How To Properly Maintain Your Garburator To Avoid Costly Repairs

May 19, 2023

How-to-Properly-Maintain-Your-Garburator-to-Avoid-Costly-Repairs

Garburators, also known as garbage disposals, are essential appliances in modern kitchens. If you desire a spotless and fresh-smelling kitchen, a garburator is an essential appliance to consider. They are designed to grind and dispose of food waste. Hiring a professional plumbing contractor can help you in the installation and repair of your garburators.

However, like any other appliance, regular garburator maintenance is essential for its effective functioning. If maintained properly, you can save on costly repairs and keep your kitchen running smoothly. In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how you can manage garburator maintenance and save money. Let’s first start with the introduction of a garburator and see how it works.

What Is A Garburator?

A garburator is an electrically powered device that is installed under the kitchen sink. It consists of a motor that powers a spinning plate with blades attached to it. When you turn on a garburator, the plate spins and grinds up food waste that has been pushed into it. It shreds the food pieces and makes them small enough to pass through your plumbing.

Tips To Maintain A Garburator

Now that you know what a garburator is, here is how you can maintain it for long-term and safe use.

Keep Your Garburator Clean

One of the most critical steps in maintaining your garburator is keeping it clean. A well-kept garburator can work efficiently for the longer term. Food waste can quickly accumulate in your garburator and cause unpleasant odours and clogs. This can also cause damage to the blades.

Here are three simple steps to help you maintain the cleanliness of your garburator:

  • Don’t forget to clean the blades and interior with soap and water regularly.
  • Use citrus peels or ice cubes to clean and sharpen the blades.
  • Avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the garburator, as they can solidify and cause clogs.

Use Cold Water

Try to always use cold water in your garburator. It helps solidify any food waste, making it easier for the garburator to grind and dispose of it. On the other hand, hot water can cause food waste to liquefy, leading to clogs and damage to the blades.

Also read: Things That Can Be Fatal For Your Garburator

Do Not Overload Your Garburator

Another important step for garburator maintenance is to avoid overloading it. They are not designed to handle large quantities of food waste or non-food items. Frequent overloading can cause the blades to become dull and the motor to burn out. To avoid overloading your garburator, follow these guidelines:

  • Cut large food waste into smaller pieces
  • Avoid disposing of non-food items such as plastic, metal, or glass
  • Do not pour large quantities of food waste down the garburator at once

Run Your Garburator Regularly

Running your garburator regularly is an essential step in maintaining its effectiveness. Regular use helps keep the blades sharp, prevents clogs, and ensures the garburator is in top working condition. To ensure the durability of your garburator, it is important to use it regularly but with caution, as infrequent use can lead to rust and potential damage.

Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Cleaning is essential for garburator maintenance. But if you use chemical drain cleaners, you need to stop right now. These cleaners can cause significant damage to your garburator. The harsh chemicals can corrode the blades and cause leaks, leading to costly repairs.

Instead of using chemical cleaners, try using natural drain cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar. They will clean your drains without harming your garburator.

Avoid Certain Foods

Some foods can cause serious problems for your garburator. These foods include, but are not limited to:

  • Grease or fat
  • Bones
  • Coffee grounds
  • Eggshells
  • Pasta or rice
  • Fibrous vegetables (e.g. celery)

If you wish to extend the lifespan of your garburator, it is advisable to refrain from disposing of the following foods down your drain.

When To Call A Professional

We’ve provided several tips for maintaining your garburator at home, but there may be instances where you require the assistance of a professional. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to seek the services of a garburator repair expert:

  • Persistent clogs
  • Strange noises
  • Jammed spinning plate
  • Leaks
  • Inability to turn on

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, don’t try to fix them yourself. Garburators contain sharp blades and electrical components that can be dangerous if mishandled. A professional plumber will have the tools and expertise to fix the problem safely and effectively.

About Us

At Jack’d Up Plumbing, we are dedicated to providing exceptional plumbing services to our clients. Our team of highly skilled and experienced plumbers takes pride in completing each job to the highest standards. We offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties at affordable rates.

Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency plumbing services, our team is always ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your plumbing needs.