Garbage Disposals: What You Need to Know

A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance that helps eliminate food waste without concerns of decay, reduces overall waste, and can even help prevent drain clogs. Whether you're installing one for the first time or want to take better care of the existing unit, here are some basic tips you should know.

What Can Go Down a Garbage Disposal

While garbage disposals are designed to grind up food waste, they aren’t capable of handling everything. Understanding what your disposal can and cannot do will keep it running smoothly for years.

Items that can go down a disposal:

●       Soft food scraps, such as cooked vegetables, fruit peels, small amounts of pasta or rice, and tiny bits of cooked meat. Be cautious with pasta and rice, as they expand when cooked in large quantities and may contribute to clogged drains.

●       Citrus rinds and peels are safe and can help clean and freshen the unit.

Items that should NOT go down a disposal:

●       Eggshells and seafood shells: the thin membrane inside shells can stick to the grinder and cause clogs.

●       Grease, oils, and fats may seem harmless when hot, but they solidify as they cool, leading to clogged pipes.

●       Fibrous vegetables, like celery, corn husks, and onion skins, can wrap around the blades and jam the unit.

●       Coffee grounds, although small, can clump together and cause blockages over time.

●       Hard items, such as bones and fruit pits, should also be kept out as they can damage the blades or motor.

Always run cold water while the disposal is in use and for a few seconds afterward to help flush debris through the pipes. Cold water keeps grease and oils in a solid state, so the garbage disposal can grind them before they are flushed away.

Types of Garbage Disposals

When selecting a garbage disposal, consider your budget, the available space under the sink, and the type of food waste you intend to dispose of. There are two main types: continuous feed and batch feed.

Continuous feed disposals are the most common and operate with a wall switch. As the name suggests, they allow you to add food waste while the unit is running. These are ideal for larger households or frequent use, and they tend to be more affordable and easier to operate.

Batch feed models only run when a stopper is placed over the drain and the switch is turned on. They are somewhat safer, especially for households with children. These units are typically quieter and more expensive.

When selecting a garbage disposal, homeowners should consider several factors:

●       Professional installation is recommended to prevent leaks and ensure correct setup.

●       Power is also important. For most households, a disposal with at least 1/2 horsepower (HP) will be sufficient. Larger families or those with heavier usage may want to invest in a model with 3/4 or 1 HP for more power.

●       Some models are designed specifically for septic systems - keep this in mind.

What Homeowners Should Know

Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity of your disposal. Regular cleaning with baking soda and vinegar helps eliminate odors and buildup. Grinding ice cubes and citrus peels occasionally can clean and sharpen the blades.

MRS Lacy Plumbing offers plumbing services in New Castle, Muncie, Pendleton, Winchester, and nearby areas. Contact us at 765-780-7890 for all your garbage disposal and plumbing needs.