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Need to Fix Garbage Disposal Issues? Try These Simple Tips

How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Problems

Homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their workload between work, activities, and running kids to various places. One major convenience they use in the kitchen is the garbage disposal. 

This appliance can be a big help—until it stops working. A garbage disposal malfunction can quickly lead to foul odors and backups.

In this post, plumbers in Denton, TX, explain how households can avoid garbage disposal problems. These include watching what types of food are put down the drain, running cold water while using the system, and limiting how much food is placed in the unit at once. 

Foods You Should Never Put Down the Garbage Disposal

sinkOne of the most common reasons garbage disposals malfunction is because the wrong types of foods are put into the unit. This can wreck the blades and lead to clogs and other problems.

While various types of foods can cause issues, some of the worst types of foods to put down the disposal are fruit pits, bones, fibrous vegetables, and stringy foods. Soft food like coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, cooked pasta, fruit cores, grease, and oils should be avoided. These can cause coatings in the unit and lead to blockages.

Why You Should Run Cold Water Down the Garbage Disposal

sinkA simple way for homeowners to keep their garbage disposals functioning is to run cold water while the unit runs. 

While this is easy, it’s also essential. Running cold water while grinding food can prevent blockages from forming in the garbage disposal and the drain, resulting in a clean garbage disposal. It will also prevent the unit from overheating. If the system gets too hot while running, food scraps can bake onto the blades, damaging the system and leading to foul odors in the house.

Another simple task is to put ice cubes down the garbage disposal. This will dislodge any lingering food particles and help sharpen the blades. 

How to Limit the Amount of Food Down a Garbage Disposal

When homeowners are in a hurry, they can scrape the food leftovers and dispose of them in the garbage bin. This helps them clean the plates faster but can also cause too much food to go down the drain at once, leading to clogs.

To avoid this, homeowners must simultaneously limit how much food goes down the garbage disposal. They can cut larger pieces of food into smaller pieces to avoid blockages.

Homeowners should also look for signs that the garbage disposal is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced. Some key symptoms to watch for are slow drainage, loud garbage disposal humming noises, and a garbage disposal reset button that doesn’t work. When these occur, property owners need to call in the professionals!

About DRIP Plumbing

The team of experts at DRIP Plumbing provides quality plumbing and drain services to the Northern Denton County area. A family-owned and operated company, they offer same-day services and only hire trusted licensed plumbers. Call them today for garbage disposal services in Denton, TX, including repairs and replacements.

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Have a Stress-Free Trip With These Plumbing Tips

Prevent Plumbing Issues on Summer Vacation

Summer is an exciting and fun time. There are parties, picnics, hikes, and summer vacations. While this can be fun, a vacation can be ruined if a plumbing issue occurs while the family is away. A water leak or a pipe burst can result in massive water damage to the house – causing major and expensive repairs.

To avoid these problems, Denton, TX, plumbers recommend turning off the water supply, shutting off the water heater, and scheduling a plumbing system inspection.

Turn Off the Main Water Valve Before You Leave

water valve Homeowners put a lot of time and money into planning a family vacation. They don’t want the trip to be ruined by a plumbing issue. If a pipe bursts or leaks while the household is away, it can result in massive damage for homeowners upon their return. 

Fortunately, they can prevent these problems by turning off their main water line. Turning off the main water shutoff valve is a simple step that can benefit homeowners. These can include:

  • Prevention of major water damage from a burst pipe and a hefty repair bill. Turning off the water eliminates this risk.
  • Protecting the home from plumbing mishaps lets homeowners enjoy their well-deserved break.
  • Saving money by preventing wasted water and a higher water bill. Shutting off the water supply prevents this unnecessary expense.

By turning off the water, homeowners can ensure a worry-free vacation and avoid a potential plumbing headache upon their return.

Prevent Damage by Turning off the Water Heater

water heater Many homeowners perform numerous tasks while prepping for a trip – but they might overlook turning off their water heater. But taking this simple precaution can offer significant advantages to households:

  • Reduced risk of water damage: A malfunctioning water heater while the homeowner is away can lead to a nightmarish return – a flooded house. Turning it off eliminates the possibility of leaks or bursts causing water damage to their property.
  • Energy savings: Since hot water is not required during the household’s absence, the heater does not need to cycle constantly on and off. Turning it off translates to potential energy cost savings.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing their home is protected from potential water heater issues allows homeowners to relax and truly enjoy their vacation worry-free.

While some water heaters have a “vacation mode” setting that allows for lower temperature maintenance, completely turning it off during extended absences can assure homeowners their property is protected while they’re away.

Book Plumbing Inspections With Professionals

Homeowners should enjoy their vacations and not waste time worrying about plumbing problems. To get a worry-free getaway, homeowners should identify defects before they leave town:

  • Schedule a plumbing inspection with a trusted plumber: For ultimate peace of mind, homeowners should consider scheduling a professional plumbing inspection before their trip. A qualified plumber can thoroughly examine the entire system, identify potential leaks, drips, or weak spots, and address them proactively. This can prevent major issues from arising while the household is away.
  • Perform their own plumbing maintenance: Homeowners can also perform a DIY pre-vacation plumbing inspection. During these appointments, property owners should look for leaks around faucets, pipes, and the water heater tank. They should also check for cracks, drips, or any signs of water damage. Homeowners should listen for any out-of-the-ordinary gurgling, knocking, or other noise from their pipes. These may indicate clogs or blockages that worsen while they’re away. In addition, homeowners should visually inspect the water heater tank for leaks or signs of corrosion and ensure the pilot light is lit properly.

By following these steps, homeowners can take control of their home’s plumbing health before their vacation. 

About DRIP Plumbing

The experts at DRIP Plumbing perform quality plumbing services in the Denton area. A family-owned and operated company, they offer same-day services and hire trusted, licensed plumbers. Call them today for plumbing services in Denton, TX.

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