Garbage disposals are essential in modern kitchens, providing an easy way to get rid of food waste and making it easier to hand-wash dishes. While convenient, misusing your disposal can lead to clogs, jams, and costly repairs. That’s why it’s so important to follow best practices for garbage disposal use and avoid major malfunctions. 

At Appliance E.M.T., we want you to know how to take care of your home appliances and keep them in great condition for years to come. That’s why we’re presenting this guide to garbage disposal best practices so you can extend the life of your appliance and prevent stressful problems. 

1. Understand How Your Garbage Disposal Works

Understanding how your garbage disposal works is essential for using it properly. The disposal grinds waste using impellers and a shredder ring — not blades, as many people think. It’s designed to get rid of small bits of food waste, not large meal scraps or non-food items. When you overload the disposal or insert the wrong materials, it can damage the motor or plumbing, necessitating repairs or replacement. 

2. What You Should and Shouldn’t Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Speaking of what your garbage disposal is made for, let’s take a closer look at what you should and shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal. Stick to soft foods that break down easily, such as fruit scraps, cooked vegetables, or small amounts of pasta or rice. You can also put small citrus peels or ice cubes in the disposal to help clean and freshen it. 

You should avoid these items:

• Fibrous foods: Celery, corn husks, and onion skins can tangle in the blades.
• Starchy foods: Potatoes, rice, and pasta can expand and cause clogs.
• Grease and fats: These substances coat pipes and lead to buildup.
• Bones, shells, pits, or coffee grounds: Hard materials can damage parts or create sludge.
• Non-food materials: Plastic, metal, glass, and paper towels should never be put down the drain. 

3. Daily Use Tips for a Healthy Disposal

Keeping your garbage disposal in good condition requires thoughtful, strategic use. It’s a good idea to run the cold water before and after use to help solidify fats and flush particles. Instead of dumping everything in all at once, feed waste slowly, and keep it running for a few seconds after grinding to ensure the debris clears the drain. Avoid using drain cleaners or other harsh chemicals that can corrode internal components.

4. Stay on Top of Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

It’s important to stay on top of regular cleaning and maintenance. Like we mentioned before, you can grind ice cubes and citrus peels weekly for freshness. Once a month, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water to deep clean your disposal. If smells persist, clean the rubber splash guard under the sink. 

Regularly inspect your disposal for leaks or slow draining. When you detect issues early, you can avoid major malfunctions and keep your kitchen running smoothly. 

5. Avoid These Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Avoid making common mistakes that can put your garbage disposal at risk, such as using hot water while grinding greasy foods, which can spread grease instead of hardening it. Don’t ignore strange noises or jams, as doing so can damage the motor. Additionally, avoid running the disposal without water or overloading the unit, which can lead to clogs. 

When to Call the Professionals at Appliance E.M.T.

Taking proper care of your garbage disposal means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan. However, even when you follow best practices for garbage disposal use, you may still encounter issues. If this occurs, contact the experts at Appliance E.M.T. for help. 

We can help you with persistent clogs, strange grinding noises, electrical issues, humming without movement, leaks coming from the unit or drain connections, poor grinding performance, or the need for frequent resets. Our team is proud to provide expert garbage disposal repair and replacement services in Weber and Davis counties.

Contact Appliance E.M.T. today to learn more about garbage disposal best practices, how to keep your appliances in great condition for years to come, or schedule a service appointment with one of our expert technicians. 

Everyone has experienced appliance malfunctions at one time or another, whether it’s a fridge that stops cooling or a washing machine that won’t drain. In these situations, you’re faced with an important choice: Should you try to fix it yourself, or is it best to call a professional for help?

The choice between professional and DIY appliance repair should not be taken lightly. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of each route, keep reading to get some expert tips to help you decide which option is best for your situation. 

Determining the Problem

The first thing to do is assess whether the issue is minor or complex. Minor repairs include things like replacing a light bulb in the refrigerator, cleaning out a dryer vent, or unclogging a dishwasher filter. You shouldn’t have any problems completing these tasks yourself. 

Major repairs, on the other hand, include electrical wiring issues, motor replacements, or other complex problems. These malfunctions are best left to a trained professional who knows how to address them safely and effectively. 

The Pitfalls of DIY Appliance Repair

Let’s take a closer look at DIY appliance repair, its benefits, and potential pitfalls. 

DIY appliance repair is an attractive option for homeowners on a budget. When you complete repairs yourself, you only have to pay for parts — no labor costs. Plus, you can start working on the appliance right away without waiting for an appointment with a professional technician. This is much more convenient for busy homeowners who may not have time to fit a service appointment into their schedule or for emergency repairs that can’t wait. 

However, DIY appliance repair comes with some drawbacks, as well, including:

• Risk of misdiagnosis: Without the knowledge of a trained professional, you risk wasting your time and money on the wrong fix or improper repairs. 
• Safety hazards: From electrical shocks to gas leaks to water damage, when you attempt to fix certain things yourself, you’re putting your safety at risk. 
• Warranty concerns: DIY appliance repairs may void manufacturer warranties, which means that if there are issues down the line, you’ll be responsible for repair or replacement costs. 
• Tool and skill limitations: Some jobs require specialized tools and technical expertise. Without them, you may not be able to complete the repair properly. 

The Case for Professional Appliance Repair

Many homeowners avoid professional appliance repair because of the higher upfront cost, not wanting to pay for labor and diagnostics. However, opting for professional service can actually save you money in the long run. When you attempt DIY appliance repairs, you risk accidentally causing further damage that must be repaired by a professional. By opting for professional repairs in the first place, you can avoid costlier, more extensive fixes.

Additional benefits of professional appliance repair include: 

• Expertise: Highly trained appliance repair technicians can quickly identify the problem and provide appropriate solutions. 
• Proper tools and parts: Professional technicians have access to specialized equipment and genuine replacement parts, ensuring the repairs are done the right way. 
• Safety: Professionals’ expertise means a reduced risk of injury or further damage. 
• Warranty protection: Work done by professionals may be covered by service or manufacturer warranties. 
• Time savings: While you may have to wait for a service appointment, the quick diagnosis and repair of professional technicians is a time-saving alternative to trial-and-error DIY appliance repairs.

When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

DIY appliance repairs are okay when the fix is simple, you have the right tools, and you’re sure it’s safe. Just remember to shut off the water and power to the appliance before performing any maintenance, and if you run into trouble, ask a technician for help. 

It’s best to call a professional when the issue deals with electricity or gas, the appliance is under warranty, the repair is beyond your comfort level, or you’re not completely sure what’s wrong. Professionals can accurately diagnose and safely fix your home appliances, helping you get back to your normal routines. 

Trust Appliance E.M.T. for Professional Repairs

If you’re in need of professional appliance repairs, turn to the experts at Appliance E.M.T. Our team understands the importance of cost-effectiveness, safety, and appliance longevity, and we’re committed to getting you the service you need in a timely manner. Contact us today to get started!