Understanding insinkerator maintenance is crucial for any homeowner who values a smoothly functioning kitchen. Garbage disposals, such as those manufactured by InSinkErator, offer convenience, but neglecting their care can lead to problems. Plumbing systems, already complex, can suffer further complications from a poorly maintained disposal. Ignoring preventative measures for insinkerator maintenance often results in needing the expertise of a qualified plumber. So, let’s delve into how you can keep your InSinkErator running optimally.
Image taken from the YouTube channel The Honest Carpenter , from the video titled GARBAGE DISPOSAL NOT WORKING?! Try These Easy Fixes! (3 Sink Disposal Repairs…More Tips + Tricks!) .
InSinkErator Maintenance: Avoid Costly Repairs!
Maintaining your InSinkErator is crucial to avoid expensive repairs down the line. A little preventative care goes a long way in extending its lifespan and keeping your kitchen running smoothly. This article will guide you through essential insinkerator maintenance steps.
Why is InSinkErator Maintenance Important?
Regular insinkerator maintenance prevents clogs, jams, unpleasant odors, and ultimately, motor failure. Ignoring maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even the need for a complete replacement.
- Prevent Clogs: Food debris build-up is a major cause of clogs. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.
- Extend Lifespan: Proper care extends the life of the motor and other components.
- Eliminate Odors: Decomposing food particles create foul smells. Cleaning helps keep your disposal smelling fresh.
- Avoid Repairs: Simple maintenance tasks can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
Essential InSinkErator Maintenance Steps
Following these steps will help you keep your InSinkErator in top condition.
1. Regular Flushing
Flushing the disposal regularly is a simple yet effective maintenance task.
- How to Flush: Run cold water for about 30 seconds before and after using the disposal.
- Why it Works: Cold water solidifies grease, allowing it to be ground up and flushed away instead of clinging to the disposal’s walls.
2. Cleaning with Ice and Salt
This combination acts as a natural abrasive to scrub away debris.
- Ingredients: 1 cup of ice cubes, 1/2 cup of coarse salt (rock salt is ideal).
- Procedure:
- Turn on the cold water to a steady stream.
- Add the ice and salt to the disposal.
- Turn on the disposal until the ice is completely ground.
- Continue running the water for another 30 seconds.
- Frequency: Perform this cleaning every 1-2 weeks.
3. Using Citrus Peels for Odor Control
Citrus peels contain natural oils that help break down grease and freshen the disposal.
- Suitable Peels: Lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit peels.
- Procedure:
- Cut the peel into small pieces.
- Turn on the cold water to a steady stream.
- Drop the peels into the disposal and turn it on until they are ground.
- Frequency: Use citrus peels as needed to freshen the disposal.
4. Removing Jams and Blockages
Sometimes, food particles can cause jams. Here’s how to safely remove them:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the power to the disposal by turning off the breaker switch.
- Use Tongs or Pliers: Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any visible debris from the disposal chamber. Never put your hand inside.
- Check the Reset Button: Most disposals have a reset button located on the bottom. Press the reset button after removing any visible obstructions.
- Test: Restore power and run the disposal with cold water. If it still doesn’t work, repeat steps 1-3 or consult a professional.
5. Avoiding Problematic Foods
Certain foods are known to cause problems in insinkerators. Avoid putting these items down the drain:
| Food Item | Reason for Avoidance |
|---|---|
| Coffee Grounds | Can clump together and clog drains. |
| Rice/Pasta | Expands with water and can create a sticky mess. |
| Grease/Oil | Solidifies and clogs drains. |
| Bones | Can damage the disposal blades. |
| Fruit Pits/Seeds | Too hard to grind and can damage the disposal. |
| Onion Skins | Can get stuck to the disposal walls and create odors. |
| Celery Strings | Can wrap around the motor and cause jams. |
When to Call a Professional
While most insinkerator maintenance can be handled yourself, there are times when you should call a qualified plumber or appliance repair technician.
- Persistent Clogs: If you’ve tried the above methods and the disposal is still clogged.
- Unusual Noises: Loud grinding or rattling noises can indicate a problem with the motor or blades.
- Leaks: Any water leaks from the disposal unit should be addressed immediately.
- Electrical Issues: If the disposal repeatedly trips the breaker, there may be an electrical problem.
- Lack of Power: If the reset button does not restore power to the disposal.
InSinkErator Maintenance FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about insinkerator maintenance and how to avoid costly repairs.
What are the most common causes of insinkerator failures?
The most common causes are improper disposal of items like bones, grease, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetables. These can clog the drain lines and damage the motor. Regular insinkerator maintenance, including flushing with cold water, can prevent buildup.
How often should I clean my InSinkErator?
You should clean your InSinkErator at least once a month. A simple method is to grind ice cubes and lemon or lime rinds. This helps to dislodge food particles and freshen the unit. This simple insinkerator maintenance step helps extend its life.
What can I do if my InSinkErator is jammed?
First, turn off the power at the breaker. Then, use tongs or pliers to remove any visible obstructions. There may be a reset button located on the bottom of the unit; press it to reset the motor. Always follow safety precautions during insinkerator maintenance and unjamming.
Are there any foods that should never go in my InSinkErator?
Yes, certain foods are definite no-nos. Avoid putting grease, oil, bones, eggshells, pasta, rice, and coffee grounds down the drain. These items can create clogs and damage the blades, leading to costly repairs and requiring more thorough insinkerator maintenance.
Hopefully, you’ve picked up some helpful tips to keep your InSinkErator humming along nicely! With a little regular care and attention to insinkerator maintenance, you can dodge those annoying and expensive plumbing bills. Happy disposing!