No one wants to replace their garbage disposal before they have to, yet many people unknowingly do things that can significantly reduce the lifespan of their garbage disposal. Keep reading for four tips on how to extend the life of your garbage disposal, and then contact Preferred Plumbing and Rooter Service at (877) 298-8105 if you require garbage disposal repairs.

1. Do Not Put Certain Things Down the Garbage Disposal

One of the biggest mistakes people make is putting things down their garbage disposal that should not be put down there. For example, none of the following should go down your garbage disposal:

• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Pasta
• Pits
• Animal bones
• Rice
• Bread
• Seeds
• Onion layers
• Any fibrous or stringy fruit or vegetable

Are you surprised to see any of the items on that list? If you are like most people, you have been putting at least one of them down the drain. To extend the life of your garbage disposal, put those items into your trash or compost.

2. Use Plenty of Cold Water Before, During, and After Your Disposal Runs

We find that some people think that if their sink fills up with water, they can simply turn on the disposal, wait for the water to clear, and then turn it off. This is not how to run your disposal safely. Instead, you should always turn on the cold water. Do this before you turn on the garbage disposal – even if there is water in the sink. Then keep the water running for a few seconds after the disposal has stopped running.

3. Clean Your Garbage Disposal on a Regular Basis

When is the last time you cleaned your garbage disposal? Have you ever cleaned your garbage disposal? This is more than just running lemon water down the disposal or putting vinegar and baking soda in. Check your manufacturer’s garbage disposal manual to find out how to best clean your disposal. Doing so can prevent issues like clogging.

4. Check for Garbage Disposal Leaks

If your garbage disposal has a small leak, you might not notice it until it has caused water damage and damaged your garbage disposal unit itself. Check for leaks on a regular basis and if you notice one, contact your local plumber for help.

Do you have questions about when or how to care for your garbage disposal? Are you having other plumbing issues? Contact Preferred Plumbing and Rooter Service at (877) 298-8105 and let us help you. We are standing by for appointments, and we can come quickly in an emergency.