Garbage disposals are a must-have in homes all around the world. Problems can be frustrating, but many can be avoided by following our garbage disposal prevention tips to extend your unit’s life. Here are some of the common garbage disposal problems – and the solutions – so you can hopefully avoid having to deal with garbage disposal troubles.
1. Foul Odors
One common issue homeowners notice with their garbage disposal is foul odors. This happens as a result of waste collecting within the mechanisms of your disposal. When excess food waste hasn’t made it’s way down the drains, then it can cause a terrible smell that permeates throughout your entire kitchen.
Solution: Keep your garbage disposal clean. To avoid food particles from building up, make sure to run cold water while you have your garbage disposal turned on. Even when you think all the food has made it’s way down your drains, still keep the cold water running for a few seconds after you’ve turned your garbage disposal off. This will help prevent clogs from any additional bits of food that might still be hanging around.
2. Clogs
Thinking that a disposal replaces a trash can is one of the most common plumbing myths that leads to frequent mechanical failures. Not only that, but only certain items should go down your drain in order to prevent clogs.
Solution : Dispose of most food items in your trash can. Avoid putting the following items down your drains: grease, fat, oil, coffee grounds, egg shells, pits and seeds, skins and peels, fibrous foods, bones, nuts, and pasta and rice.
3. Damaged Pipes
If you’re not taking good care of your garbage disposal, you could end up with damaged pipes. In fact, when you experience clogs, your first thought might be to go pick up a bottle of chemical drain cleaner from the store. However, this can actually cause serious damage to your pipes – and to your health – because of the toxicity of the product. Chemical cleaners eat away at pipes, making them more susceptible to damaging hard water corrosion and scale buildup.
Solution : Avoid using chemical drain cleaners to clean your drains. Instead of harsh cleaners, schedule professional maintenance to address seasonal plumbing issues before they cause blockages in your main line.
4. DIY Projects
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to take matters into their own hands when it comes to their plumbing, and garbage disposal specifically. Some tasks might seem easy enough. After all, the internet is full of information and “how to” videos. One of the most common DIY projects homeowners try is sharpening the blades of the garbage disposal with ice cubes or eggshells. In fact, garbage disposals don’t even have blades, so this is a myth we wish to put to rest. They have shredding impellers that move at fast speeds to grind up food particles.
Solution : Leave all plumbing matters to the professionals, and never try to sharpen the garbage disposal blades (as it won’t work, since they don’t have blades). If you are having issues with your garbage disposal working properly, contact a professional plumber instead.
Contact MA Williams For All Your Garbage Disposal Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!
If you suspect you may have a problem with your garbage disposal, contact the pros at MA Williams today! Our background-checked and drug-tested technicians want to build relationships with all of our customers. That’s why we provide personalized service that is designed to solve all your specific and unique plumbing problems. If you need garbage disposal repair or replacement services, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-230-7240 or fill out our online form here.
