Garbage disposals can be a convenience for many homeowners but they can also be a source of plumbing problems. Not understanding what should go into your disposal and what shouldn’t can lead to expensive repairs.

Egg shells, coffee grounds and other foods that expand when wet can clog the disposal and pipes. Fibrous foods like celery stalks, corn husks and asparagus can wrap around the disposal’s blades.

Clogs

The primary problem that garbage disposals cause in plumbing systems is clogs. They often do not happen in the disposal itself but rather in the pipes that lead to it, creating a situation that requires plumbing repairs that may cost more than just cleaning out the disposal.

The main causes of disposal clogs are foods that are too hard for the disposal to grind or foods that stick together in water. Celery, corn husks, and other fibrous foods create long, stringy strands that can bind to impeller blades. Bones also clog, though this is less common unless the bone is particularly large. If you need help with a blocked drain in Melbourne, go online and look for reputable plumbing companies who can unclog those drains.

To prevent clogs, always run cold water when using your garbage disposal and use a catch bucket beneath the disposal’s drain trap to collect food waste that falls out of the trap. Also, don’t put hard, unbreakable items like avocado pits, nut shells, raw potato peels, eggshells, or sizable meat bones in the disposal.

Leaks

While putting fats, oils and grease down the disposal may seem harmless, it builds up and hardens in pipes. Over time, this buildup restricts water flow and causes clogs.

It also puts a strain on septic systems by filling the tank sooner than expected and can cause more expensive pumping services or even a sewage backup. The disposal can also be damaged by non-biodegradable waste like plastic, metal and glass that ends up chomping through blades and clogging pipes.

To keep garbage disposals functioning properly, it is recommended to run cold water before, during and after using the device. This can help to push food scraps through piping more easily. It is also a good idea to run ice cubes through a disposal to clear

off the blades and clean out any built-up materials. Plumbing professionals can perform routine inspections and repairs on a disposal to extend its life. They have the tools and know-how to identify the source of problems quickly, reducing costs and saving homeowners from unnecessary frustration.

Damage

Whether due to blockages, leaks or electrical issues, persistent disposal problems

may necessitate repair or replacement. Professional plumbers have extensive experience with a wide range of disposal models and can quickly and efficiently identify the source of the issue. They can also recommend a new model that enhances kitchen functionality while reducing energy consumption and costs.

Disposals can become jammed when hard objects like bones or fibrous vegetables interfere with their grinding mechanism. Resetting the unit with a manual reset button and flushing it with cold water after each use can help prevent clogs. Avoid putting oils or fats into the disposal as they can liquefy and collect in drain pipes. Instead, dispose of them in the trash can.

Leaks around the disposal can occur where it connects to the sink or drainpipe, or from the motor itself. A plumber can find the source and seal it properly to prevent water from leaking into the cabinet or the home.

Dirty Water

Garbage disposals work to pulverize food scraps into smaller bits that can flow through pipes. However, this doesn’t mean that we can just shove anything into them. Certain foods like egg shells, potato peels, and meat bones can wrap around the disposal’s blades or clog pipes. Grease, fats, and starches do the same when they stick to clogs and can cause corrosion within the pipe system.

When these items are flushed down the drain, they may also wash up and back into the sink basin. This can lead to a dirty or smelly kitchen, and if this happens frequently, it may be time for a drain cleaning service.

To help prevent this problem, it’s a good idea to run cold water and the motor for a few seconds after using the disposal. This helps rinse away some of the larger food particles and prevents odors. Also, avoid using chemical drain cleaners since they can deteriorate the disposal’s inner mechanisms and cause clogs.