Garbage disposals are the busy homeowner’s dream: they are quick, convenient ways to get rid of small kitchen waste. If they are used incorrectly, though, they can wreak havoc on your sewerage system.
If you recently installed a garbage disposal system, we have some tips for you to keep things running in tip-top shape. Even if you’ve had a disposal for some time, read on – you may learn some things that will help you avoid trouble down the road.
- Your kitchen garbage disposal is not a wood chipper! Just because it will go through the garbage disposal doesn’t mean it should. Small amounts of soft food shouldn’t present a problem. If you’re cleaning out your fridge or are scraping plates after a Thanksgiving feast, it’s a better idea to dispose of this waste in the trash or to compost it.
- Foods that are fibrous go through the disposal easily but tend to collect in the pipes further down the line. This often causes major blockages. Some of the worst culprits are raw leafy greens, banana peels, potato peels, and tomato skins.
- Always turn on the water before you turn on the disposal, and turn off the disposal before you turn off the water. Food debris needs to be flushed through your sewer pipes; if you don’t use enough water, you leave sludge in the pipes which can create a blockage.
- If your disposal gets jammed, NEVER put your hand into the disposal – even if the power is switched off. Dislodging the jam will release the blades, and in rare events, the blades may spin when released. Use tongs or another tool with a long handle to dislodge the problem.
If you’re still having problems with your kitchen sink drain, we would be happy to help. Contact us day or night; we offer prompt 24-hour service in the Twin Cities area so you can get back to your life.