The Garbage Disposal May Just Save Thanksgiving This Year
Despite having a truly crazy year, 2020 is coming to a close. It's the end of another year, meaning the holidays are just around the corner. As people think about what they are thankful for, they may think of family, friends, or good health.
But there are all kinds of little things to be thankful for too, like having a working garbage disposal. This small device often goes unrecognized, but it can be quite a lifesaver when cleaning up those holiday meals.
Clog Prevention With Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals can be found in many households because they are an excellent tool for preventing clogged sinks. But what exactly does a garbage disposal do, anyway? The unit is placed directly under the kitchen sink drain, and it collects and temporarily stores any food waste that falls down the drain. It then grinds up the food waste, breaking it into smaller pieces that can move through the pipes without clogging.
While there's no good time for a garbage disposal breakdown, it's especially inconvenient in the middle of the holidays when guests are at the house. If the garbage disposal can't break up the food waste, it could easily lead to a clog in the kitchen sink or cause water to back up. It's not the most appetizing sight to see when people are trying to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner!
Tips on Protecting the Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are pretty strong and durable devices, but they still can experience breakdowns if they aren't taken care of properly. Homeowners and holiday guests need to be mindful of what they put down the drain to prevent problems.
This means:
- No grease: First and foremost, never pour grease down the drain. It will harden in the pipes, which is why it is one of the biggest causes of sink clogs.
- No drain cleaners: Drain cleaners are filled with harsh chemicals that could damage the sink pipes and the garbage disposal. Therefore, homeowners should never pour drain cleaners down the kitchen sink drain.
- Only cold water: When the garbage disposal is turned on, homeowners should only run cold water. It's the best way to prevent oil and grease from solidifying in the pipes.
- Use natural solutions: If the garbage disposal starts to develop a smell, try using natural solutions like citrusy foods to eliminate the odor. Homeowners can grind up an orange peel or lemon peel to solve this problem.
Signs It's Time for Repair
When homeowners take good care of their garbage disposal, they are less likely to experience problems. However, the garbage disposal will still experience normal wear and tear and can break down simply from age.
The following signs can tell homeowners when it's time to repair or replace the garbage disposal:
- Lingering smells: Garbage disposals collect food waste, so it's not unusual that they develop a bad smell. However, if the smell doesn't go away, there could be food particles trapped in the unit's crevices. Homeowners should disassemble and thoroughly clean the unit to eliminate the smell.
- Screeching sounds: Some level of noise is expected when the garbage disposal is turned on. However, if it starts making a screeching noise, it is likely a sign that the motor is worn out and needs to be replaced.
About Anytime Plumbing, Inc
Anytime Plumbing, Inc is focused on giving its customers the best value. They understand that calling for plumbing or HVAC service is often not anticipated, so they make sure to give customers as little stress as possible. This means they'll always greet customers with a friendly voice on the phone and provide a knowledgeable technician at the door. Call them now for excellent garbage disposal services!
