How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly

A garbage disposal is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. It makes disposing of food waste incredibly easy by grinding up leftovers so they can flow down the drain. However, like any machine, garbage disposals need regular maintenance and care to keep them running smoothly for years to come. Follow this guide to learn how to keep your garbage disposal in top working condition.

Clean it Regularly

Regular cleaning is crucial for preventing build-up and odors. Follow these steps to clean your disposal:

Run cold water: Before turning on the disposal, run cold water for a few minutes. This will help flush out any loose debris.
Add baking soda: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running water. Let it sit for a few minutes to neutralize odors.
Use a disposal cleaner: Use a commercial disposal cleaner or make your own by combining lemon rinds, ice cubes and 1 cup of rock salt. Run the disposal for a minute to grind everything up.
Scrub with a brush: Use a long-handled brush made for disposals to scrub the inside walls. This will remove stuck-on gunk.
Flush with hot water: Run hot water for a minute to flush out the cleaning solution.

Aim to clean your disposal every 1-2 weeks to prevent bad smells and buildup.

Avoid Putting the Wrong Things Down the Disposal

What you put down the disposal makes a big difference in how well it runs. Avoid putting these items down the drain:

Egg shells – They can accumulate and cause clogs.
Bones – Bones don’t grind up well and can damage blades.
Coffee grounds – They will stick to the inside walls.
Rice and pasta – These foods expand and can get stuck.
Stringy vegetables – Celery, onion skins and corn husks can wrap around blades.
Grease and oil – Let these solidify before throwing away.
Fruit pits and seeds – They are hard and can jam the disposal.

Stick to putting soft, small food scraps down the drain. Turn on cold water before and after running the disposal to flush thoroughly. This will help keep drains clear.

Use Ice to Clean Occasionally

For an occasional deep clean, use ice cubes to freshen up your garbage disposal. Here’s how:

Add 5-6 ice cubes down the drain.
Turn on the cold water and turn on the disposal.
Let the disposal run for 30 seconds after ice is ground up.

The ice will act as an abrasive to scrub the inside as it breaks down. The cold temperature constricts grease too. This cheap, easy method helps remove residue and odors.

Lubricate with Olive Oil

The grinding blades in a garbage disposal need to stay lubricated. Regularly using olive oil will help:

Pour 1/4 cup of olive oil down the drain.
Let sit for a few minutes, then run cold water.
Turn on the disposal for 30 seconds to grind up the oil.

The olive oil will coat the inside parts. This helps the blades grind more efficiently and reduces jamming. Aim to lubricate your disposal every couple of months.

Remove Obstructions Immediately

If the disposal starts making loud noises, turns off suddenly or doesn’t turn on, there is likely an obstruction. Don’t keep running the disposal. Follow these steps to safely remove obstructions:

Turn off the disposal and unplug it.
Insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposal. Slowly turn back and forth until it moves freely again.
Try to remove the obstruction. If needed, insert chopsticks or the handle of a wooden spoon.
Plug disposal back in and test it using cold water. If it still doesn’t work, the blades may need repair.

Taking care of obstructions right away prevents damage to the motor and blades. Be careful not to stick fingers into the disposal during this process.

Replace the Disposal if Necessary

Garbage disposals aren’t designed to last forever. If your disposal is over 10 years old, it may need replacing due to wear and tear. Signs you need a new disposal include:

Frequent jamming and obstructions
Leaking from the bottom of the unit
Loud, straining noises when turned on
Foul sewage odors coming from drain
Visible corrosion on grinding components

Installing a new garbage disposal isn’t overly complicated with the right tools. Make sure to get one that fits your sink opening and drainage pipe size. Most cost $80 to $200 depending on power and durability.

Grind Up Food Waste over Time

Don’t overload your garbage disposal by trying to grind up a week’s worth of food scraps all at once. This can lead to jamming and damage. Instead:

Turn on cold water and keep it running during use.
Feed food waste down the drain a little at a time.
Let the disposal run for at least 15 seconds after each batch.
Alternate grinding with flushing with cold water.

Taking it slow gives the food waste time to wash down the drain. Be sure to grind any fibrous or starchy foods first before meat and eggs. This will help move everything down smoothly.

Have It Professionally Inspected Annually

While DIY maintenance on your garbage disposal can go a long way, it’s wise to have it professionally inspected each year. During a tune-up, a plumber will:

Check for signs of wear and damage
Remove and sharpen or replace grinding blades
Clear out any clogs including in the P-trap
Confirm it is draining properly
Check brackets and ring for tightness
Lubricate components and test spin
Inspect electrical connections

Having an expert proactively check your unit will help prevent problems and extend its lifespan. They can spot potential issues before they turn into costly repairs down the road.

