The average garbage disposal can last about 15 years if it’s properly maintained and can be one of the most useful plumbing appliances in your kitchen. Knowing how to use the disposal will ensure your safety, maximize its lifespan, and make using the disposal more enjoyable. Follow the guide below to know what to do—and what not to do—for smart use.

Do:

Keep it fresh.

Because you send a lot of food down your plumbing, bad smells can start to creep out. Keep your disposal fresh by running water for at least 30 seconds after use to flush it out. Grind small lemon or orange peels if you notice any smells; the citrus will eliminate bad odors.

Teach children safety.

If family members don’t know how to safely use the disposal, they can harm it or sustain injuries themselves. Teach everyone—especially children—what they should and shouldn’t do when using it. Show kids where the switch is for the disposal, so they won’t flip it on by accident.

Check for cutlery.

If you put dirty dishes in your sink, cutlery can easily slip down into the disposal and out of sight. Turn on the overhead light or use a flashlight to check for cutlery before turning on the disposal. Otherwise, the unit can be damaged, and you’ll destroy your silverware.

Don’t:

Put your hand in the disposal.

Never put your hand down the disposal. It’s simply not worth the risk, as you can hurt your hand whether the system is on or not. If food or cutlery fall in, use a pair of tongs to fish them out. If the disposal gets clogged, call a professional rather than investigating yourself.

Dispose of harmful items.

Harmful items can damage the unit. Fibrous foods will get caught in the impellers, greasy items will clog them, and hard items will damage the unit. Never dispose of egg shells, grease, oil, coffee grounds, potato peels, corn husks, fruit pits or seeds, or bones.

Use hot water.

Hot water solidifies any oils or fats in your food, which end up clogging the impellers and the plumbing. Always use cold water when running or flushing your disposal.

Whether you want a new garbage disposal plumbing installation or to repair your existing one, the team at John Lockwood Plumbing can handle the job. This family-owned company has served the community of Ontario, NY, for more than 40 years with effective results and competitive rates. Their team of master plumbers has the training and tools to handle any plumbing repair needs with ease. Call (585) 265-0736 to request an estimate and visit their website to read more about their residential plumbing services.