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How to Protect Your Garbage Disposal

Water running into a garbage disposal in a newly renovated kitchen
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Can a Garbage Disposal Break?

Fact: Your garbage disposal can break down when you least expect it. More surprisingly, the blades can snap, and the drain can clog, if a homeowner continues to misuse the device over time. However, if you’re looking to keep your disposal in tip-top shape, here’s how you can protect it and use it effectively.

Ways to Maintain a Garbage Disposal

Always Keep the Water Running

When you first had your device installed, your plumber may have told you to make sure to keep the water running when in use. And if you happen to forego that helpful tip, there’s a high chance you can break your unit. Running H2O is important because it helps move diced food particles through your device and drain pipe with ease, which is essential to prevent a blockage from happening.

Knowing this, make sure to run a steady stream of cold water before, during, and after using your garbage disposal. That way, you’ll avoid a plumbing problem and can keep your disposal in tip-top shape for the years to come.

Not Everything Should Be Placed in There

Surprising to most homeowners, a garbage disposal isn’t intended to slice and dice anything you put down it — including most food-based products. The reason being is that some food products might be too harsh and can damage the blades, while others can also be “stringy” and get wrapped in the device or create a blockage.

Some items you’ll want to avoid putting into your disposal include, but are not limited to:

  • Dense animal bones.

  • Stringy, starchy foods.

  • Coffee grounds.

  • Pieces of small garbage (i.e., plastic candy wrappers).

  • Fruit pits.

Steering clear of these items (and more) will help keep your device in good spirits — you won’t have to worry and can have the utmost peace of mind.

Garbage Disposal Repair in Milford, CT

If you live in Bridgeport, Fairfield, or the surrounding areas, finding a plumbing company you can trust can be tough. However, the team at Tri-City Heating and Cooling meets all of the qualifications you’re looking for.

Give us a call at (203) 303-5700 to schedule your appointment today!

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