Most homeowners run the garbage disposal and then forget about it, until the unit starts to make an obnoxious odor or suddenly stops working. Keeping up with regular garbage disposal maintenance can prevent these types of issues from occurring, reduce the risk of needing a costly plumbing repair, and could extend the disposal’s life expectancy. Use the following tips to maintain your garbage disposal on your own!
6 Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
- Be thoughtful about what goes into the disposal. Avoid items such as coffee grounds, potato peels, and celery, which can get stuck in the unit or its plumbing and result in a clog.
- Do regular maintenance with natural products once a week. To flush out debris and get rid of stinky odors, pour one cup of baking soda into the unit followed by two to three cups of either lemon juice or white vinegar. Let this foam for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water for one to two minutes.
- Never use a chemical drain cleaner in the garbage disposal. The caustic chemicals could destroy the unit.
- Check underneath the sink for leaks at least once a month. One of the most common causes for garbage disposal leaks is failed plumbers’ putty or loose bolts. Replace the putty and use a wrench to tighten the bolts on a regular basis.
- Use the disposal regularly to keep it in good working order. A rarely used disposer lets bacteria grow and lingering water can result in rusty blades.
- Use fresh citrus fruits to clean the disposal each week. This is a great use for fruits past their prime and helps dispel odors.
At Pratt Plumbing, our expert Amarillo plumbers have provided local homeowners with DIY advice for many years. We take pride in helping people enjoy the pleasure of taking care of their homes themselves. When a project becomes too big to tackle or expert assistance is needed, we are ready to do the job effectively and efficiently. Call us today at 806-316-5710 for more information or to have your garbage disposal serviced.