Use Cold Water When Grinding

Always run cold instead of hot water when operating your garbage disposal. There are a few reasons why:

Hot water causes grease to liquefy which can lead to clogs as it hardens in pipes.
It can cause grease odors from food waste to become more pronounced.
The motors in most disposals are designed for cold water. Hot water can cause premature wear.
Cold water hardens fats, making it easier for the grinder blades to break everything up.

Using cold water saves your disposal’s motor from overheating too. Be sure to avoid using hot water to flush grease down the drain.

Install a High-Quality Disposal

Not all garbage disposals are made equal. You’ll avoid many problems down the road by investing in a quality unit. Features to look for include:

At least 1 HP motor or higher for maximum grinding capability
Stainless steel components for longevity and reduced corrosion.
Sound insulation like grind chambers to reduce noise.
Manual reset button in case of jams.
5+ year warranty and track record of reliability.
Durable, swiveling impellers to prevent clogs.

Quality brands like Waste King, InSinkErator and Moen will have the best features and durability. Taking time to find the right disposal will save on repairs and last over a decade.

Use Best Practices When Operating

How you run your garbage disposal also impacts performance and lifespan. Follow these best practices:

Keep water running before, during and after grinding to prevent jamming.
Flush with hot water after using to wash away grease buildup.
Let the disposal run for at least 15 seconds after grinding stops to clear all waste.
Alternate putting organic waste down with inorganic items like small bones or citrus rinds to scour the inside.
Don’t use chemical drain cleaners as they can damage parts over time.
Give the disposal a break rather than overworking it grinding large batches.

Good operating habits keep things flowing smoothly through your garbage disposal and pipes.

Install a Dedicated Electrical Circuit

A common mistake is tying the garbage disposal into an existing kitchen electrical circuit. For optimal performance and safety, it’s best to install a dedicated circuit just for the disposal. Here’s why:

The motor requires a steady flow of electricity. A shared circuit can cause power drops.
Running other appliances on the same circuit can trip the breaker when the disposal turns on.
A dedicated circuit eliminates the risk of overload.
It allows for grounding just the disposal which reduces electric shock risk.

While adding a circuit may add electrician costs upfront, it’s worth it for enhanced safety and grind power. This is especially true for more powerful disposals with 1 HP or higher motors.

Purchase a Quiet Model

One common complaint about garbage disposals is that they make a lot of grinding noise. If this is an issue in your home, look for models designed to operate quietly including:

Units with sound insulation like foam or rubber linings to absorb noise.
Disposals with plastic or nylon grind chambers instead of metal.
Motors mounted on suspension units to reduce vibration.
Multiple grind stages to spread out noise.
Blade designs that slice through waste with less rattling and grinding.

Quiet disposals cost more but can lower the decibel level by 50% or more. This makes it much less intrusive when in use.

Don’t Use for Large Bones

It’s fine to put small chicken bones or fish bones down your garbage disposal. But you’ll want to avoid putting large bones from meat or thick poultry bones down the drain. Here’s why:

Large, dense bones are tough for disposal blades to grind up completely.
Pieces of bone can get stuck in the drain line and cause clogging.
Bone fragments spun by blades pose a puncture risk to the piping.
Marrow and fat residues from bones can gradually form clogs.

Your best bet is to put any sizeable bones in the trash. Use composting or a sink strainer to catch small bones if preferred. Only add little bones occasionally.

Have a Sink Stopper Installed

Some garbage disposals are installed without sink stoppers. This allows debris to easily fall down the drain. While convenient, lacking a stopper allows unwanted items to end up in the disposal. Sink stoppers help by:

Letting you cover the drain when not using the disposal to block cutlery, bones and other objects.
Allowing you to fill the sink to pre-rinse dishes without clogging worries.
Retaining water so fats and grease solidify before going down the drain.
Catching dropped earrings, rings and other valuables before they get ground up.

Installing a sink stopper takes just minutes. Many snap into place or use a simple screw-on design. This affordable upgrade adds important protection.

Be Careful What You Flush

It can be tempting to use your garbage disposal as a shortcut for getting rid of all types of waste. However, some items should never be flushed for safety and maintenance reasons:

Chemical cleaners – These can corrode and erode grinding parts over time.
Produce stickers – They can peel off and cause obstructions.
Twist ties – These can get wrapped around blades.
Coffee pods – They don’t always grind up well.
Bottle caps or plastic – They can jam mechanisms.
Rubber – Bands, gloves and pads can get stuck.
Glass – Small shards pose a puncture and breakage risk.

