Your garbage disposal takes the hassle out of kitchen cleanup. Rather than scraping food scraps into the trash can, you grind them up in the disposal, and they wash down the drain. A properly working garbage disposal prevents kitchen sink drain clogs and keeps your kitchen cleaner. Yet like any appliance, garbage disposals can break down, and knowing when to call a plumber in Columbia, SC for repairs is essential to extending the lifespan of the disposal.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are renowned for offering garbage disposal repair or replacement. We are the experts to call for all your garbage disposal needs. Today, we’ll look at some of the reasons why a garbage disposal is a lifesaver in the kitchen.
How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?
A garbage disposal uses an electric motor to spin a metal plate (the flywheel) at high speeds, pulverizing food against a stationary grind ring. Rather than using sharp blades like a blender, it relies on blunt "impellers" and centrifugal force to shred waste into a liquid-like slurry that easily flows through your pipes.
Unlike many other appliances, garbage disposals work in a harsh environment. They are exposed to water, food particles, grease, soap residue, and occasional foreign objects that accidentally find their way into the sink.
Over time, these conditions can affect internal components and place additional stress on the motor. Despite operating in this challenging environment, a properly maintained garbage disposal can continue performing reliably for many years. But keep in mind that this appliance is not indestructible—it can develop a wide range of issues that can compromise its performance. You should call a trusted plumbing repair service when you notice signs of malfunctioning.
The Dos and Don'ts of Using Your Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is a powerful device, but it’s not invincible—treating it like a catch-all for food and non-food waste is a recipe for disaster. Most of the issues plumbers fix stem from improper use and neglecting routine maintenance.
DOs
- Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. This is recommended to solidify grease, fats, and oil so that the appliance can grind them up.
- Cut large food items into smaller pieces before feeding them into the disposal.
- Run the disposal regularly to prevent rusting and corrosion.
- Grind citrus peels into the disposal to freshen it up.
- Grind ice chips regularly to sharpen the blades and remove any buildup on them.
- Schedule garbage disposal repair when you notice signs of malfunctioning.
DON’Ts
- Don’t overload the disposal—grinding too much food at once can cause the unit to jam or break down completely.
- Don’t pour grease, oil, or fats down the disposal.
- Don’t grind hard items like large bones, fruit pits, or seeds.
- Don’t grind fibrous or stringy food items.
- Don’t attempt DIY garbage disposal repair.
Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
The simplest way to keep your garbage disposal functioning properly is cleaning the unit regularly. Here are the steps to follow—unplug the disposal and turn off power at the breaker panel, then scrub away grime using an old toothbrush dipped in dish soap. Next, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda directly down the drain and follow it up with 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes and flush the drain with a pot of boiling water.
Check for leaks and schedule garbage disposal repair before costly damage happens. These appliances can develop leaks due to failed internal seals, loose drain lines, or a degraded sink seal. Remember to unplug the appliance before performing an inspection—your safety matters. Get in touch with a trusted plumbing repair service when you need an expert to fix a leaking garbage disposal.
Do You Need Garbage Disposal Repair? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today
If you need garbage disposal repair, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Perhaps the appliance seems to be jamming too often or maybe you hear unusual noises coming from the unit. Scheduling timely repairs prevents minor issues from escalating into costly problems. Our plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing have years of experience servicing all makes and models of circuit breakers. Call us now to book an appointment for garbage disposal repair.
