A garbage disposal is a great appliance to have in the kitchen. If you’ve ever gone a couple days without a working garbage disposal, you know how inconvenient it can be. When your disposal stops working properly or it won’t turn on, you need answers fast. That’s when you call Top Notch Tucson Plumbers.

Our experts have seen it all when it comes to garbage disposal problems. We know the dos and don’ts of operating a garbage disposal to get the full advantages of this modern day appliance and to prevent premature failure. To avoid hefty repair bills and the inability to use your disposal, consider the following tips when operating your garbage disposal.

Do You Have the Right Size Garbage Disposal?

Household garbage disposals have horsepower ratings between .50 – 1.0. The higher the number, the more powerful the motor is and the more waste the disposal can handle. If you live alone, or use your disposal infrequently, an appliance with a .50 rating should be sufficient. However, the average family would be served best by a disposal with a horsepower rating of .75. Large households or families that entertain frequently may want to consider purchasing and installing a disposal with the highest rating of 1.0.

Are You Disposing the Right Type of Food Waste?

No matter what size disposal you have, it is important to pay close attention to the types of food you are putting in the unit. Fibrous food like corn husks, potato skins, onion skins, and celery stalks are too tough for most residential-grade disposals. The fibers of these foods and the starch content, in the case of potato shavings, can cause clogs and wrap around the blades.

We tell our customers to restrict the food waste they put in their disposal to what is left on their plates at the end of a meal. If you put food waste from serving dishes or pots and pans in the disposal, make sure to run cold water for at least 10 seconds after everything has been grinded up to make sure there are no greasy or fatty substances left behind.

Are You Cleaning Your Disposal Correctly?

Garbage disposals don’t need to be scoured using harsh, store bought cleaners. Simply running cold water and pouring a little detergent in the disposal is sufficient. If you are concerned about odors, grind up bits of citrus fruit to deodorize.

Lastly, the best way to get many years of uninterrupted usage out of your garbage disposal is to let our experts routinely check your appliance for any leaks, loose connections, or clogs. For plumbing service in Tucson, AZ you can count on 24/7, call Top Notch Tucson Plumbers today!