We often have this image of garbage disposals as invincible machines, capable of dealing with any amount of food waste with little problem. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Garbage disposals are actually far more vulnerable to problems and breakdowns than people know. If you want to make sure that your garbage disposal lasts as long as possible, it’s a good idea to take certain steps. Let’s take a look at those steps now.
Avoid Putting Certain Things in the Disposal
Certain kitchen waste should never be put down the disposal, if you want the system to last as long as possible. FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) is often poured down the disposal in liquid form, after being used in cooking. As the FOG cools, though, it congeals into a viscous material that clogs up the disposal and prevents it from operating properly. Fibrous foods, like celery, onion skins, and potato skins, are also to be avoided. These foods tend to tangle up the impellers in the disposal, causing all sorts of problems including the motor burning out. Finally, any super hard substance like ice, fruit pits, or meat bones can break the impellers. It is best to throw these materials away, instead of putting them down the disposal.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
If you follow the above guidelines, your garbage disposal should last quite a bit longer than it otherwise would. However, if you really want to protect it you should still make sure to schedule maintenance for the system at least once every couple of years. A professional will be able to measure the wear and tear on the system, and determine whether or not it needs any kind of repair before the damage becomes too severe.
Call Rentmeister Total Home Service for comprehensive garbage disposal service in Clearfield, UT.