Habits That Damage Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are handy kitchen appliances that make meal prep and cleanup a breeze. However, certain common habits can significantly shorten their lifespan and efficiency. As the trusted local plumber in Trinity, FL, Farrell Plumbing explores said habits and how you can keep your garbage disposal unit running smoothly.

Using Hot Water

People often assume that hot water helps flush food remnants down more effectively. While this can be true for most items, hot water won’t prevent fat from congealing, and it can soften foods like pasta or rice, leading to sticky clusters within the disposal. A certified technician from your go-to plumbing company would recommend sticking to cold water for disposal duty. This keeps fats solid and encourages any leftover oil to compact and become more brittle.

Feeding Fibrous Foods

Celery and similar stringy, fibrous foods are often culprits for tangled-up messes in the disposal. Their long, tough strands can wrap around the blades and cause the motor to work harder or even burn out, leading to the need for expert plumbing repairs. When disposing of such items, chop them into smaller pieces and consider throwing them in the trash.

Overloading the Disposal

It can be tempting to throw large amounts of food scraps down the disposal at once, especially when cleaning up after a big meal. However, overloading the unit can put unnecessary strain on its motor and cause it to jam or malfunction, requiring professional plumbing services to fix. Grind smaller amounts of waste at a time, and be sure to run water for a few seconds after the disposal is turned off to clear the chamber completely.

Farrell Plumbing is proud to provide top-quality solutions, including emergency plumbing services, that keep your home functioning smoothly. We are always ready to assist with any plumbing issues, including those related to your garbage disposal. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.