Top 5 Garbage Disposal Tips

Keeping your disposal working properly is simple if you keep the following tips in mind. 

1. Only put the proper kinds of waste into the disposal These include:

• Soft foods
• Ice cubes
• Some softer bones
• Softer fruit pits
• Citrus peels
• Coffee grounds

2. Avoid putting these types of waste down your disposal Fibrous material like:

• corn husks
• artichokes
• celery stalks
• onion peels
• Seafood with shells, like shrimp

3. Always run a full stream of cold water Let the water run for another 30 seconds after you turn off the disposer. Don't use hot water while you're grinding waste, although it's fine to use hot water when the disposer is off. 

4. Let the disposal run only as long as it takes to grind the waste This is usually less than 30 seconds. 

5. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners in a disposer The chemicals in most store-bought drain cleaning products can damage your home's plumbing, and can be dangerous to use. If your disposal is jammed or backed up, call a professional plumber to clear the drain line.