Garbage Disposal Dos and Don'ts

Many of Roto-Rooter's plumbing service calls involve garbage disposals. They may be one of the most misused appliances in any home. Few people realize that garbage disposals are only designed to handle light food residue that is rinsed from plates and cooking utensils before they go into the dishwasher.

Large quantities of food and debris going into disposals can overwhelm them and clog the kitchen sink drain. Few things are more frustrating than a kitchen sink that won't drain, but Roto-Rooter will repair or replace broken garbage disposals and get your sink back to normal in no time.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

Foul odors can occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposal. Try these steps to eliminate odors:

• Grind ice cubes and orange or lemon rinds in the disposal for about 30 seconds.
• While the disposal is still running, pour a small amount of liquid dish detergent into it.
• Rinse any remaining debris away by running cold water for about 30 seconds.
• Never put hard-to-grind, stringy or fibrous waste (poultry skins, carrots, celery or banana peels) into the garbage disposal.
• Run cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposal to flush waste through the line.

Problem:  Garbage Disposal Hums but Won't Operate Properly

Press the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal. If this doesn't work, turn off the power switch and shine a flashlight into the drain. Look for a foreign object such as a coin, plastic bread tie or staple. Remove the item with pliers or a grasping tool. It is dangerous to put your hand inside a disposal. Your disposal may have a hex key jam clearing tool. Look for it under the sink or taped to the disposal. Check for a slot at the bottom of the disposal where the tool can be inserted and turned back and forth to clear the jam.

What to do if Your Disposal Stops Working

Your disposal has an overload protector that senses if the motor is overheating and shuts it off. If your disposal cuts off during operation, it may be this broken electrical connection.

• Turn the disposal switch off.
• Do not put hands or objects down drain.
• Make sure the appliance is plugged in securely at the outlet.
• With power switch turned off, press reset switch on front or bottom of the garbage disposal.
• Restart disposal by turning on power switch.

Fun Fact

Thanksgiving Day is the most common day of the year for garbage disposals to jam and for kitchen sinks to clog. Big meal preparation and a busy kitchen are to blame. The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, is Roto-Rooter's busiest day of the year.

Call Roto Rooter Today

If your food waste is wasting your time because your garbage disposal is not working properly, call Roto-Rooter today at 908-756-8110.  Looking for more tips and savings on service?  Sign up for our Roto-Rooter newsletter by clicking here!