A garbage disposal is a small, handy appliance that can help preserve the life of your kitchen sink drain. However, while it may seem simple to use, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the life of your garbage disposal. When properly maintained, your disposal can last a long time, giving you peace of mind that your drain system is kept in top shape.
Common Mistakes
There are a few common mistakes that homeowners make when utilizing their garbage disposal. These mistakes may be small, but in time they can impact the ability of your appliance to work at its full potential. These mistakes include:
- Using Hot Water – You want to avoid hot water when grinding your waste. Hot water makes fat congeal and stick to the blades and sides of your appliance. Cold water is key when running your garbage disposal. Cold water doesn’t allow for congealing, and it also keeps your appliance from overheating
- Waste to Avoid – The disposal is an excellent tool, but it isn’t meant to handle all waste. Grease, fat, pasta, and other fibrous waste can ruin your disposal over time by clogging the drain. It is also important to understand the disposal is only for food and should never be used to grind other materials
- Overloading – It is important to avoid overfilling your garbage disposal. If you have a lot to grind, it is best to do gradually.
Your garbage disposal is a great tool which, when utilized correctly, can last a long time. If you’ve noticed issues with your disposal, or if you’ve found yourself making some of these mistakes, it is best to turn to an experienced professional who can help repair or replace your appliance. At BPI Plumbing, our team is available to answer any of your questions or concerns.