Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips and Troubleshooting Guide

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips and Troubleshooting Guide

Your garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance, but improper use can lead to clogs, odors, and costly repairs. Learn how to properly care for your disposal and keep it running smoothly in your Santa Fe home.

How Garbage Disposals Work

Basic Components:

• Grinding chamber: Where food waste is processed
• Impellers: Spinning arms that force food against grinding ring
• Grinding ring: Stationary grind ring that pulverizes food
• Motor: Powers the impellers (1/3 to 1 HP)
• Reset button: Safety feature on bottom of unit

The Process:

1. Cold water runs into disposal
2. Food waste enters grinding chamber
3. Impellers spin at 1,400-2,800 RPM
4. Food forced against grinding ring
5. Ground particles wash down drain

What You CAN Put in Your Disposal

Safe Foods:

• Small fruit scraps
• Vegetable peels (in moderation)
• Small amounts of cooked meat
• Soft foods
• Ice cubes (for cleaning)
• Citrus peels (for freshening)

Best Practices:

• Feed food gradually
• Run cold water before, during, and after
• Cut large items into smaller pieces
• Let disposal run until grinding stops
• Continue water flow for 10-15 seconds after

What You CANNOT Put in Your Disposal

Absolutely Avoid:

1. Grease, Oil, and Fat

• Solidifies in pipes
• Causes major clogs
• Accumulates over time
• Leads to sewer line problems

2. Fibrous Vegetables

• Celery, asparagus, corn husks
• Artichokes, onion skins
• Fibers wrap around impellers
• Causes jams

3. Starchy Foods

• Pasta, rice, beans
• Potato peels, oatmeal
• Expands and creates paste
• Clogs disposal and pipes

4. Hard Items

• Bones, fruit pits, seeds
• Popcorn kernels, nutshells
• Coffee grounds (debated, but can accumulate)
• Ice (in excess, can damage blades)

5. Non-Food Items

• Glass, metal, plastic
• Paper products, sponges
• Cigarette butts
• Twist ties, rubber bands
• Medication

6. Eggshells

• Membrane can wrap around impellers
• Shells create grainy sediment
• Can stick to pipes

7. Expandable Foods

• Bread, rice, pasta
• Absorb water and expand
• Create thick paste
• Blocks pipes

Proper Operating Procedures

Correct Sequence:

1. Turn on cold water (not hot!)
2. Start disposal
3. Feed food waste gradually
4. Let run until grinding stops
5. Keep water running 10-15 seconds after
6. Turn off disposal, then water

Why Cold Water?

• Solidifies grease (easier to grind)
• Hot water melts grease (causes pipe buildup)
• Keeps motor cooler
• More effective grinding

Feeding Rate:

• Small amounts at a time
• Don't overload
• Wait for previous food to clear
• Never stuff disposal full

Maintenance Tips

Daily Care:

• Run cold water before and after each use
• Let disposal run until clear
• Avoid putting forbidden items down
• Keep drain cover in place when not using

Weekly Cleaning:

Method 1: Ice and Salt

1. Fill disposal with ice cubes
2. Add 1 cup rock salt
3. Run cold water
4. Turn on disposal for 30 seconds
5. Grinds away buildup

Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar

1. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into disposal
2. Add 1 cup white vinegar
3. Let fizz for 10 minutes
4. Flush with hot water
5. Freshens and cleans

Monthly Deep Clean:

Citrus Fresh Method:

1. Cut lemon, lime, or orange into wedges
2. Run cold water
3. Feed citrus pieces one at a time
4. Natural deodorizer and cleaner
5. Leaves fresh scent

Commercial Disposal Cleaner:

• Follow product directions
• Use monthly
• Helps prevent buildup
• Available at hardware stores

What NOT to Do:

• Never use harsh chemical drain cleaners
• Don't put hands inside disposal (ever!)
• Avoid hot water during operation
• Don't use bleach regularly (damages seals)
• Never run disposal dry

Troubleshooting Common Problems

1. Disposal Won't Turn On

Possible Causes:

• Overload/jam
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Blown fuse
• Reset button tripped

Solutions:

1. Check reset button on bottom of unit
2. Press firmly until it clicks
3. Check circuit breaker
4. Try disposal again

Still won't work?

