All appliances need maintenance and care to keep them in optimal condition and running efficiently. Garbage disposals require a little tender love and care periodically and today we at Orsack Plumbing Company would like to take the opportunity to share some garbage disposal maintenance tips and care to keep your disposal functioning at its full potential.

Garbage Disposal Do’s & Dont’s

1) Garbage disposal basics. Dense and hard materials are not compatible with the blades and continuing to try and do so will quickly dull the shredder until the garbage disposal is no longer useful. Newer models are becoming more adequate to handle the tough foods but if you are unsure, be sure to consult your manual. If the chunks of food get caught in the blades, the engine can easily over heat and burn out the motor. Of you ever are in doubt, just chink the bulky debris in the trash. For example, hard bones, un-popped popcorn kernels, and hard shells of shell fish should never be ran through the garbage disposal. Never let put aluminum, metal or plastic objects down your garbage disposal as it is only designed to digest organic foods.
2) What food should you not put down the garbage disposal? Fibrous or starchy items and other such food waste should also not be run through the garbage disposal as well. Extreme clogging, lingering offensive odors, serious malfunctions and motor over heating are all that could occur. Examples of foods that are better off in the trash can include the following:
– Potato peelings
– Onion skins
– Fruit pits or hard seeds
– Egg shells
– Corn husks or cobs
– Coffee filters or grounds
– Celery
– Banana peels
– Artichokes
3) What shouldn’t go in a garbage disposal?. Unfortunately, there are many homeowners that were never taught what can be properly digested in the garbage disposal and everything that is should be avoided at all costs. Below you will find many items that should not be put down the drain.
– Trash, particularly cigarette butts, plastic caps, paper or plastic products
– Toys
– Rubber bands, twist ties, or pull tabs
– Plant, flower or other shrubs clippings or pruned waste
– Nails or screws
– Hair
– Grease
– Glass
– Eating utensils
4) Staying clear of hot water during use. Using hot water when the garbage disposal is on will rapidly escalate the temperatures of the motor, causing it to overheat quickly. Using cold water during operation will keep the motor cooled off and prevent the burn out. After all food is shredded to let the water continue to flow for 30-60 seconds to properly flush away all remnants down the drain.
5) Cleaning the garbage disposal. Use an effective anti-bacterial spray to mist the exterior and wipe it down thoroughly. To clean the inside of the disposal, drop two cups ice cubes down the drain and pour one cup vinegar; flip the garbage disposal on and let it run for a minute with cool water continually flowing.

Garbage Disposal Installation, Service & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas

For a maximum clean make of vinegar ice cubes with a few drops of lemon juice and run it through the disposal while the water is on for two minutes. If any odors are developing, run the garbage disposal and cool water with either lemon or orange peels. If you find the garbage disposal is not working efficiently or at all, call the professionals of Orsack Plumbing Company and let our skilled plumbers remedy the situation. Contact us today!