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Your Guide To Garbage Disposal Maintenance, Repair, and Replacements



Garbage Disposals are an excellent addition to any home! Garbage Disposals are a small, electrically powered system attached to the underside of your sink. The system is primarily used to shred food waste from your drain into tiny pieces so that when it passes through your plumbing, it does not clog your pipes.

Garbage Disposals are handy and convenient tools for throwing food scraps away but can cause stressful problems for homeowners if it wreaks havoc on your plumbing system when used incorrectly.

Luckily, there are quite a few ways to maintain your Garbage Disposal System so it works properly and prevents damage that will lead to requiring repairs or a replacement. Correct installation, regular maintenance, and proper usage are all essential to having a working Garbage Disposal Unit! 

Best Ways To Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

There are several ways to maintain your Garbage Disposal to ensure it’s functional. To keep your Garbage Disposal working properly it’s important to clean it regularly, follow guidelines when using it, and only use it for its intended purpose.

It’s recommended to clean your garbage disposal weekly to keep it clear of buildup. Even if you do not use it frequently or have anything to grind, it’s a good idea to turn it on every couple of days with water running. This moves any leftover food you might not realize is in there so it doesn’t harden, leading to rotten odors and clogs. This also prevents rust and corrosion from forming.

It’s important to always use running cold water when you turn your garbage disposal on! The water acts as a lubricant and you want the temperature to be cold so that any oils and grease will solidify and be able to get chopped up and passed down the drainpipe easier.

A simple, but effective, way to clean your Garbage Disposal regularly is by putting half a cup of baking soda into the opening of the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. You want to allow the mixture to sit and fizz for about 10 minutes, and then flush the garbage disposal with cold water with the system turned on.

 You can even use some ice cubes during this step to help dislodge anything that may have gotten stuck or lodged in the unit. After cleaning your Garbage Disposal, you can use half of a sliced lemon or other citrus peels when you run the garbage disposal to leave your sink smelling fresh!

What Can I Safely Put Down a Garbage Disposal?

Following the recommended and intended use of a Garbage Disposal is essential. If you put food down that it can not shred or grind, it can lead to your drain being clogged or breaking the Garbage Disposal Unit, which will require it to be repaired or replaced.

Remember, your Garbage Disposal is not a trash can, it is for food scraps only! A good rule of thumb is if the food is biodegradable, it should be okay to put down the Garbage Disposal. Food that is approved and safe to shred in a Garbage Disposal includes:

  • Fruit Peels
  • Vegetable Scraps
  • Ice
  • Small Portions of Leftovers
  • Cooked Meat Scraps

However, there are some food items that are not intended to be put down in the garbage disposal and could break the system or clog the drains. Do not put these items in your Garbage Disposal under any circumstance: 

  • Grease and Oils
  • Shells and Bones
  • Large Portions of Food
  • Oatmeal or Grits
  • Non-Food Items

How To Fix a Garbage Disposal

There are several ways to repair or fix your garbage disposal, but it depends on what is wrong with it. If the problem is minor enough, such as food getting stuck, you can turn your system off and reach down into the blades with pliers to try to gently dislodge the stuck food.

If the disposal is severely damaged, not turning on or working properly, or the drain is clogged, hiring a Professional Plumber is the optimal choice when your Garbage Disposal is broken or the drain is clogged. 

A Plumber is able to assess the situation, repair your Garbage Disposal System, unclog your drains properly, or replace the unit with a new one. Even if you clean your Garbage Disposal and follow the guidelines, there are other problems that can occur such as:

  • The System not turning on because it has blown a fuse or the engine is broken
  • Loud, noisy garbage disposals having issues with the screws bearings
  • The blades are jammed
  • Drainage problems from food or debris being stuck
  • Clogged drain

Professional Plumber Near Me 

If your garbage disposal is having problems, give Cummings Plumbing in Tucson, AZ a call today and we’ll be right over to help!

Over the last 36 years, we’ve repaired and replaced thousands of garbage disposals! Whatever the problem may be, our professional, licensed plumbers will get down to the root of the problem and give you options to fix or replace your garbage disposal in no time.

If your garbage disposal can be fixed, our expert plumbers will get your system up and running. Sometimes there are larger issues with your unit that may need to be replaced, such as motor problems that can not be permanently fixed or worn-out drainage systems and valves that cause severe leaks. 

If a replacement is required or is the most cost-effective route, we will provide efficient, quick, and affordable Garbage Disposal Installation Services! We have several state-of-the-art Garbage Disposal Systems to choose from in order to fit your unique needs.

Cummings Plumbing is your #1 Best Option when you need a Professional Plumber to Repair or Replace your Garbage Disposal! Contact us today for more information!


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