Garbage disposals keep a significant amount of food out of landfills. They do this without wasting a lot of water or spending extra money on electricity. When you follow the garbage disposal rules listed below, you allow lots of food particles to move quickly through the sewer systems. That food then becomes fertilizer and is partially reclaimed as water, from the water content in fruit chunks, for example. Naturally, these garbage disposal rules were made to avoid damaging your garbage disposal.
Garbage Disposal Rule #1 – Cold Water
One of the most critical garbage disposal rules is always to begin and conclude with cold water. Doing this beforehand ensures the disposal is reasonably free of particles that may put stress on the motor. During operation, your garbage disposal will get hot if you do not have cold water running over it.
Running the cold water for at least an additional 10 to 15 seconds after you have turned off the garbage disposal will both flush away any extra particles and ensure that the unit has some time to cool down. Air alone will not allow the unit to cool down properly and can result in prematurely damaging the motor.
Garbage Disposal Rule #2 – Soft Foods a Baby Can Eat
Among the most important and general garbage disposal rules is that if a baby could not eat it, you should not put it down the garbage disposal. Fibrous foods are out, as are larger chunks of food. Only soft foods should go down the garbage disposal, as the motor can quickly get caught on anything with fibers. Anything substantial can quickly and easily dull the blades. As well, larger items need to be broken down because they can become too much for the motor to handle at once.
Garbage Disposal Rule #3 – Chopped Particles
Another garbage disposal rule is that you should chop up anything before putting it into the disposal. Even reasonably soft items can cause the motor to over-work because larger pieces can double up and become more rigid. The higher the level of rigidity an object has, the more stress it will put on the motor. Anything that cannot be chopped, such as coffee grounds or other gritty materials, should be thrown away.
Garbage Disposal Rule #4 – Dish Soap
While dish soap is not a food item, dropping some into your garbage disposal every now and again is beneficial. As the disposal works, bits of things tend to stick to the blades. Over time, these can cause the blades to become duller, or can even chip them and make the motor have to work that much harder to function. As well, the smell of old foodstuffs can cause your drain to smell bad because water alone may not be enough.
Garbage Disposal Rule #5 – Alternative Ice Cubes
Sometimes bits of food get stuck in your garbage disposal’s blades, and they need to be removed. Attempting to scrub the blades could be dangerous and is very difficult. For this reason, putting regular ice cubes down the drain can be helpful. As well, making ice cubes out of vinegar, lemon juice or other natural cleaners can help clean your garbage disposal blades by knocking off the built-up food residue.
If You Didn’t Follow the Garbage Disposal Rules
If you are concerned that your garbage disposal may not be working correctly, Contact Forrest Anderson today to have the unit professionally inspected.