Garbage disposal units can help you eliminate food remnants more easily. However, they have their limits and only perform well when people clean them regularly. Let’s take a look at the major pros and cons of garbage disposals:

Pros of Garbage Disposals

1. This equipment reduces the risk of plumbing problems by shredding food debris. Nevertheless, a disposal unit or pipe could still become clogged if you try to grind up excessively large items.
2. It’s convenient because you can banish small food scraps and excess liquids in the same place. You might avoid having to carry dishes to both the sink and trash can.
3. A garbage disposal unit costs less than most appliances and plumbing fixtures. If you decide to sell your house, you could add this equipment to the list of amenities.

Cons of Garbage Disposals

1. Like any machine, it eventually needs repair or replacement. It will slightly increase the total cost of owning your home. Fortunately, many units last up to a decade when used and maintained properly.
2. This device needs electricity and water, so it may raise your utility bills by modest amounts. To minimize the extra cost, remember to use cold water when running a garbage disposal unit.
3. You’ll have to clean it from time to time. Otherwise, it will produce an unpleasant odor. You can use several different cleaning products, tools and techniques to banish smelly food residues.

Do’s

• Reduce odors with vinegar, dish detergent or pieces of lemon.
• Shut off the power before cleaning the unit with a bottle brush.
• Only grind small food scraps, crumbs and eggshell fragments.

A garbage disposal unit can eliminate coffee grounds in limited quantities, but you shouldn’t put coffee beans in it. Some vegetable remnants are acceptable (avoid skins and peels).

Dont’s

• Never dispose of plastic, rice, pasta, corn cobs, fat or grease.
• The same goes for celery, kernels, seeds, seafood and anything large.
• Don’t try to sharpen it; none of the components need sharpening.

Take the time to read the instructions carefully. Remember the importance of an object’s size. The unit will grind up fragments of eggshell, but that doesn’t mean you should feed it an entire shell.

The experienced professionals at Knight’s Mechanical can handle any plumbing issue, large or small. If you need a new garbage disposal or kitchen plumbing repairs, please call our office in Cecilia, Kentucky, at 270-765-4141 today.