Understanding Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is a hardworking kitchen appliance that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. Beneath the rubber splash guard at the bottom of your sink lies a complex system of components working together to grind up food waste. At the heart of the disposal is a motor, typically ranging from 1/3 to 1 horsepower, that powers the grinding mechanism. This includes a shredding ring, flywheel, and impellers that work to break down food scraps into small particles.
Once the waste is ground up, it moves into the lower chamber where it mixes with water before flowing through the P-trap and down the drainpipe. Other key components include plumbing attachments and a reset button, which serves as a safety feature that trips when the motor overheats to prevent damage.
Garbage disposals come in various sizes and power ratings, with the most common being the standard 1/3 horsepower unit. These smaller disposals are ideal for light use in smaller households, while more powerful models with up to three grinding wheels can handle a wider variety of foods and higher-volume usage.
Proper Maintenance Practices
Proper maintenance is the key to keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly for years to come. By following a few simple practices, you can extend the lifespan of your unit and avoid costly repairs or replacements. Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal care.
Do’s of Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Run it Regularly: Regular use of your garbage disposal prevents food debris from accumulating and decomposing in the upper chamber. Aim to run your disposal at least once a day, even if you don’t have immediate food scraps to grind. This keeps the unit clean and prevents unpleasant odors from developing.
Use Cold Water: Always run cold water when operating your garbage disposal. Cold water helps move small particles through the P-trap and prevents clogs. It also keeps fats and oils in a solid state, making them easier to grind and less likely to stick to the pipes. Remember to run the cold water before turning on the disposal, keep it running while grinding, and continue for a few seconds after turning off the unit to ensure all debris is flushed away.
Break Down Large Items: Before putting large food scraps down the disposal, break them into smaller pieces. This prevents overworking the motor and reduces the risk of jams. Use a knife or your hands to cut or tear large items into manageable chunks before feeding them into the disposal.
Clean Regularly: Regular cleaning will keep your disposal smelling fresh and running efficiently. Perform a deep clean once a month by pouring in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, letting it fizz, then flushing with hot water. For a quick refresh, grind up ice cubes combined with rock salt or citrus peels.
Don’ts of Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Avoid Non-Food Items: Your garbage disposal is designed to handle food waste, not other materials. Avoid putting non-food items like plastic scrubbers, paper towel scraps, or glass down the disposal, as they can damage the grinding mechanism or cause jams.
Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals: While it might be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners to clear a clogged disposal, these harsh products can damage your unit. The chemicals can corrode the metal components and potentially splash back, causing injury. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, try natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar, or call a professional plumber.
Never Stick Your Hand Inside: Never put your hand inside the unit, even if it’s turned off. If you need to retrieve an item or address a malfunction, always disconnect the power first. Use tongs or pliers to remove objects from the disposal, and refer to the user manual for proper troubleshooting techniques.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper maintenance, you may occasionally encounter issues with your garbage disposal. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Jammed Disposal
If your disposal becomes jammed, don’t panic. First, turn off the power to the unit. Then, use a hex key (often provided with the disposal) to manually turn the grinding plate from underneath the unit. This should free up the jam. If this doesn’t work, you may need to remove the splash guard and use pliers to remove the obstruction. Always remember to reconnect the power only after the jam is cleared.
Reset Button Tripping
The reset button on your garbage disposal is designed to trip when the motor overheats, protecting it from damage. If your disposal won’t turn on, look for a small red button on the bottom of the unit. Press this reset button, wait a few minutes, then try running the disposal again. If it still doesn’t work or if the button trips frequently, you may have a more serious issue that requires professional attention.
Unusual Noises
Unusual noises from your garbage disposal often indicate a problem. A humming sound without grinding usually means something is jammed. Rattling noises could be caused by a foreign object like a utensil. Grinding or screeching sounds might indicate worn bearings. For any persistent unusual noises, it’s best to consult a professional to avoid further damage to your unit.
Foods to Avoid
While garbage disposals are versatile, they’re not designed to handle all types of food waste. Knowing what to avoid can prevent clogs, jams, and damage to your unit.
Fibrous Foods: Avoid putting fibrous foods like onion skins, celery stalks, and eggshells down your disposal, as they can wrap around the blades, causing jams or motor burnout.
Grease and Fat: Grease and fat can congeal in your pipes, leading to clogs and unpleasant odors. Never pour these items down your disposal. Instead, safely dispose of cooking oil and other fatty foods.
Hard Foods and Non-Food Items: Hard foods like bones, seeds, and kernels, as well as non-food items, can damage your disposal’s blades or cause jams, especially if you have a smaller 1/3 horsepower unit.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Garbage Disposal
By following a regular maintenance routine and being mindful of what you put down the disposal, you can maximize the lifespan of your unit. Most garbage disposals last between 8 to 15 years with proper care.
Signs that it might be time for a replacement include:
– Frequent jams or clogs
– Unusual noises or vibrations
– Decreased grinding power
– Persistent foul odors
If you’re experiencing these issues with an older unit, it may be more cost-effective to replace the disposal rather than continuing to try to repair it. When the time comes, consider upgrading to a more powerful model that can better handle your household’s waste.
For all your garbage disposal needs, from maintenance to repairs or replacements, visit DD Plumbing and Heating. Our team of experienced plumbers is here to ensure your kitchen appliances continue to function efficiently and effectively, keeping your home comfortable and your family happy.