Stick to flushing appropriate food scraps. Never use the disposal as a shortcut for getting rid of trash items.

Have a Professional Handle Installation

If you need to purchase a new garbage disposal, don’t try tackling replacement as a DIY project. Hire a professional plumber to handle the job. Here are some reasons why:

They can correctly assess your sink and plumbing to select the right disposal model.
Professionals have the tools and knowledge to safely remove the old unit.
They can modify plumbing and electrical as needed to accommodate the new disposal.
Experts will make sure the unit is level, properly seated, tightened and sealed.
Plumbers can test the installation for leaks, clogs and electrical issues.

While the job may seem straightforward, hiring a pro to install your new garbage disposal will give you peace of mind that it was done properly.

Keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly is easier than you think. By following these tips on cleaning, maintenance and proper use, your disposal can stay clog-free and last for many years to come. Don’t hesitate to contact a plumber if your unit needs servicing or replacement parts. A little preventative care goes a long way towards grinding food waste with ease for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maintaining Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposals provide a convenient way to get rid of food waste. However, like any appliance, disposals need the right maintenance and care to avoid problems. Here are answers to some common questions on keeping your unit running smoothly.

How often should you clean a garbage disposal?

Aim to thoroughly clean your disposal every 1 to 2 weeks. Run water before and after use, and occasionally disinfect with baking soda and vinegar. Keeping the insides clean prevents odors and buildup.

What should you not put down a garbage disposal?

Avoid putting bones, grease, coffee grounds, rice, pasta, potato skins, onion skins, fruit pits, and other fibrous foods down the drain. These can jam the grinding mechanisms.

How can you fix a smelly garbage disposal?

Bad odors usually mean there is built-up gunk inside. Clean with baking soda and vinegar. Then grind up orange or lemon peels to leave a fresh citrus smell. Avoid putting starchy foods down the drain.

Why is my garbage disposal leaking?

Leaks usually occur from loose fitting, cracks, or damaged seals. Try tightening fittings with pliers. Apply sealant to small cracks. If it still leaks, the grinding components or seals likely need replacing.

How do you unclog a garbage disposal?

Turn off the unit and unplug it. Carefully reach inside with tongs or an Allen wrench to dislodge debris. You can also use a disposal cleaning tool or drain snake. Avoid using chemicals.

Should you use ice in a garbage disposal?

Yes! Putting 5-6 ice cubes down the drain while running cold water periodically cleans and freshens the grinding blades and insides. It’s best to use ice made from cold water, not hot water from your fridge.

How can you sharpen disposal blades?

Over time, disposal blades become dull. Use ice cubes periodically to grind and sharpen the blades. You can also grind up small bones, fruit pits or metal scouring pads to sharpen the edges.

What household items damage garbage disposals?

Avoid putting coffee grounds, bones, grease, pasta, rice, potato skins, corn husks, bottle caps, twist ties, and other fibrous, starchy, or non-food items down the drain. These can damage blades and clog mechanisms.

Should I use hot or cold water in a garbage disposal?

Always run cold water when grinding food waste. Hot water causes grease to liquefy which can lead to clogs as it hardens. Cold water can harden fats. The motors are also designed for cold water.

How can you soundproof a noisy garbage disposal?

Look for models with sound insulation, vibration dampening mounts, plastic grind chambers, multiple grind stages, and quieter blade designs. Also run plenty of cold water to muffle noise.

How long should a garbage disposal last?

With proper maintenance, a high-quality garbage disposal should last 10-15 years. Lower quality models may last only 5-7 years. Signs you need replacement include frequent jams, leaking, loud noises, odors, and visible corrosion.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and maintenance helps keep garbage disposals running smoothly for years. Avoid putting the wrong items down the drain, use ice and baking soda to periodically clean insides, and take care of minor jams right away. Invest in a quiet, high-quality unit and learn proper operating habits. With some simple preventative care, your garbage disposal can stay odor-free and clog-free for over a decade.

The key is not to overload the disposal all at once. Instead, alternate grinding small batches with running cold water. Consider having a professional inspect and sharpen blades annually. Following these tips will keep food waste flowing freely down the drain. No more taking apart pipes trying to unclog obstructions! With the right care, your garbage disposal will be an incredibly convenient kitchen addition for years to come.