Preventing and Resolving Garbage Disposal Issues
Run cold water before, during, and after use.
Emergency plumbers don’t just respond to leaky faucets and overflowing toilets but are also often called to correct problems with the garbage disposal. This equipment has limitations and can begin to clog if trash is thrown in indiscriminately. Take care of the garbage disposal so that it can take care of the food waste. The following tips detail how to prevent garbage disposal issues from happening, as well as what to do should issues arise.
Maintain the blades
Run cold water before, during, and after use. The running water helps carry particles into the drain, and the cold solidifies the grease so that it doesn’t end up coating the blades. Additionally, grease and oils of any sort should not go down the drain. Pour the grease into a separate disposable container before emptying a pan into the garbage disposal.
Monitor food waste
Certain food scraps can also clog a garbage disposal. Avoid tossing fibrous vegetables like asparagus or celery into the disposal, as they can break up into fiber strands and entangle the blades. Fish bones are okay, but larger bones from poultry or steak belong in the waste bin and not in the garbage disposal. Bits of rice are okay, but starchy foods, such as potato skins, should not be thrown down the disposal. When left in a garbage disposal, starch becomes a paste-like substance that can collect on the blades.
Anything that goes down the disposal should be chopped into smaller pieces before being thrown in. If there’s a large volume of food waste, gradually feed it into the disposal instead of dumping it all at once.
Electrical issues
Electrical problems can disrupt an otherwise working unit. Regardless of whether the problem is internal or external, only a qualified plumber understands the work required for a suitable repair in the safest way possible.
Unusual noises
Loud, unusual noises coming from the garbage disposal usually either indicate that something is stuck in the blades or a mechanical issue. Garbage disposal parts withstand high-pressure and high-torque situations constantly, so everything inside the units has extra strength built in to last. When a mechanical problem occurs, it might cause the parts to become misaligned, so they can’t spin or grind properly, especially without excessive noise. The grinding chamber might jam, or food or other debris might become wedged between the blades and cause a loud noise. Most disposal units have an offset wrench to help turn the motor to loosen the jammed object. Always turn off the power to the garbage disposal before working closely with the blades to avoid severe energy.
Some issues are minor and can be fixed with a simple solution, but others are more complex, and the average homeowner isn’t qualified to handle the situation. Regardless, safety and peace of mind are always the most important factors, so contact a professional plumber with any doubts about garbage disposal unit issues.
If you need a licensed, bonded, experienced plumber for plumbing installation and service in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Ahwatukee or San Tan Valley call Norfleet Family Plumbing Heating and Air at 480-681-1764.
