Garbage disposals are useful devices for cleaning up food waste and reducing odors. They also save space in kitchen trash cans and cut down on the amount of garbage sent to landfills.
But, as with any device in your home, a garbage disposal needs to be used properly to prevent problems. If not, it can cause clogs and other issues that affect your plumbing drain lines.
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Clogs
Garbage disposals can clog kitchen drain lines and pipes when homeowners put items into them that should not go in. For example, stringy or fibrous foods like celery stalks and corn husks can jam the blades of the disposal. Eggshells, coffee grounds, pasta and rice are also big no-no’s for disposals. Pouring grease into a garbage disposal or sink drain can also contribute to clogged drains in the kitchen and throughout the home. With help with blocked drains in Geelong, go online and look for reputable plumbing companies.
The simplest way to avoid a garbage disposal clog is to use cold water while running the disposal, which helps fats and oils coagulate so they can be ground up rather than sticking to drain pipe walls. Another easy trick is to run the disposal regularly, even if there’s no waste to grind up—this prevents rust and keeps the drain line clear.
If you suspect a garbage disposal leak, turn off the power to the unit and try turning the recessed head (often located on the bottom of the center shaft) by hand. If it doesn’t move freely, the flange that connects the unit to the sink is probably loose or corroded and will need to be tightened or replaced.
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Leaks
Garbage disposals are handy for reducing the amount of trash that must be taken to landfills, but they can also wreak havoc on drain lines when they are used improperly. For example, people often pour grease down a garbage disposal that can clog drains and sewer lines.
In addition, people put stringy or fibrous foods in disposals that can jam the machine. For example, egg shells, asparagus, corn husks, potato peels and other fibrous foods can clog the disposal grinding plate. Rice, coffee grounds and pasta can also cause clogs. It’s important to only use a garbage disposal for food waste and never put glass, metal or paper down the machine. In addition, people should run plenty of clear water after using a disposal to wash away any food particles that may remain in the machine. This can prevent clogs and reduce strain on aging sewage pipes. These tips can help avoid costly plumbing repairs.
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Damage to Pipes
Garbage disposal is a wonderful convenience for many households. Food scraps
are pushed into the unit, turned on and a whole lot of mess is quickly taken care of. While disposals are durable appliances, they’re not indestructible and should be treated with care.
Grains like pasta and rice swell with water, making them difficult for disposals to grind up, and they can lead to pipe blockages. Fibrous vegetables like onion skins and celery stalks can entangle disposal blades. Egg shells, coffee grounds and fats should also be avoided as they can stick to pipes and cause clogs.
When a garbage disposal is in use, it places an additional strain on a home’s septic system, which may require more frequent pumping. If you suspect a septic system problem, contact a local plumber for help.
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Water Damage
Garbage disposals can cause water damage to your kitchen cabinets, sinks and floor if you’re not careful. Leaking disposals can also leave a foul-smelling puddle and cause rot if it goes untreated. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid costly garbage disposal leaks.
Start by identifying the source of the leak. If the leak is at the top or bottom of your unit, it’s likely a bad seal that can be easily fixed with a plumber’s putty. A leak from the middle of the unit may be caused by a loose connection or damaged gasket.
Make sure you always run your disposal with cold water to prevent it from jamming or clogging your drains. Additionally, don’t dump grease down the disposal or sink drains as this can cause your pipes to clog and degrade over time. This can result in expensive repairs and costly plumbing services. You should also never place stringy, fibrous or starchy foods into your disposal, as these can jam it and stick to your sink drain or sewer lines.
