds, eggshells, and dry ingredients like flour may prompt a need for garbage disposal repair or even replacement.
You should also clean your disposal regularly by grinding small amounts of ice cubes or using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to eliminate odors and buildup.
On the other hand, you want to avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the disposal because they can solidify and cause clogs. You should also avoid using harsh chemical cleaners because they can corrode your disposal’s components.
If silverware or something other than food falls at your disposal, make sure the power is off before reaching for it. That said, we highly advise all our customers NOT to put their hand in the disposal to retrieve the object. Instead, call us! Your professional plumber.
Before calling in a garbage disposal repair
Let’s say your garbage disposal isn’t working correctly. This may happen occasionally and doesn’t always require you to call a plumber for garbage disposal repair. In fact, some issues that seem major are actually relatively easy fixes!
If you’re having power issues, try pressing the reset button on your disposal if one exists. This button, which is usually red or black, can often be found on the bottom of your garbage disposal. You might also check your fuse box to ensure nothing needs to be reset.
On the other hand, you could be battling drain blockages. These can often be cleared using a plunger or a natural cleaning solution like baking soda and vinegar.
If you notice unusual noises like grinding or humming, this may indicate something stuck in the blades. Rather than putting your hand down near the blades, which can be dangerous, we recommend connecting with a friendly, local plumber who can help you!
Signs that garbage disposal repair isn’t enough
Even when you do an outstanding job of regularly maintaining your garbage disposal, it will eventually need to be replaced. So, how do you know if it needs replacing or if you simply need someone to fix it?
One clear sign you need a new garbage disposal is that yours frequently breaks down or needs repeated repairs. This may indicate that the motor is failing. Another indicator that it may be time for a replacement is if your disposal constantly jams or makes loud grinding noises even after removing obstructions. Your disposal could also be struggling to grind food well—all signs that it may require replacing.
Also, we shared earlier that most disposals have a lifespan of about fifteen years. So, if your garbage disposal is approaching that age—or has passed it—it might be time to replace your unit.
Final thoughts
Maintaining your garbage disposal is key to keeping it running smoothly and extending its lifespan. When you want to avoid professional garbage disposal repair, it’s important to use this machine properly.
If you’re unsure whether or not your garbage disposal is working the way it should, it’s age, or other issues, contact us! We’d be happy to work with you to schedule professional garbage disposal repair services that will ensure your garbage disposal remains in top shape.
Do you need garbage disposal repair services? You can contact us to schedule an appointment. Call us at (585) 355-1463.
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