How to Operate a Garbage Disposal?
Operating a garbage disposal correctly involves understanding its limitations and following a few simple steps to avoid clogs and damage. By following these precautions, you can ensure that your garbage disposal functions efficiently and lasts for many years.
Understanding Your Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal, often called a disposer, is an electric appliance installed under a kitchen sink between the sink’s drain and the drain pipe. It’s designed to shred food waste into small pieces that can pass through your plumbing system. Understanding its basic components and intended use is crucial for proper operation.
- Grinding Chamber: This is where food waste is broken down.
- Impellers (Swivel Arms): These rotating parts fling food against a stationary grind ring.
- Grind Ring: The stationary component that helps to break down food waste.
- Motor: The electric motor that powers the impellers.
- Reset Button: This button trips when the motor overheats, protecting it from damage.
Benefits of Using a Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals offer several advantages for homeowners:
- Reduced Landfill Waste: Disposing of food scraps through the disposal reduces the amount of organic waste going to landfills, decreasing methane production.
- Odor Control: Properly used, a disposal can minimize unpleasant kitchen odors by quickly processing food waste.
- Convenience: It simplifies cleaning up after meals by allowing you to dispose of many food scraps directly into the sink.
- Pest Control: Less food waste in the trash means fewer pests attracted to your home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Garbage Disposal
Follow these steps each time you use your garbage disposal:
- Run Cold Water: Turn on a steady stream of cold water before you turn on the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease, allowing it to be ground into smaller particles and flushed away more easily.
- Turn On the Disposal: Flip the switch to activate the disposal.
- Gradually Feed Food Scraps: Slowly introduce food scraps into the disposal. Avoid overloading it.
- Continue Running Cold Water: Keep the water running while the disposal is operating and for about 15 seconds after the grinding is complete. This helps flush out the system and prevent clogs.
- Turn Off the Disposal: Once the grinding sound subsides, turn off the disposal.
- Turn Off the Water: After a short flush, turn off the cold water.
Foods Safe for Your Garbage Disposal
Certain foods are safe and even beneficial for your disposal:
- Small Bones: Chicken and fish bones can help clean the grinding chamber.
- Citrus Peels: Lemon, lime, and orange peels freshen the disposal and help break down grease.
- Ice Cubes: Ice can help dislodge buildup and sharpen the impellers.
- Small Quantities of Vegetable Scraps: Most vegetable scraps are acceptable in small quantities.
Foods to Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal
Some foods should never go into your garbage disposal:
- Grease and Oils: These solidify and clog pipes.
- Coffee Grounds: They clump together and can cause blockages.
- Pasta and Rice: These expand when wet and can create a starchy mass that clogs drains.
- Egg Shell Membranes: The thin membrane inside the egg shell can wrap around the grinder and jam it.
- Fibrous Vegetables: Celery, corn husks, and artichokes can tangle and clog the disposal.
- Fruit Pits and Large Bones: These are too hard for the disposal to handle.
Common Mistakes and How to Prevent Them
Avoid these common mistakes to prolong the life of your garbage disposal:
| Mistake | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Pouring Grease Down Drain | Collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash. |
| Overloading the Disposal | Feed food scraps gradually. |
| Using Hot Water | Always use cold water. |
| Neglecting Cleaning | Periodically clean the disposal with ice cubes, citrus peels, or a disposal cleaner. |
| Putting Inadmissible Items | Refer to the list of foods to avoid and train family members accordingly. |
How to Troubleshoot a Jammed Garbage Disposal
If your disposal jams, follow these steps:
- Turn Off the Disposal: Never attempt to clear a jam while the disposal is running.
- Turn Off the Power: Ensure the disposal switch is off.
- Check the Reset Button: Located on the bottom of the disposal, press the reset button.
- Use Tongs or Pliers: Carefully remove any visible obstructions from the grinding chamber using tongs or pliers. Never put your hand inside the disposal.
- Use an Allen Wrench: Insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposal and rotate it back and forth to free the impellers.
- Turn on Cold Water and Power: Turn on the cold water and flip the disposal switch.
- If Still Jammed: Repeat steps 1-6. If the disposal remains jammed, consult a plumber.
Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
Regular maintenance will keep your disposal running smoothly:
- Clean Regularly: Run ice cubes and citrus peels through the disposal periodically to clean the grinding chamber and freshen the unit.
- Flush with Water: Regularly flush the disposal with plenty of cold water.
- Professional Inspection: Consider having a plumber inspect your disposal annually.
FAQs: Your Garbage Disposal Questions Answered
Can I put eggshells down the garbage disposal?
While some sources say yes, it’s generally not recommended. The thin membrane inside the eggshell can wrap around the impellers, causing them to jam, and some believe eggshells can accumulate and solidify over time, contributing to clogs.
How often should I clean my garbage disposal?
You should clean your garbage disposal at least once a month or more often if you use it frequently. Cleaning helps prevent odors and buildup, ensuring optimal performance.
What is the best way to deodorize a garbage disposal?
The best way to deodorize a garbage disposal is by grinding citrus peels (lemon, lime, orange). The natural oils in the peels help to freshen the unit and break down any lingering odors.
Is it normal for my garbage disposal to make noise?
It’s normal for a garbage disposal to make noise while it’s grinding food. However, excessive noise or new, unusual sounds could indicate a problem, such as a foreign object stuck in the grinding chamber.
What should I do if my garbage disposal smells bad?
If your garbage disposal smells bad, try cleaning it with ice and citrus peels. If the odor persists, you can use a commercial garbage disposal cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
Can I use hot water in my garbage disposal?
No, you should always use cold water when operating a garbage disposal. Hot water can melt grease and cause it to solidify further down the drain, leading to clogs.
How do I know if my garbage disposal is clogged?
Signs of a clogged garbage disposal include slow drainage, water backing up in the sink, and unpleasant odors.
What is the reset button for on my garbage disposal?
The reset button is a safety mechanism that trips when the motor overheats. Pressing the reset button restores power to the motor after it has cooled down.
How long should I run the garbage disposal each time?
You should run the garbage disposal until all the food waste is ground up and flushed away, typically 15-30 seconds. Continue running cold water for a few seconds afterward to ensure everything is cleared.
Can I put coffee grounds down the garbage disposal?
While seemingly small, coffee grounds are best avoided. They tend to accumulate and can form a sludge-like mass that clogs drains over time. It’s better to compost them or dispose of them in the trash.
What is the lifespan of a garbage disposal?
With proper care and maintenance, a garbage disposal can last for 8-15 years.
When should I call a plumber for my garbage disposal?
You should call a plumber if you’ve tried troubleshooting a jam and the disposal still isn’t working, if you notice a leak, or if you hear unusual noises that persist even after cleaning the unit. Ignoring these issues can lead to more significant problems and costly repairs.