A Broken Garbage Disposal Doesn't Have To Ruin Thanksgiving

Garbage Disposals Are the Saving Grace of the Holiday Season

The year is coming to an end, and this year, more than ever before, people are ready to celebrate. The holidays may look a little different this year. But whether homeowners are planning to have two guests come over for a holiday meal or twenty, they need to make sure their kitchen, including their garbage disposal, is ready to take on the cooking and cleaning of the holidays this year.

Garbage Disposals: What Do They Do, Anyway?

Kitchens have many plumbing components, and the garbage disposal is a major piece of the puzzle. Garbage disposals are located right under the kitchen sink to collect any food waste that falls down the drain. The unit then grinds up this waste into smaller pieces, so it can easily move through the rest of the pipes without forming a clog.

Holiday cooking is such a big tradition in the US, and every family has their favorite recipes. With more cooking going around this time of year, it means there’s more cleaning going around too. Homeowners need to feel confident that their garbage disposal is ready to handle the extra work. With all the craziness of the holiday season, the last thing homeowners want to worry about is a broken garbage disposal that clogs up the pipes and causes water to back up into the sink.

When Does the Garbage Disposal Need Replacing?

In order for homeowners to determine whether the garbage disposal needs replacing, they should pay attention to a few signs. First, garbage disposals should not have lingering smells. It’s not uncommon for the units to develop a smell temporarily if there is too much waste sitting in the chamber, but the smell should go away after the waste is ground up. If the smell lingers, there are likely food particles trapped in the crevices of the device that need to be cleaned. 

Second, if homeowners notice any strange noises, such as screeching, this is another sign of a problem. Screeching noises are typically a sign that the motor is worn out and needs to be replaced. 

Finally, homeowners should pay attention to how often they use the reset button. If they find themselves pressing this button frequently because it won’t stay reset, this is another common sign of a problem. It could be wear and tear of the unit or insufficient wiring that is the underlying cause of this problem. 

What’s the Best Way To Prevent Garbage Disposal Problems?

Even though garbage disposals are pretty durable devices, homeowners still need to use proper maintenance and care to prevent problems.

1. Grease: Never, ever pour grease down the kitchen sink. This is one of the biggest reasons that pipes will clog.
2. Drain cleaners: Additionally, don’t pour drain cleaners down the kitchen sink. They are filled with harsh chemicals that could damage the garbage disposal. 
3. Cold water: Only run cold water while the garbage disposal is turned on because it is the best way to prevent grease and oils from solidifying in the pipes. 

If homeowners take good care of the garbage disposal, then the garbage disposal will perform better over the holiday season and beyond.

About Zing Plumbing

Zing Plumbing is a local Tucson plumber offering the best quality plumbing services for residential and commercial clients. Their job is not just to make a temporary fix but also to help prolong the plumbing systems’ lifespan and performance as a whole. They always work to build long term relationships with each of their clients, so customers can trust them for the finest workmanship.

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