How To Operate Your Garbage Disposal (Yes, there is a method to follow…)
This method works best when using your garbage disposal:
- Run cool water (Cool water is best, it keeps grease congealed and prevents it from sticking);
- Then turn on garbage disposal;
- Slowly feed food into the disposal;
- Wait approximately 30 seconds to be sure food is completely gone;
- Turn disposal off; BUT let the water run for 20 seconds to clear the disposal of remaining food.
This simple method will help keep your garbage disposal running correctly.
How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Easy ways to freshen your disposal:
- Grinding ice cubes is a great way to clean the unit, it removes stuck food particles without hurting the disposal;
- After a wild party, throw the leftover lime or lemon slices into the unit. They will freshen and also help clean the inside;
- You can also add baking soda along with the ice cubes, lime and lemon. That helps reduce odors.
You Can’t Grind Everything
Garbage disposals are powerful units, but they don’t like things like:
- Wood, glass, plastic, etc;
- Paper, rope, cardboard, etc;
- Grease, oils, fats, etc. (Pour that stuff in an empty can and put in the trash);
- Stringy, starchy foods like potatoes, rice, celery, pumpkin guts, etc.
Bottom line, garbage disposals love food and only food, but stay away from starching, stringy foods.
Before you call Plumbing Professors…
There is a circuit breaker on the bottom of the unit. If the unit seizes up, that breaker will “trip” stopping power to the motor. First, reset the breaker if it tripped, then insert a wrench into the bottom of the unit, this allows you to turn the rotor inside the disposal to be sure it’s free and turning easily. If that doesn’t work, call Plumbing Professors.
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