As a Master Plumber with over 20 years of experience serving the greater Houston area, me and my team of Plumber Apprentices have seen it all regarding garbage disposal. From simple clogs to complex repairs, I’ve helped countless homeowners keep their kitchens flowing smoothly and odor-free.
But even the most reliable garbage disposal needs some TLC. That’s why I created this comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know about your kitchen’s hardworking hero.
The Essentials of Garbage Disposals:
What they do: Garbage disposals grind food scraps into fine particles flushed away through your plumbing system.
How they work: An electric motor powers a rotating blade that pulverizes food waste.
Types of disposals: Continuous feed and batch feed are two main types. Continuous feed disposals operate as you feed them food waste, while batch feed requires you to turn the unit on and off with each batch of food.
Horsepower: Higher horsepower ratings indicate more grinding power, making them ideal for larger households or those who process a lot of food waste.
Keeping Your Disposal Happy:
Feed it right: Only put approved items down your disposal, such as soft food scraps like fruits, vegetables, and coffee grounds. Avoid hard materials like bones, pits, and fibrous items that can jam the blades.
Grease is not your friend: While hot water can help liquefy grease, it can solidify and clog your disposal over time. Dispose of grease and oil in a container instead.
Regular maintenance: Run cold water with the disposal for 15-20 seconds after grinding food waste to clear the blades and prevent odors.
Clean it naturally: Once a month, grind a handful of citrus peels or ice cubes with dish soap to freshen and clean your disposal.
Professional help: For optimal performance and to prevent clogs, schedule professional cleaning and maintenance of your garbage disposal every 6-12 months.
When to Call the Experts:
Frequent clogs: If your disposal constantly clogs, there might be an underlying issue, like dull blades or a damaged motor.
Unusual noises: Loud noises like grinding metal or excessive vibration could indicate a failing motor or damaged components.
Leaks: Leaks around the disposal can signify worn-out seals or cracked housing, necessitating repair or replacement.
Burning smell: A burning smell from the disposal signifies an electrical issue or overloaded motor, posing a safety hazard.
Heaton Plumbing: Your Trusted Partner for Garbage Disposal Solutions:
Whether you’re facing a stubborn clog, need professional installation, or have questions about your disposal, Heaton Plumbing is here to help. Our team of experienced and licensed plumbers is dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring your garbage disposal operates efficiently and safely.
Visit our new webpage dedicated to all things garbage disposal: https://heatonplumbing.com/garbage-disposals/
Here, you’ll find a wealth of information, including:
- Types of garbage disposals
- Installation and maintenance tips
- Troubleshooting common problems
- FAQs
And much more!
Don’t let a malfunctioning garbage disposal disrupt your kitchen routine. Contact Heaton Plumbing today for expert advice, reliable repairs, and top-quality installations.