Garbage disposals are a great kitchen tool if used correctly. If you do not take proper care of them, then you end up with problems that can be costly. A-List Plumbing provides garbage disposal installation & repair service in Sammamish. We want to share some tips for making sure your garbage disposal stays in good shape.

Watch What You Put Dispose Of

Garbage disposals are designed for food scraps. It is not for bones, grease, or non-food items. Lots of meat scraps can cause it to bind up. Food that swells, like rice, can cause clogs.

Grind Small Pieces

Don’t put large food scraps down the disposal. Break scraps up and grind small amounts at one time.

Cold Water

Run cold water through when you are grinding. This helps prevent any oils or grease that is in the food from solidifying and prevents clogs.

Keep It Clean

One thing that helps is to put a tiny bit of dish soap in the disposal and flush cold water through after you run it. If you are suffering from bad smells, lemon or orange peels tossed in works great.

Grind Ice

To keep your blades sharp, toss in a couple of ice cubes monthly. It helps to clear waste from the sides as well.

No Chemical Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners can harm your garbage disposal. If you get clogged disposal, call a plumber. You can also manually crank the blades free with an Allen wrench.

If you have to put your hand down into your garbage disposal to retrieve something, be very careful. It would be best if you unplugged it before doing that or use something to grab the item. If you need garbage disposal installation & repair service in Sammamish, call A-List Plumbing at (206) 202-8290.