What a Working Garbage Disposal Can Do for Your Kitchen This Thanksgiving!
The garbage disposal isn’t a new invention. The first disposal came onto the kitchen scene nearly 100 years ago, back in 1927. But just because it isn’t new doesn’t mean that it’s not helpful. Since their invention, garbage disposals have been helping out people in the kitchen, and they aren’t going anywhere. Like many other inventions that remain unchanged over the years, they make life easier, and they are certainly something to be thankful for. Read on to find out all about what makes disposals so great during holiday season and how to care for them properly.
Preventing Clogged Drains
Many people think that disposals have blades that break down food, but this isn’t true. Blades like a blender wouldn’t work well in the sink. Instead, there’s what’s called a shredder ring that sits around the outside of the disposal. There sit impellers and discs in the middle, both of which spin when the disposal is on, essentially throwing food at the shredder ring. The force of the food hitting the ring pulverizes the food into tiny bits, which are then washed down the drain by the water.
It’s a fairly straightforward design that does outsized work to help out in the kitchen. Although not every food item can go into the disposal, the vast majority of food that would otherwise clog the sink drain can go into the disposal without a worry. This makes meal prep a breeze when those working in the kitchen don’t have to think about what goes into the garbage and what can go into the sink.
Maintaining the Disposal 
Giving thanks for a garbage disposal is about more than just being grateful. It’s also about treating the disposal well to have a long, productive life in the kitchen. To that end, here are some tips every homeowner should know about maintaining the disposal.
It’s important to avoid putting items like coffee grounds, grease, fat, and fibrous foods down the disposal. These items can end up clogging the unit, which may require the help of a professional. It’s also a good idea to clean the disposal once every two weeks or so. To do this, put some ice cubes and rock salt into the disposal and run it for a minute. This will help clear any gunk that has built up in the components of the disposal.
Look Out for These Signs
Keeping an eye out for signs that the disposal is going out is also important. There are several common signs that garbage disposal repair is required. The presence of a bad smell that just won’t go away is a sign of food stuck somewhere in the disposal. Strange sounds coming from the disposal are one of the most common signs of something wrong with it. Sometimes this is a piece of silverware stuck in the disposal. But if there’s nothing down there, it’s time to call a professional plumber for garbage disposal service.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has been serving Northfield, MN for over 30 years. They provide excellent customer service and repairs on the spot. They also offer straightforward pricing and a timing guarantee, so homeowners aren’t left waiting and wasting time. Call now for plumbing services!
