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Maintenance

Garbage Disposal Maintenance: Keep It Running Smoothly

Simple maintenance tips to extend your garbage disposal's life and prevent costly repairs. Learn what to do and what to avoid.

Published: January 10, 2025 • 7 min read

Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. With proper maintenance, it can last 10-15 years. Neglect it, and you'll face expensive repairs or replacement within just a few years.

How Your Garbage Disposal Works

Understanding how your disposal works helps you maintain it properly:

The Grinding Process

  1. Food waste enters the grinding chamber
  2. Spinning impellers force waste against the grinding ring
  3. Waste is pulverized into small particles
  4. Water flushes particles down the drain

Key Components

  • Motor: Powers the grinding mechanism
  • Impellers: Spinning arms that push waste
  • Grinding ring: Stationary shredder
  • Drain chamber: Collects ground waste

What Goes In vs. What Doesn't

Safe to Dispose

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Small amounts of cooked meat
  • Soft food scraps
  • Ice cubes (for cleaning)
  • Small pasta or rice amounts
  • Citrus peels (in moderation)

Never Put Down Disposal

  • Grease, fats, or oils
  • Bones or shells
  • Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks)
  • Coffee grounds (large amounts)
  • Expandable foods (pasta, rice)
  • Non-food items

Daily Best Practices

Proper Operation

The Right Way:

  1. Turn on cold water first
  2. Start the disposal
  3. Add food waste gradually
  4. Let disposal run until grinding stops
  5. Keep water running for 15 seconds after
  6. Turn off disposal, then water

Why Cold Water?

  • Keeps motor cool during operation
  • Solidifies grease for better grinding
  • Prevents fats from coating pipes
  • Helps flush waste more effectively

After Each Use

Quick Cleanup Routine:

  • Run cold water for 15 seconds after grinding stops
  • Wipe down the rubber splash guard
  • Check for any visible debris
  • Ensure the disposal is completely off

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

Deep Cleaning

Keep your disposal fresh and clean

Ice Cube Method:

Sharpens blades and removes buildup

  1. Drop 6-8 ice cubes into disposal
  2. Run cold water and turn on disposal
  3. Let it grind until ice is completely processed
  4. Continue running water for 30 seconds

Baking Soda & Vinegar:

Natural deodorizer and cleaner

  1. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down disposal
  2. Add 1 cup white vinegar
  3. Cover drain and let sit for 15 minutes
  4. Flush with hot water while running disposal

Inspection Checklist

Visual Check:

  • Look for leaks under the sink
  • Check mounting assembly for looseness
  • Inspect electrical connections
  • Examine drain connections

Performance Check:

  • Listen for unusual noises
  • Test grinding efficiency
  • Check drainage speed
  • Verify reset button isn't tripped

Common Problems & Solutions

Disposal Won't Turn On

Step 1: Check Power

  • Ensure switch is in ON position
  • Check circuit breaker
  • Test outlet with another appliance

Step 2: Reset Button

  • Look for red reset button on bottom of unit
  • Press firmly until it clicks
  • Wait 5 minutes before testing

Jammed Disposal

⚠️ NEVER put your hand in the disposal!

Manual Method:

  1. Turn off power at circuit breaker
  2. Insert hex wrench (Allen key) in bottom center
  3. Turn clockwise and counterclockwise to free jam
  4. Remove wrench and restore power
  5. Press reset button and test

Slow Drainage

Possible Causes:

  • Grease buildup in pipes
  • Food particles clogging drain
  • Insufficient water flow during operation
  • Dull grinding components

Solutions:

  • Run ice cubes through disposal
  • Use baking soda and vinegar treatment
  • Increase water flow during use
  • Call professional for drain cleaning

When to Call a Professional

Contact Austin Emergency Plumbers if you experience:

  • Persistent leaks from the unit
  • Electrical issues or burning smells
  • Frequent jamming or reset button trips
  • Unusual noises (grinding metal, rattling)
  • Complete loss of grinding power
  • Sewage backup or foul odors
  • Unit is over 10 years old with frequent problems
  • Water backing up into other sinks

Signs You Need a New Disposal

Age & Performance

  • Over 10-12 years old
  • Frequent clogs or jams
  • Takes longer to grind food
  • Requires frequent resets

Physical Issues

  • Visible cracks or damage
  • Persistent leaks
  • Loose mounting assembly
  • Corroded components

Cost Considerations

  • Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement
  • Multiple repairs in past year
  • Energy efficiency concerns
  • Warranty has expired

Keep Your Disposal Running Smoothly

Need professional disposal repair, maintenance, or replacement? Our experienced technicians can diagnose problems quickly and provide lasting solutions.

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