Basic Tips on How to Care For Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is your practical friend for helping you maintain a well-functioning kitchen. It saves you time, but only if it works properly. If you’re looking for an informative guide on caring for your garbage disposal, whether you need general upkeep or garbage disposal repair advice, you’re in the right place. Below is Mister Water Heater’s guide to ensuring your garbage disposal in your Indianapolis kitchen remains in tip-top condition.

What Can I Put In My Garbage Disposal?

One common question homeowners have is what they can safely put down their garbage disposal. To clear up any confusion, we've compiled a list based on information from Consumer Reports.

Don’ts

Avoid putting fats, oils, grease, starchy foods, eggshells, shellfish, coffee grounds, large bones, and stringy vegetables (such as celery, corn husks, artichokes, edamame pods, asparagus, and rhubarb) in your garbage disposal. These items can cause clogs, damages, and other issues in your plumbing system.

Do’s

You can confidently dispose of fruit scraps, smaller non-fibrous vegetable scraps, fruit pits, and those other food scraps not listed above. If you're unsure about proper disposal for your particular system, read the manufacturer's guide.

How Do I Clean My Garbage Disposal?

Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal is vital to prevent odors and blockages and to keep it functioning well. Follow these steps for a thorough cleaning:

1. Turn Off the Power: Ensure the disposal is unplugged or turn off the breaker on your home's service panel.
2. Clean the Baffle: Scrub under the rubber disposal baffle and around the drain with a sponge and dishwashing liquid.
3. Clean the Grinding Chamber: Use the soapy sponge to scrub the top of the grinding chamber until it feels clean.
4. Add Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the garbage disposal. Cover the drain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Flush the Disposal: After you’ve restored power, remove the cover and run hot water while operating the disposal to flush out any remaining residue.

Bonus Tip: For a quick refresher, grind lemon peels with hot water in the disposal.

What to Do if My Garbage Disposal Isn't Working

Experiencing issues with your garbage disposal can be frustrating, but understanding the common problems will help you troubleshoot the next steps you can take to find a solution. Three common issues are:

• Jamming: Foreign objects or tough food scraps can obstruct the blades. If this occurs, turn off the power manually, rotate the blades, and remove the obstruction.
• Overloading: Too much waste can trip the safety mechanisms. Reduce the amount of waste you put in at once.
• Electrical Issues: If the disposal doesn't respond, check for a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty switch.

If the problem persists, it's best to contact a reliable plumbing repair service who can diagnose and repair the issue promptly.

By following these basic tips, you can extend the lifespan of your garbage disposal. If you need garbage disposal repair service in your Indianapolis home, contact Mister Water Heater at (833) 270-8502 or request service online. We can help you say goodbye to disposal troubles and keep your kitchen running smoothly!