Whether you’ve moved into a home that already has one or you’re planning to have one fitted, trash disposal is something that can be worth its weight in gold. It helps to keep the kitchen clean, and it also ensures that you have fewer blockages in your kitchen’s plumbing, thus saving you money in the long term.
Of course, this is only the case if it’s working properly, and while they’re useful to have, how exactly do you ensure that your trash disposal is maintained? Well, it’s not too hard, and this guide will talk you through how to maintain your unit with ease.
Run Cold Water While Using It
Garbage disposals operate better when they’re switched on alongside running water. More specifically, cold water.
This is because cold water helps to solidify the fats and oils that may be in foods, preventing them from sticking to the components of the disposal, as well as preventing them from sticking to the inside of the pipe, potentially leading to a blockage. Running cold water also ensures that the blades will be able to break down fats and other foods better, ensuring that the food debris is also carried away through the pipe.
Use It Properly
It sounds obvious, but a lot of waste disposal units break down because they’re not used correctly.
You need to avoid putting hard items like bones, shells, and fruit pits into the disposal, as this can cause the blades of the unit to dull and may even jam the unit. Also, avoid putting stringy foods into the disposal, as these can wrap around the blades, causing a blockage.
Keep It Clean
When it comes to keeping waste disposal units operating as they need to, they need to be kept clean.
One method to keep them smelling fresh is to grind ice cubes that have been made from water and vinegar and melt them over the unit. This will clean the blades and has been found to dislodge any debris that may be causing bad odors.
Some people also run citrus peel through the disposal to keep it smelling fresh. If you do use a cleaner, make sure it’s appropriate for use with a waste disposal unit, and avoid harsh chemicals.
Check The Surrounding Area
You will also need to perform monthly maintenance checks on the unit to ensure that any issues that may arise are caught early. Are there any leaks around the disposal? Or are you hearing unusual noises?
When it comes to waste disposal units, the last thing you want to hear is rattling or grinding, as these may point to a loose component or even the presence of a foreign object in the disposal. Of course, if you notice these signs, then your best bet is to call a professional plumber to come to your home and assess the unit.
If there is a leak, try not to use the waste disposal, as the motions of the blades may have caused the machine to pull away from the rim of the sink, and the last thing you want is for the leak to get worse!