Frequently Asked Questions About Sink Garbage Disposal

As property owners in and around Austin (78749) and Central Texas, garbage disposals can quickly become our worst nightmare. And that's where plumbing specialists such as Abacus residential and commercial plumbers come in. We have the expertise and resources to get your sink and garbage disposal unit running smoothly again in no time.

Understanding the importance of a properly functioning sink and garbage disposal system, we've created this article to answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs). This will ensure that you arm yourself with the knowledge and resources to tackle any issues with your sink and garbage disposal unit quickly and easily.

What Is a Garbage Disposal Unit?

A garbage disposal unit, also known as a food waste disposer, is an appliance located underneath the sink. It's used to quickly and conveniently grind up food garbage, such as remnants of food, as opposed to placing them in a trash can. This not only saves time but also helps to keep the sink drains and pipes unclogged and free from grease and grime.

Any Tips on Maintenance?

An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure, and that's certainly true when it comes to garbage disposal units. It's important to practice proper maintenance to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the unit and its components.

Plenty of materials should never be put down a disposal unit such as oils, cooking grease, cooked food, and potatoes -- These can cause clogs and other potential damages to your plumbing system. Avoid citrus peels as they can cause corrosion in the disposal, and it's best to reduce silverware and other metals from being put down the disposal. You should also consider getting an annual tune-up and check-up to keep your garbage disposal in tip-top condition.

How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Unit Last?

Taking proper and good care of a garbage disposal unit can help prolong its life. Generally speaking, it should last around 10 to 12 years. As with any equipment, the more you use it, the quicker it will wear out so make sure to replace it as soon as problems start arising.

What if I Have a Clog?

One of the most common problems associated with garbage disposal units is clogging. Although the unit itself won't usually get clogged, the plumbing can and will. If clogs are neglected, they can cause serious damage to your plumbing system as well as create unpleasant odors.

At Abacus, we recommend flushing any food waste down the disposal with water. You can also try running your disposal without any food waste for a few seconds (being careful not to put any other objects - such as silverware - down the disposal). If the clog persists, it's probably better to contact our plumbing specialists to handle it for you.

Should I Use Liquid Drain Cleaners?

Due to the corrosive properties of the substances found in liquid drain cleaners, these should only be used as a last resort. Not only is the chemical content of these cleaners unnecessarily harmful to the unit, but also mistaken misuse can cause serious damage to your sink and plumbing pipes.

Rather than resorting to the use of strong chemicals, you could consider pre-cleaning the drain before using the garbage disposal and then running hot water down the drain afterwards. You may also want to call up our local plumbing team in Austin (78749), Central Texas to take a closer look at the situation.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Clogged Sinks

Drain Cleaners.