Summer means more cooking, barbecues, and family gatherings — all great reasons to use your kitchen more often. But with increased food prep comes extra strain on your garbage disposal. Knowing the right dos and don’ts helps keep your disposal running smoothly and avoids plumbing headaches during the busy season.
If your garbage disposal is acting up or you want advice, contact us today through our online contact form or call (860) 615-3922 for expert help before small problems become big ones.
Dos: Keep Your Disposal Healthy
- Run cold water while using the disposal to help solidify fats and flush food particles through the pipes.
- Cut large scraps into small pieces before putting them down the disposal to avoid clogs.
- Use the disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion from setting in.
- Grind citrus peels, like lemon or orange, to naturally freshen odors.
- Clean your disposal monthly by grinding ice cubes and a small amount of coarse salt to remove buildup.
Don’ts: Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t put fibrous or starchy foods like celery, corn husks, or potato peels down the disposal—they can tangle and clog.
- Avoid grease, oil, and fat as they can harden and block pipes, causing slow drains and backups.
- Never grind bones or coffee grounds; these can damage blades and create buildup.
- Don’t overload the disposal — feed scraps gradually to prevent jams.
- Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners — they can damage your disposal and pipes.
Why Proper Garbage Disposal Use Matters in Summer
With more cooking, your kitchen plumbing is under greater strain. Improper disposal use can lead to:
- Foul odors in your kitchen
- Frequent clogs and backups
- Costly repairs and replacements
By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can enjoy summer cooking without worrying about your disposal.
When to Call a Professional
If your garbage disposal:
- Makes strange noises
- Leaks water or smells bad
- Doesn’t grind food properly
- Causes slow-draining sinks
It’s time to have an expert inspect and repair the unit. Prestige Plumbing Werks provides reliable garbage disposal services in Burlington, CT, to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Protect Your Plumbing
Keep your garbage disposal healthy and your plumbing clear by practicing these simple tips for professional plumbing services in Burlington, trust Prestige Plumbing Werks. Visit our service page or call (860) 615-3922 today.
