A garburator (or garbage disposal) is a kitchen essential that makes cleanup easy. But did you know that improper use can lead to serious plumbing problems? Many homeowners unknowingly damage their garburators and pipes, leading to costly repairs. If you want to keep your kitchen running smoothly, avoid these common garburator mistakes that could be destroying your plumbing!
Putting the Wrong Things Down the Garburator
Your garburator is not a trash can! Some foods and materials can clog pipes, dull blades, or even break the motor. Avoid putting these down your garburator:
- Grease, fats, and oils (they solidify and clog pipes)
- Eggshells (the membrane can wrap around the blades)
- Coffee grounds (they form a sludgy mess in pipes)
- Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, onion skins tangle in the blades)
- Pasta, rice, and bread (they expand with water and create blockages)
- Bones, seafood shells, and fruit pits (too hard for the blades)
Instead, Toss these items in the trash or compost bin instead of the sink!
Running the Garburator Without Water
Water helps flush food particles through the system and prevents buildup in the pipes. Running the garburator dry can cause jams and motor strain.
Best practice: Always run cold water before, during, and after using your garburator to help move waste through the pipes.
Overloading the Garburator
Stuffing too much food waste at once can overwork the motor and lead to clogs. Your garburator is designed to handle small amounts of waste at a time.
Best practice: Feed food scraps gradually and allow the garburator to fully process each batch before adding more.
Using Hot Water While Grinding Food
Many people believe hot water helps break down food, but it melts grease and fat, which then coats your pipes and leads to blockages.
Best practice: Use cold water when running the garburator to keep fats solid and allow them to be ground properly before washing down the drain.
Neglecting Regular Cleaning
A dirty garburator can lead to foul odors, bacteria buildup, and reduced efficiency. Many homeowners forget to clean it until they notice a bad smell!
Easy cleaning tips:
- Run ice cubes and rock salt through the garburator to sharpen blades and remove buildup.
- Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down grime.
- Freshen it up with citrus peels (like lemon or orange).
Ignoring Strange Noises or Slow Draining
If your garburator is making grinding, humming, or rattling noises, or if your sink is draining slowly, it’s a sign of a problem. Ignoring these signs can lead to costly repairs down the line.
Best practice: If you notice issues, turn off the garburator immediately and check for blockages. If the problem persists, call a professional plumbing company in Surrey to inspect it before it gets worse!
Protect Your Plumbing with Smart Garburator Use!
Your garburator is convenient, but misuse can lead to clogged pipes, expensive repairs, and even total system failure. By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can keep your kitchen running smoothly and extend the life of your plumbing system.
At Guru Plumbing, we specialize in garburator installation surrey, and maintenance. If your garburator is acting up or your sink is draining slowly, don’t wait for a bigger problem! Contact Guru Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Surrey for fast, reliable service. Call Surrey plumber or visit to book an appointment!
