The Dos and Don’ts of Using Your Garbage Disposal Unit

The Dos and Don’ts of Using Your Garbage Disposal Unit

Your garbage disposal unit makes kitchen cleanup much easier. But using it wrong can lead to expensive repairs and messy problems. When yours breaks down, you need help fast. Expert Plumbing Service specializes in fixing garbage disposal problems for our clients in Kendall, Kane, Will, and DuPage Counties. We handle everything from clogs and drain blockages to removing garbage disposal units that can’t be repaired. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and keep your unit working for years.

What Is a Garbage Disposal Unit?

A garbage disposal unit sits under your kitchen sink. It grinds up food scraps so that they can wash down the drain safely. The unit has sharp blades that spin fast to chop food into tiny pieces. Most units connect to a dishwasher drain, too. This handy appliance saves users from having to scrape every plate into the trash.

The Consequences of Improperly Using Your Garbage Disposal

Using your disposal incorrectly causes serious problems. Clogs and drain blockages happen when you put the wrong things down your drain. These blockages can back up into your sink or dishwasher. You might also face leaks and water damage if the unit breaks. Some problems even require removing the garbage disposal unit completely. We want to ensure you prevent these costly headaches.

Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts

Expert Plumbing Service proudly helps our customers in Illinois maintain their garbage disposal units and avoid the need to repair or replace them. We encourage you to follow our dos and don’ts list when it comes to your garbage disposal:

Dos

• Run Cold Water – Cold water keeps grease solid so that it can be chopped up. Run cold water when using your disposal and keep it running for 15 seconds after turning off the unit.
• Cut Large Scraps Into Smaller Pieces – Before putting them in the disposal, cut large scraps into smaller pieces. This helps the blades work better and prevents jams.
• Clean Your Disposal Unit Regularly – Drop ice cubes down the drain and run the unit. The ice sharpens the blades and removes buildup.
• Use Dish Soap – Squirt some soap down the drain and run cold water to clean your disposal unit. This removes grease and keeps things fresh.

Don’ts

• Don’t Put Grease or Oil Down Your Disposal – Avoid putting grease or oil down your disposal. These liquids harden in your pipes and cause clogs and drain blockages.
• Don’t Put Fibrous Foods in the Unit – Celery, corn husks, and onion skins don’t belong in your unit. These stringy materials can wrap around the blades.
• Don’t Use Hot Water – Hot water melts grease, which then sticks to pipes.
• Don’t Discard Bones, Shells, or Pits In It – Hard items can break the blades or jam the motor.
• Don’t Use Bleach – Harsh chemicals can damage the metal elements of garbage disposal units.
• Don’t Put Pasta or Rice in the Garbage Disposal Unit – These foods expand with water and can cause blockages.

Contact Us for Garbage Disposal Repair and Maintenance in Illinois

Do you need help with your garbage disposal unit? Our Illinois-based plumbers are here for you. Expert Plumbing Service quickly fixes clogs and drain blockages and can address water damage before it worsens. We’ll also show you the best ways to clean your disposal unit, so contact us today.