Top 6 Tips for Taking Care of Your Waste Disposal Unit

The humble waste disposal unit has become an essential feature in many modern kitchens, providing a quick and convenient way to manage food waste. However, like any appliance, it requires proper care and maintenance to make it function efficiently and last for years. Neglecting your waste disposal unit, or using it improperly, can lead to unpleasant odours, clogs, and even costly repairs.

In this guide, we'll explore practical tips to keep your waste disposal unit in tip-top condition.

Refrain From Grinding Food That Can Damage the Unit

A waste disposal unit is designed to handle most common kitchen scraps, but not all foods are suitable for grinding. For instance, fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, and potato peels can cause significant strain on the motor and may even lead to blockages. Similarly, hard items like large bones and nutshells can also easily damage the blades, rendering the unit inefficient or even broken. To avoid these issues, it’s best to refrain from placing such items into the unit. Instead, dispose of them in your regular waste bin or compost them if possible. Taking care to only grind appropriate food waste will prolong the lifespan of your waste disposal unit and prevent costly repairs.

Avoid Grinding Non-Food Items

While it might seem convenient to dispose of all types of waste in your food disposal unit, it’s crucial to remember that non-food items should never be ground up. Materials such as plastic, glass, metal, and paper can cause severe damage to the internal components, including the motor and the blades. Even small pieces of packaging or disposable items can damage the unit and cause blockages in your plumbing. Always double-check that no non-food items are accidentally left behind in your waste disposal unit so you can always keep it in good shape.

In Case of Issues, Have Your Unit Inspected by Qualified Plumbers

Even with regular maintenance, issues can occasionally arise with your waste disposal unit. If you notice persistent odours, unusual noises, or a noticeable decrease in performance, don’t ignore them. Instead, contact a qualified plumber to inspect the unit. 

Attempting to fix complex plumbing issues yourself could lead to further damage or even void your warranty. When you let a professional plumber take care of the task, they can accurately diagnose the problem and carry out necessary repairs, ensuring your unit is restored to optimal working condition. If you’re looking for qualified plumbers Dunedin residents trust, contact Mains Plumbers. Our team will provide prompt, reliable service to get your waste disposal unit back in working order without the hassle. Mains Plumbers has been delivering excellent emergency plumbing services for years, so you can rest assured that we’re prepared to take care of any issue, big or small, with precision and efficiency.

Use Cold Water When Using the Waste Disposal Unit

When operating your waste disposal unit, always run it with cold water. Hot water can melt fats and oils, causing them to coat the inside of the pipes and potentially lead to blockages. Meanwhile, cold water helps to solidify any grease or fat that might be present in the waste, making it easier for the disposal unit to break it down. This simple step also prevents greasy clogs and keeps pipes clear. 



Additionally, cold water helps to cool the motor of the disposal unit. This reduces the risk of overheating and ensures the unit runs smoothly. Once the grinding has stopped, run the water for at least 30 seconds more to flush away any leftover waste.

Don’t Overfill the Unit

Overloading your waste disposal unit is a common mistake that can lead to clogs, jams, and even damage to the motor. While it might be tempting to toss large amounts of waste into the unit at once to get things done quicker, it’s essential to feed waste gradually to ensure the disposal system has enough time to grind and process each load before adding more. Moreover, always give the unit a moment to grind before adding more waste, as this prevents overworking the motor and helps avoid blockages. By being mindful of the quantity of waste you’re feeding into the unit, you can keep it running smoothly and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Run Your Waste Disposal Unit Regularly

Even if you don’t generate a lot of food waste every day, it’s a good idea to run your waste disposal unit regularly. If left unused for long periods, your unit may experience performance issues when finally put to work; thus, running it on a routine basis can help avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

Regular use also maintains the motor and ensures that everything is working as it should, keeps the blades sharp, and ensures that any waste build-up in the pipes is flushed away before it can harden or cause clogs. What’s more, this practice helps keep your waste disposal unit smelling fresh, preventing stagnation and reducing the likelihood of unpleasant odours or bacterial growth that can result from accumulated food waste.

Taking care of your waste disposal unit may seem like a minor chore that you can ignore every now and then. However, a little attention and routine maintenance can extend its life and keep it running smoothly. With these simple practices, you can keep your waste disposal unit in top condition for years to come.

Call Mains Plumbers at 03-488-6000 or 027-436-6058 if you need to have your waste disposal unit inspected or repaired. Our emergency services are available 24/7, so you can rest assured that we’ll be there to assist you whenever you need us. Visit our contact page and fill out the form for more information about our services.