Garbage disposals do not liquify garbage, as is often assumed. They merely chop larger food chunks into small particles that allow them to be swept away down the drain. If you have a septic tank, a disposal will cause it to fill up faster, even though it gives you temporary convenience. They are definitely more sanitary, as it immediately removes the food from your home, and eliminates bacterial growth.
Another plus for garbage disposers is that people tend to wash out cans and other food containers before putting them in the trash can, so that equates to fewer smells emanating from landfills. On the other side of that, composting is a great way to dispose of your garbage and create a non-chemical, pile of fertilizer for your yard and garden. Just combine your food scraps with leaves and grass clippings. But for convenience in doing so, a covered kitchen container will hold your food scraps until you find time to add it to your compost heap.
As a vote for having a garbage disposal, it is more sanitary and convenient when cleaning up after dinner. But first scrape forbidden items into the trash can and then rinse the plates into the disposal. One thing to keep your disposer running free is to always process garbage with cold water. And although it is not really necessary, it is a good idea to flush hot water with a drop of dish soap through it after cold water processing a lot of food.
Another thing to keep your disposer running smoothly is to occasionally grind up small chicken bones, which helps remove grease from the mechanism. But do not try to grind up large bones because disposers are not made for that. Banana peels should never to put through because they are too thick and fibrous. Other no-nos are onion skins, grease, asparagus, raw celery, potato peels, cooked rice, garlic ends, and onion and leek ends.
Egg shells, broccoli stems, carrot ends, seafood shells are forbidden. Green onion tops, cabbage and lettuce cores, corn cobs, apple peels, peach, apricot, and prune pits should never be put in a garbage disposal. Generally speaking citrus peels should not go either. However some people do use lemons in very small quantities to freshen their disposers.
Also don't be tempted to get rid of tea bags, coffee filters or other paper products, no matter how thin they are. Do run ice cubes through the disposer occasionally to clean it, along with a few drops of orange extract to sweeten the smell. Another trick is to put in a couple tablespoons of baking soda, then a quarter cup of white vinegar. This fizzes like crazy and freshens nicely.
If your unit is making unusual noises or just stops working, before calling anyone, do a little simple troubleshooting yourself, even if you're not the handy type. One caveat, however, for safety's sake. Even if the power is turned off, never ever stick your hand down into the drain with the disposer.
If your disposer appears to be dead, here is something you can do. With the power turned off, simply reach under the disposer and push the re-set button. Then run cold water into the drain and turn it on, it may just surprise you and take off. But if it doesn't, then make sure that the circuit breaker controlling the disposer hasn't been tripped.
If you find that it is fully in the position it's supposed to be in, then you probably have either a bad switch, or your disposer has gone kaput. At this point, you have the option of trying to replace the disposer switch yourself or calling for help. If you opt to do it yourself, be sure to turn off the circuit breaker first. If your unit still doesn't work after the switch has been replaced, then you will need to replace your entire disposer.
Now, on the other hand, if your disposer is making noise and trying to come on, turn off the power immediately, as you probably have something stuck in it. Turn off the circuit breaker, and then insert the hex key wrench that came with the disposer into the opening on the bottom of the unit and turn it clockwise. If you hear a clanging sound, something is definitely in there, but do not use your hand to pull it out; use kitchen tongs instead. At this point, if you cannot dislodge the item and get the unit going, it is a good idea to then call for professional help.
Author Resource:-
In the Joliet and Orchard Park Illinois area for Orchard Park plumbing visit Courtesy Plumbing at Plungeit.com - Plumbing service available 24/7/365. Call 877-758-6448
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