Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly and Clog-Free

If you have a garbage disposal in your home, you may not think about this convenience as part of your plumbing. However, clogs and leaks can form inside and around this kitchen appliance and cause trouble for your sink. Following some simple tips for proper use can minimize the chances you’ll need to call a plumber for kitchen clogs.

Disposal Dos and Don’ts

Caring for and maintaining your garbage disposal primarily consists of knowing what can and can’t go through it.
If you’re in the habit of scraping everything off your plate and down the disposal, you could be setting yourself up for clogs and drainage issues over time. Never pour grease- or fat-based waste down your disposal. Although they are liquids while hot, they will cool, congeal, and clog your drain. Pastas, rice, and “just add water” foods will cause similar drain problems, and should go in the garbage instead. Bones, eggshells, and coffee grounds are other common culprits that jam disposals and build up in your drain. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, celery, and asparagus will do the same. To maintain your disposal’s function and prevent clogs, make sure to run it regularly. Avoiding using it only means it might not work when you need it. Cut any large food items into smaller pieces before putting them down the disposal to minimize the chances of clogging your drain. Always use cold rather than hot water when using your disposal. Cold water causes any stray grease to solidify before it hits your disposal, meaning it can be broken up rather than allowed to congeal inside your plumbing.

Fixing a Slow-Draining Disposal

If your kitchen sink drains slowly, you can try a few simple steps to address any clogs that may be at fault. Never pour any chemical drain cleaner down your disposal. Chemicals can damage the mechanism and your pipes, leading to further problems or leaks. Drain cleaner can also splash up into the sink—or your eyes—when you turn the disposal back on. Use a plunger to break up any clogs near the top of your drain. If plunging is unsuccessful, check your disposal’s trap for clogs. Always unplug your disposal before working with your plumbing. Place a bowl or bucket under the disposal and loosen the connections on the pipes. Pull out the trap and flush it with water or use a brush to push out any obvious clogs. If you still cannot locate the problem, the problem could be further down your pipe and it’s best to call in a plumber to take a look at your system.

A smoothly running disposal is a key component of a smoothly-running kitchen. You can find more helpful around-the-home plumbing tips and tricks on their website to find more information about their comprehensive plumbing services.