The garbage disposal is often a used and abused kitchen appliance. Home-owners rarely think about maintenance of the garbage disposal until it stops working. Without proper maintenance, teeth get dulled, the unit is increasingly jammed and improper use even promotes drain clogs. Plumbing professionals provide some simple maintenance and usage tips that can prolong the life of the garbage disposal unit.

Maintenance starts with knowing what your garbage disposal is capable of doing. It is important to remember that your garbage disposal is designed to pulp soft foods. San Diego plumbing companies remove plastics, metals and bones that should not be run through the disposal unit. Hard objects may clog the disposal drain, stop the blades from spinning, or even may be launched back out of the disposal. This is not just potentially damaging to the disposal, it can be dangerous to the user. Some food items, such as rice and pasta, expand when mixed with water. When these items are put into the disposal, they may be ground down but they can lodge further in the drainage pipe and create clogs.

When the garbage disposal jams frequently, it is often a sign that the teeth are becoming dull. There are a number of ways that you can sharpen the teeth, but Atlanta plumbing companies provide a couple tried and true do it yourself measures. A filter full of coffee grounds and rinsed with cold water, can be run through the garbage disposal to sharpen the blades. This can be a cheap way to maintain the blades for coffee drinkers. On a monthly basis, fill the garbage disposal with ice and let it run. The ice will help keep the blades sharp and jam free. For consistent problems, have a professional come to examine the garbage disposal for other malfunctions.

Burned out motors are a common problem, that could have been easily avoided. While sometimes the motor burns out due to normal use and age, the life span of the motor can be greatly reduced if water is not run before, during, and after the garbage disposal is engaged. Water acts as a lubricant for all of the moving parts, assists in grinding and helps push material through the drain holes. Use cold water. Hot water can melt grease and oils that will then line the inside of the drain pipes, potentially causing clogs.

Houston plumbing companies are routinely called for garbage disposals that have stopped functioning. Often this is fixed by pressing a small reset button, that can be found on the bottom of the disposal unit. People often mistake this for an electrical problem or a burned out motor. The reset is used as a safety measure for times when there are serious jams or other safety problems detected.
For more information on how to keep your garbage disposal and other plumbing fixtures in top shape, contact a local plumbing professional. They can assist you in maintenance and more serious repairs of garbage disposals and all of your plumbing needs.