• May need to manually turn impellers
• Call Lobo Tech: 505-316-4231

2. Humming But Not Grinding

Cause: Jammed impellers

Solution:

1. Turn off disposal and water
2. Never put hands inside!
3. Use Allen wrench in hole on bottom
4. Turn back and forth to free jam
5. Remove obstruction from top (with tongs)
6. Press reset button
7. Test disposal

Prevention:

• Don't overload
• Feed food gradually
• Avoid forbidden items

3. Slow Draining

Causes:

• Partial clog in disposal
• Clog in drain pipe
• Grease buildup
• Insufficient water flow

Solutions:

1. Run disposal with lots of cold water
2. Ice and salt cleaning method
3. Check and clear drain trap
4. Professional drain cleaning if persistent

When to Call Professional:

• Multiple drain backups
• Complete blockage
• Foul odors
• Water backing up

4. Foul Odors

Causes:

• Food stuck in disposal
• Biofilm buildup
• Inadequate cleaning
• Splash guard deterioration

Solutions:

1. Baking soda and vinegar treatment
2. Citrus peel cleaning
3. Ice and salt method
4. Clean splash guard thoroughly
5. Run disposal longer after use

Preventive Measures:

• Weekly cleaning routine
• Always use cold water
• Run disposal completely
• Don't let food sit

5. Leaking Disposal

Common Leak Points:

Top (sink flange):

• Worn plumber's putty
• Loose mounting bolts
• Need resealing

Side (discharge tube):

• Loose connections
• Worn gaskets
• Need tightening or replacement

Bottom (disposal body):

• Cracked housing
• Worn seals
• Usually requires replacement

What to Do:

1. Identify leak location
2. Tighten connections (side leaks)
3. Call professional for other leaks
4. Don't delay - water damage worsens

6. Unusual Noises

Normal Sounds:

• Grinding and churning
• Slight humming
• Water rushing

Problem Sounds:

Rattling/Clanking:

• Foreign object in disposal
• Turn off immediately
• Remove object with tongs
• Never use hands

Metal-on-Metal:

• Broken impeller
• Damaged grinding ring
• Requires professional repair

Loud Grinding:

• Hard object (bone, seed)
• Remove if possible
• May indicate damage
• Call if persists

7. Frequent Resets Needed

Causes:

• Overheating motor
• Electrical issues
• Weak or failing motor
• Circuit problems

Solutions:

• Allow motor to cool (15 minutes)
• Use disposal for shorter periods
• Check electrical connections
• May need replacement

Signs of Failing Disposal:

• Resets needed frequently
• Loss of grinding power
• Persistent leaks
• Age over 10-15 years

Santa Fe-Specific Considerations

Hard Water Effects:

• Mineral buildup accelerates
• More frequent cleaning needed
• Affects grinding efficiency
• Consider water softener

Septic System Homes:

• Use disposal sparingly
• Adds solids to septic tank
• More frequent pumping needed
• Consider composting instead

Adobe Home Plumbing:

• Older pipes may not handle disposal well
• Professional installation critical
• May need drain upgrades
• Consider plumbing system capacity

High Altitude:

• No direct effect on disposal
• Affects connected plumbing
• Cold groundwater beneficial
• Standard units work fine

When to Replace vs. Repair

Repair If:

• Unit less than 8 years old
• Minor jam or reset issue
• Simple leak at connection
• Cost-effective fix available

Replace If:

• Unit over 10-15 years old
• Motor failure
• Cracked housing
• Repeated problems
• Upgrading kitchen

Choosing a New Disposal

Size/Power Ratings:

1/3 HP (Budget):

• Light use
• 1-2 people
• $75-$150
• Basic performance

1/2 HP (Standard):

• Moderate use
• 2-4 people
• $100-$200
• Good performance

3/4 HP (Premium):

• Heavy use
• 4+ people
• $200-$300
• Excellent performance

1 HP (Professional):

• Very heavy use
• Large families
• $300-$500
• Best performance

Features to Consider:

