It’s also a good idea to call a professional if you have little experience working with electricity, as under-sink disposals involve not only electricity but also water, which can create a dangerous situation. Garbage disposals are not expensive, so replacing a faulty unit is not a bad idea, and it is often smart to hire someone to do the replacement for you if you are not a trained professional.
Garbage Disposal Repair FAQs
How can you prevent garbage disposal jams?
Allison Harrison, Co-Owner Goodby PlumbingExplains that proper use of a garbage disposal can prevent issues in the first place. “The first rule of owning and operating a garbage disposal is to always run cold water while the unit is in use and for 20 to 30 seconds after the disposal is turned off,” she says. “Cold water keeps the motor from overheating and allows the food waste to drain properly. And avoid certain foods; Although kitchen Garbage disposals are powerful appliances, some foods are better suited to the trash can than the sink.”
What types of foods should never be put in the trash?
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It’s actually a very long list. “Never pour leftover cooking fat, oil or grease down a drain,” says Harrison. “Although it remains liquid on the stovetop, when cooled it will freeze and block your pipes. Coffee grounds can also cause blockage if they accumulate. Other foods to avoid include fibrous vegetables, such as celery, onion peels, artichokes and asparagus. Animal matter such as fish or chicken bones, egg shells and seafood shells should also go straight into the trash.
How do I clean the garbage disposal?
“Basic cleaning your disposal Easy,” Boylen says. “Simply run hot water from the tap, pour dish soap down the drain and then turn the unit on for a few seconds.” You can do a more thorough cleaning to remove stubborn bits food waste Toss in a handful of ice cubes, add a tablespoon of salt, then run water and turn on the disposal. Running a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the disposal can clean the unit and reduce odors.
How long does garbage disposal last?
Garbage disposals are hearty machines. Many last up to 15 years. The average “lifespan” of a garbage disposal is usually closer to 8 to 10 years – still a pretty good amount of time for a device you use all the time, which often costs less than $100.
When should I replace my garbage disposal?
When your garbage disposal is not working properly and cannot be fixed using any of the methods described here, it is time to replace it. The fact is, getting a brand new garbage disposal will cost less than the labor charges from a professional plumber, so if you can’t repair it yourself, replacing a failed unit is a better move financially. .