Garbage disposal 101

eIt's fall and that means the holidays are coming up fast.  Dining rooms will soon be filled with family and friends and our kitchens will be getting a workout.

One of the reasons that fall is such a busy time for plumbers is that folks end up putting all kinds of things down garbage disposals that are better used for compost.  Here's a short list of foods that should not be sent down the disposal:

• Fibrous foods
  • celery stalks
  • onions
  • artichoke leaves or hearts
• Grease/lard (if you do spill some in your sink, immediately rinse with soap and cold water)
• Foods that can turn into a paste
  • pasta
  • rice
  • beans
• Very hard foods
  • bones (great for compost)
  • large fruit pits (ex: peach, avocado)
• Foods that can turn into a sand-like texture
  • egg shells (excellent for compost)
  • coffee grounds (great for compost!)
• non-food items
  
  

Now that you know what not to send down, how do you properly use a disposal?

• Turn a steady stream of cold water on first, then turn the disposal on.
• Run cold water down the disposal while it's in use.  Keep the water on for at least 15 seconds after food has cleared the disposal.
• Send through small amounts of small pieces of food at a time.  Don't fill up the whole disposal all at once.
• Keep your disposal clean.  Run water and a little dish soap, a few lemon or orange peels or ice through every now and then.
• Use the disposal on a regular basis to prevent rust and corrosion.

If you're disposal clogs up or stops working, give us a call, we're happy to come out and help.