A garbage disposal is a device installed under the drain of the sinks to shred everything that is discharged, so that it can pass through the pipes without clogging them. A device of this type is therefore great for keeping the smell of waste away from your kitchen.
Steps
Step 1. Keep things that are too hard out of the drain
The garbage disposal would not remain efficient for long. Even the smallest objects, if hard, could get stuck and damage the rotating parts. The more expensive models, for the same brand, tend to have greater resistance to hard objects. The instruction manual should contain a list of items to avoid. Even the strongest plant fibers could damage some garbage disposal models. If you come across something that you think is too hard for your garbage disposal, simply throw it in the trash or consider turning it into compost. Some of the things to avoid are:
- The shells of shrimps, crabs and other crustaceans
- Popcorn not popped
- Bone
Step 2. Do not throw fibrous or very sticky, starchy objects down the drain
Both can clog pipes (fibers become entangled, and sticky substances build up). The following items should be dumped into the garbage disposal in small quantities, or avoided altogether:
- Banana peels
- Celery
- Potato peels
- Corn leaves and cobs
- Artichokes
- Coffee grounds (in large quantities) or coffee filters
- Kernels of various fruits and fruit seeds such as avocado or peaches
- The outermost layers of the onions (unless you have carefully removed the thin films under each one, as they may twist around the rotating parts)
- Egg shells should also be avoided, since crumbling would form a dust that could clog the pipes.
Step 3. All the substances just mentioned are still excellent for obtaining compost
Step 4. Avoid dropping certain items into the garbage disposal
Common sense should help you, but here are some examples of the items to avoid:
- Freezer bag clips, can tabs, rubber bands
- Glass, screws, nails
- Cooking utensils
- Cigarette butts or bottle, paper, plastic caps
- Fabric, laces, kitchen rags, sponges
- Remains of plants and flowers
- Toys
- Hair
- fat
Step 5. Break anything that is too large into smaller pieces
For example, the peel of melons and watermelons, cut it into small pieces and unload them little by little, instead of trying to do everything in one go.
If you find that you have to cut a lot of scraps into smaller pieces, you might want to throw everything directly into the bin or use it for compost first
Step 6. Run cold water when the garbage disposal is running
Keep the garbage disposal running and let the water run for 30-60 seconds AFTER the waste is gone from the sink. However, the garbage disposal has not finished working. The cold water will prevent the components of the garbage disposal from overheating. In addition, the waste will go down better thanks to the push of the water. Do not use hot water, as it could dissolve any grease which would subsequently return to its usual state, clogging the pipes.
Step 7. Clean it regularly
- With the garbage disposal turned off, clean the inside of the rubber in the center of the sink, in the section that leads to the garbage disposal. It tends to get very dirty, and it would smell terrible if it wasn't cleaned regularly. To clean it, simply use a sheet of paper towels.
- Dump some ice from time to time. While the ice won't sharpen the blades (as some believe), it will help remove any debris that has built up on it that is not allowing the garbage disposal to perform at its best. For an even better result, use special cubes made with lemon juice or vinegar, or alternatively with biodegradable detergents (label them so as not to confuse them once they are in the freezer!). Cover and seal ice trays that have come into contact with detergents, and do not reuse them to hold food or drinks. As you run the ice to the garbage disposal, run cold water from the sink.
- Grind orange peels or other citrus fruits to freshen the garbage disposal and give it a clean smell, but cut them into thin strips first as too large pieces, such as half a lemon, could jam the mechanisms. You can also use citrus fruits that are too old to eat, as long as they haven't gone too bad. You can also freeze them before shredding if you wish.
Advice
- Read the instructions for your model before attempting to repair your garbage disposal yourself. Most models have a reset button, and a hex key to clear the rotating parts. If the garbage disposal stops working, its internal safety circuit may have turned it off to prevent further damage. Turn it off by manually putting the switch to off and try to pull out what jammed it. At this point use the hex key to rotate the gears. If they spin, press the reset button. This will usually be enough to fix most problems. If so, run some water and turn the main switch back on.
- Making compost is a great alternative to using a garbage disposal. If done correctly, it produces no odors, but a great fertilizer for your plants.
- If the garbage disposal gets jammed, turn off the switch and look under the sink. There is a point in the center of the motor shaft, on the bottom of the device, where you can insert an Allen key to manually turn the motor. Run the engine a few times to unlock it. Remove the Allen key before starting the engine again. In addition, press the reset button if your model allows it.
- Garbage disposals are noisy and unreliable, since you don't always know what goes down the sink, and the more powerful and reliable models are quite expensive. A good alternative is a garbage can with an odor-trapping lid. Keep it next to the countertop adjacent to your sink so that the scraps go into the bin.
- There are commercial products created specifically to freshen up your garbage disposal. One of these products consists of a biodegradable sachet full of cleaning powder; it must be drained normally with the garbage disposal in operation and keeping the tap open.
Warnings
- Do not touch the switches with wet hands. You could get shocked.
- Some sewage systems may not handle the amount of water and waste that comes from using a garbage disposal.
- Do not put any utensils in the garbage disposal, anything that is not organic waste and not even your hands.
- If you have a septic tank, you need to adjust its pump cycle properly after installing a garbage disposal.
- Keep in mind that this device, even if it seems to reduce the amount of your waste, does nothing but move it along the pipes, making it no longer a problem only for you, but also for those who are managing the sewer system or septic tank. In a building inhabited by multiple families, you could cause problems for your neighborhood. Plus, your water consumption will increase.
- In many countries there are regulations for the use and installation of waste disposers.
