How To Operate Your Garbage Disposal (Yes, there is a method to follow…)

• First, scrape most of the food into the trash;
• Then run cool water (Cool water is best, it keeps grease congealed and prevents it from sticking);
• Next turn on garbage disposal;
• Slowly feed remaining food into the disposal;
• When done, wait approximately 30 seconds to be sure food is completely gone;
• Turn disposal off, BUT let the water run for at least 30 seconds or more to clear the disposal of remaining food.

This simple method will help keep your garbage disposal running correctly.

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal:

Easy ways to freshen your disposal:

• Grinding ice cubes is a great way to clean the unit, it removes stuck food particles without hurting the disposal;
• After a wild party, throw the leftover lime or lemon slices into the unit.  They will freshen and also help clean the inside;
• You can also add baking soda along with the ice cubes, lime, and lemon.  That helps reduce odors.

You Can’t Grind Everything:

Garbage disposals are powerful units, but they don’t like things like:

• Wood, glass, plastic, etc;
• Paper, rope, cardboard, etc;
• Grease, oils, fats, etc. (Pour that stuff in an empty can and put in the trash);
• Stringy, starchy foods like potatoes, rice, celery, pumpkin guts, etc.
• Chicken bones, fish, or anything with bones in it.

Bottom line, garbage disposals love food and only food but stay away from starches, stringy foods or bones.

Before you call Plumbing Professors…

There is a circuit breaker on the bottom of the unit.  If the unit seizes up, that breaker will “trip” stopping power to the motor.  First, reset the breaker if it tripped, then insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the unit, this allows you to turn the rotor inside the disposal to be sure it’s free and turning easily.  If that doesn’t work, call Plumbing Professors.