Drains

Understanding Your Garbage Disposal

Before diving into maintenance, it’s crucial to understand how your garbage disposal works. Learn about its components, including the motor, blades, and impellers. Familiarize yourself with what can and cannot go down the disposal.

Dos and Don’ts for Proper Usage

Dos:

• Run It Regularly: Even if you don’t have food scraps, run the disposal every few days with cold water to prevent rusting.
• Cut Up Food: Before sending it down, cut up larger food items into smaller pieces.
• Use Ice Cubes: Grinding ice cubes helps keep the blades sharp.
• Untangle Fibers: Use the wrench provided with your unit to untangle any fibers wrapped around the blades.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Hard Leftovers: Keep fibrous, starchy, or hard leftovers out of the disposal.
• Never Use Your Fingers: Use pliers or tongs to remove clogs; avoid injury from the blades.
• Skip Bleach or Drain Cleaner: These chemicals can splash back when you turn on the disposal.
  

Safety Measures During Repairs

• Power Down: Unplug the disposal or cut power at the circuit breaker before any repairs or cleaning.
• Avoid Blade Contact: Always use tools like pliers or the wrench to handle clogs.

Odor Prevention and Freshening

• Lemon Trick: After reconnecting the disposal, grind cut-up lemons with warm water to ward off odors.

• Flush with Cold Water: After each use, run cold water for a minute to clear any remaining debris.
• Clean the Rubber Flaps: Check and clean the rubber flaps that cover the drain opening.
• Inspect for Leaks: Regularly inspect for leaks under the sink and address them promptly.

Remember, proper maintenance ensures your garbage disposal remains efficient and extends its lifespan. If you are having any troubles with your disposal we are here to help. Call or request service today. We service most makes and models of garbage disposals and serve all of Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Newcastle, Folsom, El Dorado Hills and adjacent areas. Happy disposing.