The Dos and Don’ts of Garbage Disposal Use in Texas Homes

Garbage disposals provide a convenient, eco-friendly way to discard food waste in the kitchen, alleviating the burden on both homeowners and landfills. However, to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and prevent unnecessary wear and tear, it’s essential to adhere to proper use and maintenance guidelines. As a leading heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company, McWilliams and Son understands the importance of best practices for garbage disposal and maintenance for Texas homeowners.

We’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal use, providing tips on how to keep the appliance functioning efficiently, prevent clogs, and avoid expensive repairs. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your garbage disposal and maintain a clean, efficient kitchen disposal system in your Texas home.

1. The Dos: Proper Garbage Disposal Use

To ensure the smooth functioning and longevity of your garbage disposal, it’s essential to follow these best practices:

• Run cold water: Always run cold water when using the garbage disposal. It helps to solidify any grease or oils for easier grinding and prevents buildup on the disposal’s blades.
• Gradually feed waste: Feeding waste in small amounts will prevent the disposal from becoming overwhelmed and can help to avoid jams.
• Use dish soap: After using the garbage disposal, squirt a small amount of dish soap in the sink and run cold water. This practice helps to keep the disposal clean and prevent lingering odors.
• Keep your disposal fresh: Regularly put small citrus peels (lemon, lime, or orange) down the disposal while it’s running. The peels help to eliminate any unpleasant odors and also naturally clean the disposal’s blades.
• Routine maintenance: Periodically check for leaks, tighten any loose connections, and ensure the blades remain sharp. These maintenance tasks can help prevent malfunctions and extend the life of the disposal.

2. The Don’ts: What to Avoid Putting Down Your Garbage Disposal

Certain items should never be put into a garbage disposal, as they can cause clogs, jams, or damage to the appliance. Here are some items to avoid:

• Grease, oils, and fats: These substances can solidify and accumulate in the pipes, leading to blockages. Dispose of them in a separate container and throw them in the trash.
• Fibrous or stringy vegetables: Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and other fibrous materials can wrap around the blades, causing the disposal to jam or malfunction.
• Coffee grounds: Although they seem harmless, coffee grounds can accumulate in your pipes and create stubborn clogs over time.
• Bones: Despite the robust appearance of most garbage disposals, bones can damage the blades or lead to jams.
• Eggshells: Putting eggshells down the disposal can cause the thin membrane to wrap around the blades, potentially causing a blockage.
• Starchy foods: Foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can expand and create a glue-like substance in the disposal, potentially leading to clogs in the drain.
• Non-food items: Never put non-food items like paper, plastic, metal, or glass down the garbage disposal, as they can damage the blades and cause severe issues.

3. Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Issues

Occasionally, your garbage disposal may experience common problems like jams, clogs, or unusual noises. These issues can interrupt normal operation and impact the life of your disposal. Here are some steps to take when you encounter such problems:

• Turn off the power: Before attempting to troubleshoot or fix a problem, always turn off the disposal’s power to avoid injury or further damage.
• Determine the issue: Inspect the disposal visually and listen for any unusual sounds to help identify the problem.
• Use a plunger: If dealing with a drain clog, use a plunger to help dislodge the obstruction. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can harm your pipes.
• Check for jams: If the disposal is not turning on or makes a humming noise, there might be a jam. Use a hex wrench to manually rotate the blades from the underside, which can help to dislodge any debris.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, contact us for professional assistance. Garbage disposals can be complex, and it’s best to leave some issues to the experts.

4. When to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

With proper care and maintenance, garbage disposals can last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. However, several factors may indicate that it’s time to replace your disposal:

• Frequent clogs or jams: If you’re frequently dealing with jams or clogs, despite proper usage, it might be time for a new unit.
• Persistent odors: If bad smells persist even after attempts to clean the disposal, the appliance may be worn out and require replacement.
• Leaks: Recurrent and unexplained leaks around the garbage disposal can indicate that the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan.
• Inefficient grinding: If your garbage disposal takes longer to grind up waste or leaves larger chunks of debris than usual, it may be a sign that the blades have worn out.

If you notice any of these signs, reach out to us to assess the situation and discuss potential options for a replacement.

In summary, adhering to the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal use in your Texas home helps to ensure the appliance’s longevity and efficiency, while also minimizing the risk of clogs, jams, and potential damage to your plumbing system. Implementing proper usage practices, timely maintenance, and recognizing when it’s time for a replacement can optimize your garbage disposal’s performance and contribute to a cleaner, more efficient kitchen disposal system.

Keep Your Kitchen Running Smoothly with Proper Garbage Disposal Care

Understanding and implementing the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal use is crucial for Texas homeowners looking to maximize their appliance’s performance and prevent plumbing issues. By adopting proper disposal habits, maintaining the appliance, and recognizing when it’s time for professional intervention or a replacement, you can preserve the efficiency and longevity of your garbage disposal system.

If you need garbage disposal maintenance, repair, or replacement assistance, trust our McWilliams and Son to provide prompt and professional service. We’re here to ensure that your kitchen runs smoothly and that your disposal system remains in top condition for years to come. Contact our HVAC contractor in Huntsville, TX today to schedule an appointment or discuss any concerns regarding your garbage disposal. Let us help you maintain a healthy and efficient kitchen disposal system in your Texas home.