End of Year Garbage Disposal Tips
The holidays are upon us, and our kitchens and kitchen appliances will see more. One device that often works overtime between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is the garbage disposal. Keeping the garbage disposal running like it should help the holidays go more smoothly, from all the home-cooked meals to the takeaway dinners in between. Here are some expert tips to keep your garbage disposal functioning properly into the New Year:
Don’t “sharpen” blades with ice cubes
A common misconception or “old wives’ tale” is to use ice cubes to sharpen the blades of a disposal. Not only can this damage the already dull components, but garbage disposals do not have parts to sharpen, technically. Instead, for safety reasons, disposal blades are made blunt and designed to throw food and other waste against a grind ring before sending it down the drain. This helps keep the users safe while still getting the job done. So this holiday season, refrain from intentionally sending ice cubes down the drain and instead use them in a cool cocktail or mocktail, whatever you choose.
Eliminate sending fat, oil, and grease down the drain
In the plumbing industry, this is called FOG. Fat, oil, and grease seem harmless. However, these are hot liquids, and once they cool, they become solid and clog drains and pipes and create other plumbing issues. If the fat or grease doesn’t make its way down the drain, it can also cause the garbage disposal to stick or potentially break.
Use cool water when rinsing the disposal
Hot water is excellent for cleaning dishes, but you should leave that to the dishwasher. Overheating shortens the lifespan of the garbage disposal. Instead, rinse items with cool or warm water when the kitchen is getting more use, and you can prolong the life of your disposal for years to come.
Don’t overrun your disposal with items it cannot handle
Garbage disposals are no more substantial than human teeth. If you cannot chew it, then it should not go down the drain. Chicken bones, popcorn kernels, and any other hard food scraps will ruin your garbage disposal in a short time. Throw these kinds of items directly in the trash or give bones to Fido. Just keep them away from your sink.
Keep things fresh with lemon
A nice touch is keeping the kitchen looking and smelling fresh when friends and family visit. Though we aren’t interior designers, we do suggest tossing a few lemon peels down the drain to brighten up any stinky sink. But, of course, your choice of curtains and decor is solely up to you.
Whether you love or loathe the holidays, it’s fair to say that having a high-functioning kitchen at home is much better than not. Garbage disposals are more sensitive than most people realize and need to be cared for, just as other appliances are cared for throughout the home. With these simple tips, you will be entertaining and enjoying company without the worry of a smelly or non-functional sink.
911 Heating, Cooling & Plumbing provides quality residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, sink drains and sewers, slab leak detection and repair, and water heater repair and replacement services to Phoenix, AZ, residents at affordable prices. Contact us at 602-795-2900 for all your plumbing needs.
