Plumbing Insight – Garbage Disposals & Their Myths
Garbage disposals are usually used multiple times per day in most homes. Most people can’t imagine meal clean-up without a garbage disposal. And, now more than ever, disposals are considered a given in a modern kitchen – no longer a luxury, but standard appliance.
Like any widely used product, there are facts about garbage disposals as well as fiction. There is information passed on from homeowner to homeowner, some of it fact based and some information actually attains mythical status. And, while the internet offers the opportunity for people to be more informed, there is even more opportunity for misinformation or misunderstanding.
At Sauk Plains Plumbing and Pumps, we want to correct some misunderstandings and hopefully allow you to care for your garbage disposal. Our goal is to help our customers keep their disposals working well for years to come.
Major Myths About Garbage Disposals In Middleton WI
You can sharpen the blades with ice cubes – A common belief is if garbage disposals are not grinding down food, they should have their blades sharpened. And, to do so you can pour ice cubes into the disposal and sharpen the blades by turning it on. This doesn’t work. The reality is there are no sharp “blades” in garbage disposals. The impellers grinding organic waste are blunt. In fact, besides the ice cubes not doing any good, they may even cause damage. If your garbage disposal isn’t performing well, a repair is in order.
You should always pour hot water down the disposal when it’s running – It seems logical since hot water dissolves grease. However, when running a garbage disposal while pouring in hot water, there is a risk of overheating the unit. The hotter the water, the higher the risk. We recommend using cold water when clearing out your garbage disposal.
Disposals can handle any food product – This is false. Disposals are extremely tough. But, they are not invincible. Garbage disposals are engineered to grind down soft food particles. Hard items such as bones, gristle, corn cobs, and un-popped popcorn kernels are hard on garbage disposals and in time will contribute to a breakdown. A simple rule to follow is if your teeth can’t chew it, your disposal won’t either. Throw the hard stuff in the trash.
Garbage Disposals Are Machines And Will Need Service
We hope our reviewing the misconceptions of disposals will lead to a longer life for yours. It is just a fact that no matter how cautious you are when using your disposal; it may still break down at some point. When it does, the plumbing professionals at Sauk Plains Plumbing and Pumps will be there to help.
Sauk Plains Plumbing and Pumps are experts at installing and servicing garbage disposals in Dane County, a provide complete plumbing and well pump service in Cross Plains WI, Waunakee, Madison, Black Earth, Mount Horeb, Verona, Fitchburg and Middleton WI.
Call Sauk Plains Plumbing and Pumps at 608-798-2121 or email us for more information about garbage disposals in Middleton WI.