A garbage disposal is a convenient appliance that helps keep your kitchen clean and your waste management simple. However, like any mechanical system, it requires regular maintenance to operate efficiently and avoid breakdowns. Without proper care, a garbage disposal can easily become clogged, smelly, or even stop working altogether. Fortunately, a few simple habits can keep your disposal running like new. If you ever experience issues with your system, Plombier St Bruno provides expert plumbing services for garbage disposal repair, installation, and maintenance in St-Bruno and surrounding areas.
Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining your garbage disposal like a professional.
1. Run Cold Water During Use
Always run a steady stream of cold water before, during, and after using your garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oils, allowing the disposal to chop them up before they can stick to the sides of the unit or pipes.
Best practice:
Let the cold water run for about 20 seconds after turning off the disposal to flush out remaining food particles.
2. Avoid Putting the Wrong Items Down the Disposal
Not everything belongs in your garbage disposal. Some items can damage the blades, clog the system, or create unpleasant odors.
Things to avoid:
- Grease, oils, and fats
- Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins
- Starchy foods like potato peels and pasta
- Hard items like bones, fruit pits, and eggshells
- Coffee grounds and large quantities of food at once
Tip:
When in doubt, throw questionable items in the trash or compost bin.
3. Clean It Regularly
Food debris can build up inside your disposal and cause bad smells or reduced efficiency. Cleaning it regularly is key to maintaining a fresh and functional unit.
Simple cleaning tips:
- Ice cubes and salt: Grind a handful of ice cubes and coarse salt to remove buildup from the blades and walls.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for several minutes before rinsing with hot water.
These methods clean the disposal naturally without harsh chemicals that could damage the unit.
4. Use Citrus Peels for Freshness
Grinding small pieces of lemon, lime, or orange peels can help freshen up your garbage disposal and keep it smelling pleasant. The natural oils in citrus peels break down grease and leave a clean scent.
Note:
Only use small amounts and cut them into manageable pieces to avoid jamming the disposal.
5. Never Use Harsh Chemicals
Drain cleaners and other harsh chemicals can corrode the metal parts of your garbage disposal and shorten its lifespan. Instead, use natural cleaning methods or consult a plumber if you need a more thorough cleaning or unclogging.
Tip:
If the disposal is badly clogged or malfunctioning, professional service is the safest solution.
6. Know When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, even with proper maintenance, issues can arise that require professional attention. Strange noises, persistent clogs, leaks, or a complete lack of operation are all signs that it is time to call a plumber.
At Plombier St Bruno, we offer fast and reliable garbage disposal repair and replacement services to ensure your kitchen stays clean and functional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To keep your garbage disposal in top condition, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overloading the disposal with large amounts of food at once
- Using hot water while grinding greasy foods
- Ignoring unusual noises, which could signal damage
- Forcing non-food items like plastic or metal into the unit
Being mindful of how you use and maintain your disposal can greatly extend its lifespan.
Why Proper Maintenance Matters
Taking care of your garbage disposal helps you avoid:
- Costly repairs
- Foul kitchen odors
- Plumbing backups and clogs
- Premature replacement of the unit
A little attention and regular maintenance can save you significant money and hassle over time.
How Plombier St Bruno Can Help
At Plombier St Bruno, we specialize in all aspects of garbage disposal maintenance, repair, and installation. Whether you need a simple tune-up, emergency unclogging, or a brand-new disposal unit, our team of skilled plumbers is ready to help. We offer honest advice, quality workmanship, and fast service you can trust.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your garbage disposal is easy when you follow the right practices. By using cold water, avoiding certain foods, cleaning regularly, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can keep your disposal running smoothly for years to come. If you are facing problems with your disposal or want expert maintenance advice, contact Plombier St Constant today. We are proud to serve St-Bruno homeowners with reliable, affordable plumbing services.
