Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious feasts. But did you know that for homeowners of Gilbert and Mesa, Arizona, Thanksgiving is also notorious for plumbing problems related to garbage disposals? As your trusted local plumbers, we’re here to help you avoid garbage disposal disasters this Thanksgiving. Follow our tips to ensure a clog-free and stress-free holiday celebration.
Be Mindful of What Goes In:
Your garbage disposal is a powerful appliance, but it’s not invincible. Avoid the following items to prevent clogs and damage:
- Bones: Turkey bones and other hard bones should never go down the disposal.
- Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): Don’t pour FOG down the drain; it can solidify and clog pipes.
- Stringy or Fibrous Foods: Celery, onion skins, and corn husks can wrap around the disposal blades.
- Starchy Foods: Foods like potato peels and pasta can expand in water and lead to blockages.
Cut Scraps into Small Pieces
Before sending scraps down the disposal, cut them into small pieces.
- Why Small Pieces: Smaller pieces are easier for the disposal to handle, reducing the risk of jams.
Run the Disposal with Water
After putting scraps in the disposal, continue running cold water for a few seconds.
- Why Water Matters: Water helps flush the food particles down the drain, preventing buildup.
- Why Use Cold Water: Always run cold water, not hot, when using your garbage disposal.Cold water helps solidify fats and oils, making it easier for the disposal to break them down.
Avoid Overloading
Don’t overload the disposal with too much food at once.
- Why Overloading is Risky: Too much food can overwhelm the disposal, leading to jams and clogs.
Don’t Skip Cleaning
Regular cleaning can prevent unpleasant odors and keep your disposal running smoothly.
- How to Clean: Run a few ice cubes and a handful of salt through the disposal to clean and sharpen the blades.
- Use Citrus Peels: Tossing citrus peels (like from oranges or lemons) into the disposal can help freshen it up.
- Why Citrus Works: Citrus peels naturally combat odors and leave a fresh scent.
No Non-Food Items
Your disposal is designed for food scraps only. Never put non-food items down the drain. We’ve already mentioned what food to avoid, but also don’t let anyone put rubber bands, twist ties, and other non-food items down the drain, it’s a food disposal, not a trash disposal!
Stay Prepared
Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. Be prepared with these tips:
- Plunger: Keep a designated clean kitchen plunger handy in case of minor clogs.
- Disposal Reset: If the disposal jams, locate the reset button on the unit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reset it.
- Know When to Call: If you encounter a stubborn clog or disposal issue, don’t hesitate to call your local plumbing experts. We’re here to help, even on holidays!
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast without the worry of garbage disposal disasters. Remember that proper care and responsible disposal practices are the keys to a trouble-free holiday celebration. If you ever need assistance with your garbage disposal or encounter plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 480-388-6093. We’re here to ensure your Gilbert and Mesa home runs smoothly, especially during the holiday season!