Garbage Disposals and Their Potential Problems

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Garbage Disposals and Their Potential Problems

March 21, 2018

Meridian — Septic Tank Being Cleaned in Meridian, MS

Having a garbage disposal under your kitchen sink is a great device to have when it is working well. Garbage disposals offer a way to get rid of food scraps without throwing them away, and the disposals make cleaning off dirty plates a cinch. These are all good things, but garbage disposals can also cause problems, especially if you do not use and care for it properly. Read about these problems and how to fix them.

Problem 1: They Get Jammed

While a jammed garbage disposal will not affect your plumbing, the jam can be difficult to fix. A garbage disposal typically gets jammed when you place something in it that does not belong. A bone, for example, could get lodged in the blades of the device. If that happens, the device will jam, and you will not be able to run the disposal until you free the jam.

Freeing a jam is not always easy, and you should never place your hand in the device. The blades inside are very sharp and could cut you. Additionally, if someone accidentally turns on the device while your hand is inside, you could get injured.

If your device is jammed, to unjam it by following the directions in the owner's manual or contact a plumbing company to free the jam.

Problem 2: They Get Clogged

The second problem you could encounter with your garbage disposal is a clog. A disposal is designed to chop up and eliminate food scraps that you might normally throw away. Because you place food in it, the device is prone to developing clogs. You can prevent this by using caution with what you place in the device. However, clogs can still form even if you are careful.

Most clogs that form from garbage disposals form in the trap underneath them. All faucets have trap pipes under them, and these pipes help eliminate sewer gases from homes. The trouble is that food particles often get trapped inside these pipes, and this is what leads to clogs with garbage disposals in most cases.

Problem 3: They Lead to Septic Tank and Sewer Line Clogs

Finally, you should understand that when the water and food particles drain from the device, they end up in your septic system. A septic system is set up to handle waste and wastewater. When you add food particles to this mix, the food chunks could get lodged in the components of your septic system.

If this happens, you might get clogs in sewer lines that prevent your septic system from working properly.

If you currently have any type of clog from your garbage disposal or for any other reason, you will need a plumber to fix it. However, you might also want to learn how to prevent clogs in the future.

The best way to prevent clogs in the future is by learning how to use your garbage disposal properly. Here are several of the best tips to help you know how to use your disposal the right way:

Run cold water during and after each use to help flush the device and the pipes.
Avoid placing things in the device that it cannot handle, including coffee grounds, bones, and grease.
Clean the device regularly to help eliminate trapped food and debris. You can do this by grinding up citrus peels or ice.

If you currently have a clogged drain in your kitchen, contact Roto-Rooter. We can unclog any drain line in your home and can help you find ways to prevent clogs in the future. Contact us today to schedule an in-home service call with one of our technicians.

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