Acosta Plumbing Solutions

Garbage disposals are one of those appliances that we take for granted. They’re usually pretty easy to use and maintain, but there are a few things you should know about them to keep them running smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss how to clean, maintain, and repair your garbage disposal. From garbage disposal installation to fixing a clog, read on to learn everything you need to keep your disposal running smoothly.

What is a garbage disposal?

A garbage disposal is a room-temperature, electric appliance that grinds food waste and other matter down to small particles that can be disposed of safely. The disposal unit is usually located in the kitchen under the sink, but it may also be found in the bathroom.

To clean your garbage disposal, remove any food waste or other material that has accumulated on the blades and sealable chamber. Pour a pot of hot water into the disposal unit and turn it on to full power. Place all of the offending material into the water and watch as it begins to grind quickly and loudly. Use a plunger or your hand to dislodge any solid objects from the blades and chamber. Once everything has been cleaned, turn off the power to the disposal unit and rinse everything off. Replace any items that were dislodged during cleaning.

To maintain your garbage disposal, use cool or cold water when you run it to avoid overworking it and causing damage. Cleaning agents can also be used sparingly if desired; just be sure not to immerse anything downstream of where food residue would normally accumulate (like in between the drain pipe and outlet). To repair a broken garbage disposal, consult a professional plumber.

Types of garbage disposals

There are a few different types of garbage disposals to choose from, so it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Electromagnetic Garbage Disposal: These garbage disposals use an electromagnetic field to break down food waste. They’re great for people who have trouble bending over to clean their garbage disposal because they don’t require any plumbing work. However, these garbage disposals tend to be more expensive than other options and may not be compatible with all homes.
2. Pneumatic Garbage Disposal: These garbage disposals use air pressure to break down food waste. They’re reliable and efficient, but they may not be compatible with all homes. Pneumatic garbage disposals also require some installation work, so if you’re not familiar with electrical wiring, you may want to consider another option.
3. Dented Can Garbage Disposal: If you frequently have trouble getting your kitchen sink or dishwasher drain cleaned out, a dented can garbage disposal might be the perfect solution for you. These garbage disposals are smaller than other models and fit under most sinks. They’re also relatively affordable and easy to install, making them a good option if you don’t have any experience installing plumbing equipment.

How to clean a garbage disposal

Cleaning your garbage disposal is an important part of keeping it running smoothly. Here are some tips on how to clean it:

1. Turn off the power to the garbage disposal before cleaning.
2. Remove any food scraps, bones, or large pieces of hard plastic with a fork or a chopstick.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the drain and wait 20 minutes before turning on the power to the disposal again. This will help remove any food particles that may have adhered to the grinding blades.
4. If there is dirt or gunk buildup on the blades or in the drain, use a plunger to suction onto the drain and push and pull until all debris is dislodged. Be careful not to over-pull, as this can cause damage to your disposal unit.
5. Pour a small amount of dishwashing liquid down the drain followed by hot water, and start scrubbing with a brush. Be sure to get into all nooks and crannies; water alone will not do enough cleaning job. Soap should be used sparingly and only when necessary as it can damage plastic parts of your garbage disposal unit over time.

How to maintain a garbage disposal

If you are like most homeowners, your garbage disposal is a valuable tool in your kitchen. Unfortunately, it can also be a source of frustration if it doesn’t work properly. Here are some tips to help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly:

1. Clean the disposal regularly. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if food and grease build up on the blades, the garbage disposal will not work as efficiently. Run water through the drain after every use and scrub with a brush if necessary.
2. Use proper waste disposal materials. Don’t put objects that can easily go down the drain—like paper products or raw meat—into the garbage disposal. These items will clog up the blades and create problems for your machine. Instead, dispose of these items following your municipality’s waste management guidelines.
3. Fix broken or loose parts as soon as possible. If something inside the garbage disposal breaks–such as a plastic gear belt–replace it as soon as possible to avoid further damage and potential headaches down the road. Loose flanges or screws can also cause problems, so be sure to check them periodically and replace them if necessary.
4. Disconnect power to the unit before attempting any repairs. Electricity can carry dangerous voltages and currents, which could lead to injury if touched wrong during repairs. Let an experienced technician handle any needed repairs!

How to repair a garbage disposal

If your garbage disposal is not working, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. First, remove all the food from the disposal and see if that helps. If not, you’ll need to take it in for repair. Here are some tips on how to repair your garbage disposal:

1. Check the power cord – Make sure the power cord is plugged into an outlet and that it’s properly plugged into the garbage disposal.
2. Clear any obstructions from inside the disposal – If there are any objects or pieces of food blocking the flow of water down into the motor, they will need to be cleared out before you can attempt to repair them.
3. Reset the disposer – If all else fails, you may need to reset the disposer by turning off the electricity at both the source (in this case, your breaker box) and at the disposer itself, then removing and reinstalling the cover plate. Once everything is back in place and switched back on, test to make sure everything works as it should by pressing down on the plunger lever and making sure water starts flowing freely.

Conclusion

Garbage disposal installation is a big decision, and it’s important to choose the correct one for your needs. Having a garbage disposal will upgrade your kitchen and save you time. In this article, we’ll share our top tips on how to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and keeping it clean. From grinding food to breaking down grease and debris, a working garbage disposal requires regular maintenance. Don’t wait until it’s too late: learn how to clean, maintain, and repair your garbage disposal today!