Is Your Garbage Disposal Backed Up Again?

A bathroom drain clog is typically straightforward enough. Most clogs in the bathroom are caused by an overabundance of hair and soap scum found in the drain. However, kitchen drain clogs can prove to be a much more confusing problem. For instance, if your kitchen sink is draining slowly or is backing up, it can be difficult to determine if it is actually the sink or garbage disposal giving you trouble.

How to Maintain Your Disposal

There are a number of simple preventative measures that you can take to ensure that your garbage disposal can work as it was intended to and can even help to prevent clogs and other common problems. Some of the best maintenance tips include the following:

• Run cold water several seconds before and after running the garbage disposal.

• Avoid putting oil, grease, animal bones, potato peeling, corn husks, celery stalks, and other large or harmful items down the disposal.

• Grind ice cubes made of vinegar in the disposal to help clean your disposal, sharpen the blades, and remove any foul odors.

• Use about a quarter cup of a safe, effective enzyme treatment once a month to help break down any food and grease in the pipes and to eliminate odors.

• Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain on a weekly basis to effectively clean the pipes

With proper use and a small amount of preventative maintenance, your disposal can reliably meet your needs when you need it most. If you think that your disposal may be jammed, turn the disposal on to determine if the motor sounds jammed. If it is jammed, turn off the disposal and locate the Allen key slot under the disposal. You can then easily insert the disposal key and turn it in a circular motion to free up the blades. Make sure to proceed with caution and never put your hand in the disposer.

Garbage disposal clogs can be a frequent problem for homeowners, but they don’t have to be. If you are unsure of what is causing your clog, or if you are experiencing regular clogs, then it is time to call Roto-Rooter. They can tell you once and for all what the problem is and what steps need to be taken to repair your disposal. Make sure to also ask about other measures you can take to keep your disposal well maintained year round.