The garbage disposal is a useful kitchen tool, but it requires proper usage and maintenance to keep the blades sharp and the function smooth. If you want your disposal to last, knowing how to take care of it will help extend its life. Follow the plumbing care guide below to extend its life and prevent breakdowns or clogs.

Plumbing Maintenance Guide for Garbage Disposals

1. Use Cold Water

Use cold water every time you run your disposal. Cold water will help harden or solidify food, which makes it easier for the food to be broken up, as opposed to hot water which can make foods soft and sticky. After you’ve finished using the disposal, leave the cold water running for at least 30 seconds to flush out any remaining food.

2. Avoid Harmful Items

Some foods may be difficult for a garbage disposal to handle, so it’s best not to use it for them. Any foods which are particularly fibrous, hard, sticky, or starchy can cause issues, so throw them away or compost them. These items include foods and waste such as chicken bones, pasta or rice, grease, and potato peels.

3. Keep It Fresh

When you put so much food down the plumbing, it’s no surprise that bad smells are common in disposals. There are a few ways to prevent odors. When you flush out the disposal with water after use, add a small squirt of dish soap. Buy a bottle brush and scrub the inside of the disposal once a week to remove any stuck particles. If there’s a remaining stink, grind up small pieces of fresh orange or lemon to neutralize it.

When your disposal starts making strange sounds or stops working properly, trying to fix it yourself can be dangerous. The Plumbing Source offers thorough and quick plumbing repairs throughout the greater Cleveland, OH, area. Since opening in 1985, their plumbing team has built a reputation for affordable pricing and reliable results. They guarantee all their work with a one-year warranty and have an emergency plumber available 24 hours a day. See their testimonials online to know what to expect, and call (877) 768-7239 to request an estimate from their knowledgeable plumber.