Summer: the season of backyard barbecues, picnics, and gatherings with friends and family. While it’s a time for fun and relaxation, it’s also a season that poses unique challenges to our homes, one of them being clogged garbage disposals. In this blog post, we’ll explore why summer activities like BBQs can increase the chances of dealing with this problem and discuss the risks of leaving it untreated. We’ll also highlight how a plumber can come to the rescue and save your summer from becoming a plumbing nightmare.
Summer Activities and the Culinary Consequences
During the summer, many households engage in frequent outdoor cooking events, such as barbecues and picnics. These delightful gatherings often involve preparing and consuming large amounts of food. Unfortunately, the aftermath of these festivities can lead to clogged garbage disposals. The excessive food scraps and leftovers that find their way down the disposal can overwhelm its capabilities, resulting in a clog.
The Risks of Leaving it Untreated
Leaving a clogged garbage disposal untreated can have several undesirable consequences. Firstly, it can lead to foul odors emanating from the sink, which can quickly ruin the pleasant ambiance of your home. Secondly, the clog can cause water backup in your sink, leading to inconvenience and potential water damage if left unaddressed. Moreover, the trapped food debris can attract pests and insects, creating an unhygienic environment in your kitchen.
How a Plumber Can Help
When faced with a clogged garbage disposal, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance from a plumber. These skilled individuals possess the expertise and tools necessary to resolve the issue effectively. A plumber will inspect the disposal system, locate the blockage, and employ appropriate techniques to clear it. They may use specialized equipment like drain snakes or hydro-jetting to dislodge stubborn clogs. Additionally, a plumber can offer valuable advice on proper disposal usage and maintenance, helping you avoid future clogging mishaps.
Prevention is Key
While it’s essential to know how to deal with a clogged garbage disposal, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep your disposal running smoothly during the summer:
- Scrape plates into the trash: Before rinsing dishes, scrape off excess food into a compost bin or trash can.
- Run water while operating the disposal: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the garbage disposal to help flush away food particles.
- Avoid fibrous and starchy foods: Fibrous foods like corn husks, celery, and potato peels can wrap around the disposal blades, while starchy foods like pasta and rice can swell and cause blockages.
- Cut large items into smaller pieces: Break down large food items into smaller, more manageable pieces before putting them down the disposal.
- Regular maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your garbage disposal by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water.
Conclusion
As we enjoy the sun-soaked days of summer, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential plumbing pitfalls that come with the season. By understanding how certain activities like BBQs can increase the chances of dealing with a clogged garbage disposal, we can take preventative measures to avoid the problem altogether. However, if you do find yourself in a sticky situation, remember that a skilled plumber is just a phone call away, ready to restore your kitchen’s functionality and rescue your summer fun. And if you live anywhere near the Pomona area, Preferred Plumbing and Rooter Services is the one to call. Get in touch today to learn more about what we offer: (877) 298-8105.