While the holiday season means extra days off for many people, your Hagerstown plumbers are working overtime. In fact, Black Friday was one of the busiest days of the year for plumbers across the country because of clogged sinks and garbage disposals, and we expect to remain pretty busy throughout the holiday season. Days when family and friends gather under one roof – like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – we experience a huge increase in plumbing repair calls.
This holiday season, we’re sure the last thing you want is a visit from us. That’s why we decided to put together this helpful guide to keeping your garbage disposal happy this holiday season and avoiding breakdowns.
About Your Garbage Disposal
Let’s start with the basics. A lot of people simply don’t know how to properly use a garbage disposal simply because of the name. “Garbage” implies that anything you don’t want can be tossed in the disposal, but this simply isn’t true. Your garbage disposal is actually more sensitive than you probably think.
While some things, like silverware, obviously should never be thrown down the drain, other seemingly-harmless things are no-nos too.
Garbage Disposal Don’ts
Grease, Fat and Oil
Grease and liquid fats should never go down the drain. As it cools, it hardens in your drain, causing nasty blockages.
Stringy and Starchy Vegetables
Carrots, corn husks, celery, asparagus, lettuce and potato peels don’t belong in the garbage disposal. They can easily become wrapped around the blade, diminishing its effectiveness and clogging the drain.
Rice and Pasta
Pasta and rise absorb water, expanding over time. This can form a pasty substance and block the trap.
Egg Shells
Because of the thin membrane inside, egg shells shouldn’t be put in the garbage disposal. This membrane can wrap around the blade.
Fruit Pits
Fruit pits – such as those from peaches, apricots and avocados – don’t break down in the garbage disposal. Instead, they just cause damage to the blade.
Large Bones
Garbage disposals simply are not powerful enough to break down large bones. However, tiny fish or chicken bones are fine and can help clean the inner walls of the disposal.
Non-Food Objects
If it isn’t food, it has no business in your garbage disposal. Plants, flower stems, twist ties, sponges, cigarettes and all other non-food items should always go in the trash can – not your garbage disposal! They don’t break down like food items, and they can cause serious damage.
Garbage Disposal Dos
Cold Water
Run cold water while using your garbage disposal and for a few seconds after. This helps flush debris from the disposal and hardens fats and oils to prevent them from sticking to your pipes.
Professional Installation and Repair
For optimum performance and safety, you should always trust a professional when it comes to installing and repairing garbage disposals.
Safety
Never forget about safety when operating your garbage disposal. Never put your hand down the disposal unit, even when it’s turned off.
Garbage Disposal Repair in Hagerstown
Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid major problems with your garbage disposal this holiday season. If, however, you do find yourself in need of garbage disposal repair in Hagerstown or the surrounding areas, Larry & Sons can help. Call (301) 733-5428.
