Garbage Disposal Maintenance | Plumber in Arlington

Garbage disposals are experiencing a growth in popularity, with more than 50% of all households in the U.S. containing the appliance. They grind up kitchen waste, and send it down the drain and into a sewage treatment plant. However, they do require care in use and garbage disposal maintenance to prevent potential damage, and clogs within the home’s drainage system. If you are having problems with your garbage disposal, or are interested in garbage disposal installation, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington.

The garbage disposal is more accurately termed a kitchen disposal. It is not manufactured to handle everything available in the kitchen. If your garbage disposal is consistently clogging and jamming, consider how you may be using it. The following tips can assist you in routine maintenance and repair before you call a plumber in Arlington:

1. 1. Use caution in what you place down the disposal. Foods that are fibrous can result in a jammed disposal and may cause damage. Starchy foods can jam the appliance, and continue to swell and can cause a clogged drain necessitating a call to your plumber in Arlington. In addition, hard objects such as bone, pits, and utensils can cause damage. Some of the foods that you should never be put in the garbage disposal include grease, fat & oil, pasta & rice, potato skins, egg shells, onion skins, corn husks, greens, banana peels and others. Your owner’s manual will likely provide a comprehensive list. 
2. 2. Your garbage disposal is not intended to grind garbage, but only for specific food waste. Food wrappers, meat trays, and rubber bands are examples of items that you should place in the trash, and not the disposal.
3. 3. Cut the food into small pieces and feed them into the disposal one piece at a time with the cold-water running to prevent a clog or other damage. If you have a significant amount of food to cut, place it in the trash can.
4. 4. Run cold water only when operating the disposal. Allow the water to continue running for at least 20 seconds after you have finished the task. Cold water flushes the food out of the drain and prevents overheating of the disposal. Damage from overheating is a common cause of homeowners calling for repair from a plumber in Arlington.
5. 5. Clean the disposal by placing ice cubes into it while running cold water. Cleaners are also available for the appliance, refer to the owner’s manual for the recommended products. 

Furthermore, to neutralize odors and provide a fresh scent, cut up orange or lemon peels into small pieces and process through the disposal while running cold water. 

An alternative is to run cold water, pour one cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar, down the disposal. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and bacteria killer. With the water continuing to run, operate the disposal for 30 seconds. Turn off the disposal, and then the water, allowing the water to run for a few seconds longer to flush the acidic vinegar down the drain.

In addition, once per month use the following instructions to provide a deeper cleaning:

Fill the sink with hot water, and an effective brand of grease cutting dish liquid. Once the sink is full, remove the stopper, and turn the disposal on. While the dishwater drains, the soapy solution will clean both blades and pipes. Turn off the disposal before all the water is gone to avoid damaging the appliance. Never operate the appliance without running water. 

The plumbers of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provide reliable solutions. Our plumbers are trained to the highest industry standards. You can trust the repair or installation of your garbage disposal to a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is recognized nationwide for having the best plumbers in the industry. Our plumbers have the expertise to guarantee your satisfaction with every plumbing repair. Benjamin Franklin’s licensed plumbers offer the highest level of competence, honesty, integrity, consideration and respect for you and your property with every service call. When you need a plumber in Arlington for repair, installation or garbage disposal maintenance, give us a call. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.