A garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance that aids in quick cleanup by disposing of food waste by breaking it into smaller pieces. It is hassle-free to use and plays a critical role in preventing clogs and prolonging the life of the drainage system.

As garbage disposals see frequent use, ignoring their regular upkeep can cause them to run into serious issues frequently or break down prematurely. While all garbage disposals will require replacement eventually, here are a few ways to minimize plumbing repairs and keep the garbage disposal working optimally for as long as possible:

Always use cold water

An essential step towards preserving a garbage disposal's lifespan is to use cold water instead of hot water for cleaning. Boiling water makes the food waste soft or mushy, and it can stick to the blades rather than breaking down and flushing away. Cold water solidifies or hardens food waste and prevents it from sticking to the blades, facilitating easier grinding.

Dispose of the right food

A common mistake homeowners make that shortens the garbage disposal's service life is putting the wrong foods down the unit. Certain things like fat, oil, grease, and any starchy, fibrous, or hard foods are best placed in the trash instead of garbage disposal. Fats solidify and can result in serious clogs. Fibrous food materials can get tangled in the drain and result in clogs, while hard food items can break the blades. Putting only those things down that the garbage disposal can handle will help prolong its lifespan.

Pour down boiling water occasionally

A valuable tip to make the garbage disposal last longer is to pour boiling water down the garbage disposal every few weeks. It will help loosen up and wash away any food debris or grime stuck on the disposal blades or in pipes.

Keep the disposal running a little longer

Leave the garbage disposal operational with water running for a minute or two after the grinding stops. Homeowners can also put a little dish soap in the water. The extra run keeps the disposal and drain pipe clean and prevents clogs. This simple trick can go a long way towards helping the garbage disposal last longer.

Dispose of food in small amounts

Garbage disposals can't handle large quantities of food. Shoving down large amounts of food will overwork the appliance and can result in clogs. Always gradually put food in small quantities into the disposal to allow the blades and motor to break down the food waste efficiently.

Run it regularly

Garbage disposals have metallic components. Running the appliance frequently will prevent its parts from rusting and keep them working smoothly. Regular usage also helps prevent buildup in the disposal unit. If the garbage disposal is not used often, a simple way to maintain its longevity is to leave it open with running water.

Schedule periodic inspections

The best way to extend a garbage disposal's lifespan is to get it checked by a professional plumber periodically. It will help spot potential issues early on for easy resolution before they become too large.

Contact a local plumbing expert for more advice on how to make the garbage disposal last longer.

If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.