How To Prevent Your Garbage Disposal From Clogging
Posted in General Plumbing Services, on November 19, 2024
Many plumbers in Boca Raton are called in on a regular basis for damaged garbage disposals. If you are frustrated with your clogged garbage disposal, just know that you’re not alone. Garbage disposals are nifty appliances that make our lives super convenient. We can simply throw food scraps and leftovers in the garbage disposal while doing the dishes. Though this small appliance grinds down most of the food waste, it is a machine. It can get clogged, stuck, or damaged, leaving you with no option but to call an emergency plumber in Boca Raton to rectify the problem. If you are struggling with your garbage disposal, call Broward Plumbing for 24/7 service. Contact us today to schedule a service!
Garbage Disposals Are Only for Food
Unfortunately, many people end up throwing paper, plastic, and other such trash into the disposer. Most of us think garbage disposal chops up the scraps like a blender. However, the disposal actually grinds down the waste. Its impeller has blades and a grind ring that grinds down food leftovers. So when we throw plastic wrappers and other hard trash in the disposal, it may clog or get damaged.
What To Avoid
Plastic, metal, and hard food items like fruit pits and bones should not be thrown in the disposer. These can get stuck in the propeller and jam the unit, requiring emergency plumbing service to fix it. Thumb rule? Don’t throw it in the disposer if you can’t chew it!
Food Items That Are Bad News For Your Garbage Disposal
Some food items can pass through your garbage disposal but can cause damage in the long run. They can clog your plumbing with rotting food and even break your disposer. The lousy food list includes:
- Starchy Foods: Rice, pasta & noodles expand in water and tend to clog the kitchen sink drain. Avoid throwing these in the disposal.
- Fats: Grease and cooking oils should be safely disposed of in the trash can. These items can stick to the pipes to form a thick, greasy layer that can cause obstructions.
- Eggshells: These can also jam the disposal or get lodged in the impeller, making it hard to flush it down.
- Coffee Grounds: While these can pass through the disposal, they can also clump together to form a sludge that can lead to clogs.
The Garbage Disposal Checklist
- Do not feed too much waste into the disposal in one go. Cut it up into smaller chunks and only put a few pieces at a time. Big chunks of food can overwhelm your disposal and even damage it entirely!
- Never pour grease or oil down the sink drain.
- Check that the rubber gasket is not worn out or cracked.
- Always run it with water in a 3:1 water-to-scrap ratio.
- Clean your garbage disposal weekly; use a bottle brush and any kitchen cleaning solution to scrub inside.
Superior Plumbing Services In Boca Raton & Broward County
Regular care and maintenance will help prevent problems, but it doesn’t guarantee a functioning garbage disposal. Do not attempt DIY solutions if your disposer is giving you trouble; call a professional plumbing company you can trust. Broward Plumbing is synonymous with plumbing excellence, fair prices, and superior service. Our licensed plumbers in Boca Raton are fast, reliable, and available 24/7 for your convenience. Contact us for a routine plumbing service or to reach an emergency plumber in Boca Raton.