Tips to Have a Functioning Garbage Disposal

As the fall season begins to arrive, home maintenance has become a big concern for many people. While there are many items around a house that require attention to make sure they function properly, one of the most important to many people is the garbage disposal.

However, while it has usually been seen as a machine that was nearly indestructible, the truth is there are many things that can seriously damage a disposal.

To make sure homeowners don’t face this dilemma, there are many things they can do to make sure the fall season will have a fully-functional garbage disposal in their home.

Don’t Pour Grease or Oil into the Disposal

When they are cooking, many people automatically toss their grease or oil into your Winchester garbage disposal, thinking it will do the machine no harm. However, that is rarely the case.

Grease and oil almost always clog drains and eventually impact the disposal’s ability to grind up food, which can lead to the blades sustaining damage and the motor burning up. If this problem is suspected, a service technician should be called to inspect the machine and make any necessary repairs.

Put the Disposal on Ice

One of the most effective ways to keep a garbage disposal working well, ice can help a disposal in many ways. Most experts recommend using several ice cubes at once for best results.

By turning on the machine and letting it grind up the ice cubes, the water generated will reach many hard to clean areas. The disposal’s blades and other small parts can get scoured during this process, which will keep them in excellent working condition for many months.

Most experts recommend doing this each month for best results, although some believe every 2-3 months will work just as well.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals or Cleaners

Many people make the mistake of using very harsh chemicals or cleaners in their Winchester garbage disposals, which often results in serious damage to the unit’s blades and pipes as a result of corrosion.

If this has happened, a plumbing professional will need to be called in to make the necessary repairs. If incorrect repairs are made by a homeowner or someone not skilled in this area, the disposal may be damaged too badly, resulting in a new one needing to be purchased and installed.

Experts recommend natural cleaners such as Borax, which won’t harm blades or pipes.

Time to get your Winchester, VA home garbage disposal ready for the holiday season. Call Powells Plumbing at 540-665-8196 today.