Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips

1. Be sure to insert garbage loosely and slowly into the garbage disposal. If you pack in too much at once, you can jam the disposal.

2. To flush food particles through the garbage disposal and down the drain line, use a strong flow of cold water while running the disposal for at least 30 seconds after noise of grinding has stopped.

3. Always use cold water when operating the disposal in order to solidify fatty, greasy waste so it is chopped up and flushed down the drain. This will also prevent waste from liquefying and coating your pipes.

4. After a period of time the teeth in your disposal will begin to dull. If your disposal jams often, fill your disposal up with ice to help keep the blades sharp. 


5. Don't dump fat, grease, and oils down your garbage disposal. The best way to get rid of liquid fats is to let them cool, pour or scrape them into a can or jar, and dispose of it in the trash once it's solidified. 


6. Water, water, water! Your garbage disposal's motor WILL burn out eventually if water is not running before, during, and after usage. 


7. Never let food sit inside your disposal and be sure to run the disposer each time you put food waste in it. Disposals are subject to corrosion from the acids formed by food waste left for an extended period of time.



8. Sometimes your garbage disposal will throw in the towel if you haven't been playing nicely. If you find your disposal without power, reset it. 


9. Keep your disposal clean by pouring a bit of dish soap and cold water down it, then let it run for 30 seconds to a minute. You can also add citrus peels with the water and soap for added freshness.

10.Your garbage disposal is NOT a trash can. It's not meant for stringy vegetables, expandable food, bones, plastic, glass, and metal. When in doubt, throw it out!

Be nice to your disposal and it will be nice to you for years to come. Having problems or need a new unit? Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for additional tips and service for all of your garbage disposal needs.