Garbage disposals are a modern luxury that can be taken for granted. We want our customers to know some of the most common reasons why their garbage disposals break so they can avoid a potentially costly repair in the future. Here are some of the most frequent problems our plumbers see in homes around Philadelphia:

Damage caused by lack of running water when grinding
Old equipment that needs to replaced
Bent, damaged, or broken fly wheel
Improper maintenance and care

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the DIY garbage disposal tips below to help prevent unnecessary repairs in the future.

Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal for Your Home

Garbage disposals come in many shapes, sizes and features today. There is no one-size-fits-all solution like there was 20 years ago. Our plumbers will help you determine which garbage disposal will best meet your usage and feature requirements. With the plethora of options, this is the best bet to ensure you will be happy with your purchase.

DIY Garbage Disposal Tips

Avoid Larger Size Garbage Avoid putting anything large down your drain. If you can, you should always throw and scraps or trash in the real garbage. Items like grease, oil, pasta, potato skins and egg shells should also be avoided.
Always Run Water Running cold water when you run your garbage disposal will help get rid of waste as it becomes ground and help reduce clogs. It also works to lubricate the motor, bearings and blades. Run for at least 30 seconds after you stop the disposal.
Use Ice Cubes Ice cubes help clean the sharp-edged blades and ensure your waste is being properly ground. Don’t forget to run cold water still!
Grind Orange Peels If your disposal starts to smell, try putting some citrus or orange peels down the drain. Remember, the rinds should be cut small and the water should be running.