June 29, 2025
Garbage Disposal Etiquette: What You Need to Know for Hassle-Free Usage
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
When it comes to using a garbage disposal effectively, understanding the right practices can save you from unnecessary headaches and costly repairs. Unfortunately, many homeowners unknowingly misuse their disposals, leading to frequent clogs and damages. In this blog, we will explore the essentials of garbage disposal use and highlight how the expertise of Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling can keep your disposal running smoothly.
Common Missteps and Best Practices
Garbage disposals are incredibly useful kitchen appliances, but they are not a catch-all for waste. Here's a quick guide on what to avoid putting down your disposal:
- Fibrous Vegetables: Avoid celery, corn husks, and asparagus. Their fibers can wrap around the blades and cause jams.
- Grease and Oils: These can solidify inside pipes, leading to stubborn clogs.
- Starchy Foods: Items like pasta and rice expand with water and can block pipes.
- Coffee Grounds: Though they may seem harmless, they can accumulate over time and create a sludgy mess in your pipes.
Proper Disposal Usage: Always run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal. This assists in solidifying any grease so it can be sliced by the blades easily. Additionally, cut large food pieces into smaller chunks before disposal.
Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling's Exceptional Service
The team at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling excels at helping homeowners make the most of their garbage disposals. Our technicians, like Wesley from Marion, receive constant praise for their stellar service. Katelyn S. shared her experience, "Wesley did a wonderful job fixing my disposal! He was very helpful with all of my questions."[1]
Our experts don't just repair issues; they educate our customers to avoid future problems. Emily B. was thrilled with the advice provided, noting, "They went above and beyond to ensure our pipes were unclogged and taught us how to prevent further issues."[3]
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your disposal. Simple actions can go a long way:
- Routine Cleaning: Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to naturally clean your disposal.
- Ice Cubes: Grinding ice cubes can help keep your blades sharp and break down grease build-up.
When difficult issues arise, don't hesitate to reach out. Aaron and Wesley, part of our skilled team, were commended for their efficiency. A customer reflected, "Aaron and Wesley did a great job on my garbage disposal and were very professional and nice."[2]
The Summers Advantage
Choosing Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling means opting for reliability and expertise. We pride ourselves on offering the best services in Marion and surrounding areas like Gas City and Upland. Tyler, another valued technician, is known for his clear communication and practical solutions, suggesting, "a good suggestion for cleaning the garbage disposal"[0].
For trustworthy repair and maintenance, visit our website or call us at (765) 613-0053. Allow us to ensure your plumbing and HVAC systems are running as smoothly as possible. Whether you need a quick fix or ongoing service, we're here to help!
Incorporating these simple guidelines into your routine, combined with the expert assistance from Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling, you can ensure hassle-free garbage disposal use for years to come. Invite comfort and efficiency into your home by contacting us today!