A functional garbage disposal offers New Orleans homeowners an efficient and eco-friendly way to handle food waste. However, it’s a complex system that requires proper care.

People who don’t maintain their equipment can end up with serious issues like jams or clogs, and may even find themselves needing to schedule premature replacement. 

To keep your garbage disposal operating at peak performance, trust the experts at Stuart Services for knowledgeable advice. In this blog post, we discuss the do’s and don’ts of garbage disposals and offer tips on how to fix clogs on your own.  

What Not To Put Down a Garbage Disposal

One of the best garbage disposal tips for homeowners is to avoid putting items down the drain that could cause issues. There are certain harmful items that should never be put in your garbage disposal, including:

• Grease: Grease, oil, and fat all solidify when they cool. If you put them down the drain, they’ll coat your disposal and pipes with a sticky residue that then accumulates debris and causes clogs.
• Pasta or rice: Starchy foods like pasta and rice expand when mixed with water, causing them to create a blockage in your pipes.
• Bones: Even the smallest bones are too tough for the blades on your garbage disposal to handle and will only cause damage or jams.
• Fibrous vegetables: Fibrous vegetables like celery or asparagus are stringy and can wrap around garbage disposal blades and become tangled, clogging the motor.

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How To Fix a Clog

When your garbage disposal is clogged, follow these simple steps to attempt to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Always turn off the power to your garbage disposal to ensure safety. You can unplug your system or turn off the breaker.
2. Using a flashlight, look for obvious blockages and use tongs or pliers to remove any objects.
3. If there’s no visible blockage, it may be jammed. Try pressing the reset button at the bottom of the unit.
4. Pour 1 cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. 
5. Flush your disposal with hot water for 1 minute to rinse any loosened debris.
6. Restore power to your garbage disposal and test the system.

It’s also important to make garbage disposal maintenance a part of your regular routine. Simple tasks like running cold water during use and doing regular cleanings can help reduce your risk of clogs and extend the lifespan of your equipment. 

When You Should Call a Plumbing Professional

If troubleshooting doesn’t restore proper operation to your garbage disposal, it may be time for a professional. Our technicians have the proper tools and techniques to remove clogs safely and efficiently and even provide any necessary repairs to get your system back on track.

Schedule Garbage Disposal Repair in New Orleans

When your garbage disposal has issues, trust Stuart Services to provide reliable care. As part of our comprehensive plumbing services, we can provide you with an accurate diagnosis for even the most complex garbage disposal problems.

With nearly 70 years in the industry, we’re proud to offer superior service from our licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians. Plus, with our emergency availability and quality work, you’re one call away from a lasting solution.

Call Stuart Services today to schedule a garbage disposal repair for your New Orleans home.