5 Garbage Disposal Tips ^Featured

Most people don’t think twice about what they put down their kitchen disposal. Depending on the horsepower rating of the unit, it may be able to handle tough jobs like bones. But most disposal used in the home are 1/4 to 1/2 horsepower units that can be damaged if care is not taken with the types of food waste put down the disposal. Keeping your disposal working properly is simple if you keep the following tips in mind.

1. Only put the proper kinds of waste into the disposal

These include:

• Soft foods
• Ice cubes
• Some softer bones
• Softer fruit pits
• Citrus peels
• Coffee grounds

2. Avoid putting these types of waste down your disposal

Fibrous material like:

• corn husks
• artichokes
• celery stalks
• onion peels
• seafood with shells, like shrimp

3. Always run a full stream of cold water

Let the water run for another 30 seconds after you turn off the disposer. Don’t use hot water while you’re grinding waste, although it’s fine to use hot water when the disposer is off.

4. Let the disposal run only as long as it takes to grind the waste

This is usually less than 30 seconds, but can take longer in some cases. Running the disposal without waste can cause premature wear and tear.

5. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners in a disposer

The chemical drain cleaning products found in most stores can damage your home’s plumbing and can be extremely corrosive when in contact with metal plumbing fixtures. Chemical drain cleaners can also be dangerous to store and require safe handling. Don’t take chances,  if your disposal is jammed or backed up, call a professional plumber to clear the drain line.