Garbage disposers are an often underrated kitchen appliance. Properly utilizing a garbage disposer will keep your kitchen plumbing in working order for many years longer than a kitchen without a disposer. It can prevent excessive buildup of old foods, oils and other waste products that can be carelessly or accidentally dropped down drains. This can also help expedite your dishwashing and rinsing routine.
Though they can be a lifesaver in terms of cooking and plumbing, there’s a lot that is misunderstood about garbage disposers. At McLay Services, we understand the importance of garbage disposers and to help our La Verne neighbors maintain a healthy plumbing system, we’ve put together a list of garbage disposer FAQs.
Common Questions Regarding Garbage Disposals
Is it really called a garbage disposal?
Despite common belief, the correct way to refer to your waste disposal system is garbage disposer. While most people call it a garbage disposal, industry experts have always known the proper name for this useful kitchen appliance. Next time your friends or family refer to it as a garbage disposal, you’ll be able to provide them with a bit of trivia.
What can I do to sharpen my garbage disposer?
There are many products sold and services offered to help tune-up a garbage disposer. However, there is a simple solution to sharpening your garbage disposer blades to maximize its effectiveness – ICE! Simply running ice from an old soft-drink or from your freezer through your disposer will help to sharpen its blades and keep it running smoothly. Run a tray of ice cubes through your garbage disposer once a month or more to ensure that it can handle whatever workload may come over the following month.
Are there any other brands other than Insinkerator?
Another common myth among La Verne homeowners is that the only brand of garbage disposers is Insinkerator. While Insinkerator has an impressive legacy in the industry, Moen has a product that surpasses its competitors in multiple categories –
- Reaches top speed quicker
- Takes up less footprint and is lighter
- Higher top speed
- Anti-Jam design
- Convenient mounting technology
- High torque performance
What should I not put in the garbage disposer?
It is not recommended to place hard, sharp or fibrous objects into a garbage disposer other than ice. Foods like celery, bone-in meats, pits, coffee grounds, oils, pasta, egg shells and fruit and vegetable skins are best placed directly into the waste bin.
How do I fix my broken garbage disposer?
Troubleshooting a garbage disposer is relatively simple as they are fairly user-friendly and don’t run into many common issues. The most common problem that arises with garbage disposers is a jam. To check a jam, be sure that the disposer is switched off AND unplugged. Objects like bones and silverware can sneak their way into a garbage disposer. You may also have to reset your garbage disposer, which is often located underneath the unit.
For more information on the Moen garbage disposer system, or for questions regarding the servicing of your garbage disposer, plumbing or HVAC systems, feel free to reach out to McLay Services at the number above.