• Noise insulation
• Stainless steel components
• Auto-reverse function
• Continuous feed vs. batch feed
• Warranty length

Top Brands:

• InSinkErator
• Waste King
• KitchenAid
• Moen

Professional Installation

Why Hire a Professional:

Safety:

• Electrical connections
• Plumbing modifications
• Proper disposal of old unit
• Code compliance

Proper Setup:

• Correct mounting
• Leak-free connections
• Optimal performance
• Warranty protection

Lobo Tech Installation Services:

• Old disposal removal
• New disposal installation
• Testing and demonstration
• Cleanup included
• Same-day service available

Installation Cost: $150-$300 (plus disposal unit)

Environmental Considerations

Disposal vs. Composting:

Garbage Disposal Pros:

• Convenient
• Reduces landfill waste
• Processed at treatment plant
• Quick and easy

Composting Pros:

• Creates useful soil amendment
• Zero waste
• Better for septic systems
• More sustainable

Best Practice:

• Compost when possible
• Use disposal for non-compostables
• Combine both methods
• Reduce overall waste

Water Usage:

• Disposals require water
• Use only what's needed
• Don't run excessively
• Balance convenience with conservation

Cost Breakdown

Repair Costs:

• Reset/unjam: $75-$150
• Leak repair: $100-$200
• Motor replacement: $150-$300
• Often better to replace old units

Replacement Costs:

• Budget disposal: $75-$150
• Mid-range disposal: $150-$250
• Premium disposal: $250-$500
• Installation: $150-$300
• Total: $225-$800

Maintenance Costs:

• DIY cleaning: $5-$10/month (supplies)
• Professional service: $100-$150
• Preventive maintenance saves money

Emergency Situations

Call Immediately For:

• Electrical sparking or burning smell
• Severe leaking
• Complete drain blockage
• Unit won't reset despite troubleshooting
• Safety concerns

Lobo Tech Emergency Service:

• Available 24/7
• Fast response
• Expert diagnosis
• Same-day solutions
• Call: 505-316-4231

Prevention Checklist

Daily:

☐ Run cold water before, during, and after use ☐ Feed food gradually ☐ Let disposal run completely ☐ Avoid forbidden items

Weekly:

☐ Ice and salt cleaning OR ☐ Baking soda and vinegar treatment ☐ Citrus peel freshening ☐ Inspect for leaks

Monthly:

☐ Deep clean with disposal cleaner ☐ Check reset button area for moisture ☐ Test operation ☐ Inspect under sink for issues

Annually:

☐ Professional inspection (optional) ☐ Evaluate disposal performance ☐ Plan for replacement if aging ☐ Review maintenance routine

Tips for Longer Disposal Life

1. Use it regularly - Weekly use prevents corrosion
2. Cold water always - Protects motor and pipes
3. Grind citrus peels - Monthly freshening
4. Avoid overloading - Small amounts at a time
5. Run completely - Don't stop mid-grind
6. Keep it clean - Weekly maintenance routine
7. Proper foods only - Respect the limits
8. Fix leaks quickly - Prevents damage
9. Address jams promptly - Don't force it
10. Professional service - When needed, don't delay

Common Myths Debunked

Myth: Running hot water helps

• False: Cold water is essential

Myth: Eggshells sharpen blades

• False: No blades to sharpen, and shells can cause issues

Myth: Ice sharpens blades

• False: Ice cleans, doesn't sharpen (no blades exist)

Myth: All food waste is okay

• False: Many foods damage disposals

Myth: Disposals are environmentally bad

• Mixed: Better than landfill, not as good as composting

Professional Services

Lobo Tech Disposal Services:

• Repair and troubleshooting
• New disposal installation
• Disposal removal
• Drain cleaning
• Plumbing system evaluation
• Emergency service 24/7

Service Area:

• All of Santa Fe
• Los Alamos
• Española
• Surrounding communities

Call now for expert garbage disposal service: 505-316-4231

Keep your Santa Fe kitchen running smoothly with proper garbage disposal care. When problems arise, trust Lobo Tech for fast, professional service!