Have you recently purchased a garbage disposal for your home? These small, plumbing appliances are wonderful ways to make food disposal convenient and easy. However, they can also be quite finicky, requiring a tender hand to make sure that they run well for many years. Whether this is the first garbage disposal you’ve owned or your 10th, let us take a moment to share a few dos and don’ts that will help you keep this appliance in good working order for a long time.

The Dos – Proper Use

At Carson Plumbing Champs, we’ve seen a lot over the years and know a thing or two about keeping garbage disposals running. Consider the following:

• Always run cold water at full blast when operating the disposal to make sure any grease or fat solidifies and is ground up. Hot water will melt these substances, but they will harden again further down in the drain pipes eventually causing blockages.
• Flush out all food particles by running the disposal for at least 10-15 seconds longer than you think you need to.
• Use your disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Cut up large food pieces and insert them into the disposal a little at a time.
• Keep celery, artichokes, onions, and corn husks out of the disposal. The fibers will clog the blades.

The Don’ts – Improper Use

• A garbage disposal is not a trash receptacle. Never grind paper, metal, or plastic.
• Dispose of expandable foods like noodles and rice in your trash can.
• Don’t put coffee grounds in your disposal. Some people do this to eliminate odors. While coffee grounds do get rid of bad smells, eventually they will clog your drains.
• Avoid harsh, chemical cleaners. Instead use Borax or go a natural route by grinding up lemons, or making vinegar ice cubes. All of these are great, gentle ways to clean your disposal.

When to Call for Disposal Repair and Replacement

When your garbage disposal stops working, there are a few things you can try at home first. The first thing you should do is try to reset the motor by pressing the red or black reset button on the motor. If this doesn’t work, check to see if there is something obstructing the blades’ movements. If you see that something is stuck, turn off the power and try to wiggle the object free using a pair of pliers, a wrench, tweezers, or a flat-head screwdriver.

If none of these suggestions work, then it’s time to call for professional plumbing service. Carson Plumbing Champs offers around the clock assistance for all Carson, California residents. Give us a call to schedule an appointment. We also offer other services such as toilet repair and replacement, faucet installation, shower and bathtub installation.