A Homeowner’s Guide to Garbage Disposal Care and Repair

🚰 Welcome to Your Guide for a Happy Garbage Disposal!

Your kitchen’s garbage disposal is a real superhero—it grinds up food scraps, keeping your drains clear and making kitchen cleanup a breeze. But even superheroes need a little care! At Regbon Plumbing, we’re here to help you prevent plumbing emergencies and keep your disposal running smoothly 24/7. Whether you need emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, leak detection, or fast garbage disposal repair near you, our team is ready to help.

Let’s dive in and keep your sink fresh, your disposal safe, and your kitchen plumbing in great shape! 🛠️🍽️

🌟 The Dos and Don’ts of Garbage Disposal Use

What You Should Do

• Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal. This helps flush food particles and keeps the disposal motor cool.
• Cut Food Scraps: Chop large pieces into smaller ones. This makes it easier for your disposal to grind them up.
• Use Regularly: Run your disposal often to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Clean with Ice and Citrus: Every so often, toss in some ice cubes and a few lemon peels. The ice sharpens the blades, and the citrus keeps things smelling fresh.
• Keep It Clear: After grinding food, let the water run for a few seconds to clear the drain completely.

What You Should NOT Put Down Your Disposal

🚫 Avoid these common clog-causers:

• Grease, Oil, or Fat: These cool and harden in your pipes, causing blockages.
• Fibrous Foods: Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes can tangle and jam the blades.
• Bones and Fruit Pits: Too hard for the blades—these can break your disposal.
• Coffee Grounds and Eggshells: They seem harmless, but they clump and clog pipes.
• Pasta, Rice, or Bread: These expand with water and can cause sticky clogs.
• Non-Food Items: Plastic, glass, paper, or metal should never go in your disposal.

🛑 How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Jams & Odors

Keeping your garbage disposal jam-free and smelling fresh is easier than you think!

Preventing Jams

• Feed Slowly: Don’t overload your disposal. Feed small amounts at a time while running cold water.
• Keep Hard Objects Out: Even a stray fork or spoon can cause big problems.
• Use the Reset Button: If the disposal jams, turn it off, unplug it, and press the reset button underneath.

Preventing Odors

• Use Citrus Fruits: Toss in some lemon or orange peels for a fresh scent.
• Baking Soda & Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean the splash guard with a small brush to remove trapped food particles.

🧰 Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Problems

Even with great care, problems can pop up. Here’s how you can fix some common issues—or know when it’s time to call Regbon Plumbing!

Disposal Won’t Turn On

• Check the Power: Make sure it’s plugged in.
• Reset the Unit: Press the red reset button on the bottom.
• Check the Circuit: If it still doesn’t work, check your electrical panel.

Disposal Is Jammed

• Turn Off Power: Always unplug the disposal or switch off the breaker before touching it.
• Use a Hex Key: Most disposals have a slot under the unit. Insert a hex key and turn it back and forth to free up the jam.
• Remove Visible Blockages: Use long tongs or pliers—never your hands!

Weird Noises or Humming

• Foreign Objects: Something could be stuck. Again, turn off the power and use tongs to remove it.
• Blades Are Stuck: Try the hex key trick above.

Clogs & Slow Drains

• Try Plunging: A plunger can often clear simple clogs.
• Don’t Use Chemical Cleaners: These can damage your pipes and disposal.
• For Persistent Clogs: Call Regbon Plumbing for safe, professional drain cleaning and garbage disposal repair near you.

⚠️ Safety Tips for Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Your safety always comes first! Here’s what every homeowner should keep in mind:

• Never Reach Inside: Always use tongs or pliers, never your hands.
• Unplug First: Always disconnect the disposal when fixing jams or cleaning.
• Keep Small Items Away: Jewelry, utensils, and dish rags can slip in and cause damage.
• Regular Inspection: If you notice leaks, strange smells, or odd noises, it’s best to have it checked.

🏡 Why Choose Regbon Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation?

When your garbage disposal stops working, your kitchen can come to a halt. That’s when Regbon Plumbing’s emergency plumbing services shine. We provide same-day garbage disposal repair, installation, and maintenance—so your kitchen gets back to normal, fast.

• 24/7 Emergency Plumbing: We’re ready day and night for sudden leaks, jams, or floods.
• Upfront Pricing: You’ll always know what to expect—no surprises.
• Fully Trained, Friendly Team: Our plumbers are skilled in all things kitchen plumbing, from unclogging sinks to full sewer line repair and water heater installation.
• Clean, Respectful Service: We treat your home like it’s our own.
• One-Stop Kitchen Plumbing: Sink repair, fixture installation, water filtration systems, pipe repair, and more.

Need a new garbage disposal? We install the latest models with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption to your family’s routine.

💡 Quick Tips for a Healthier Kitchen Plumbing System

1. Don’t Ignore Leaks: Even a tiny leak under the sink can become a big problem.
2. Use Strainers: A sink strainer catches food scraps before they reach your disposal.
3. Schedule Regular Maintenance: Preventative maintenance keeps your plumbing and appliances running longer.
4. Pay Attention to Water Pressure: High or low water pressure could be a sign of clogs or pipe issues.
5. Call for Sewer Line Inspection: If you have frequent clogs or slow drains, a sewer line inspection is a smart move.

🚨 When to Call Regbon Plumbing

You don’t have to tackle garbage disposal problems alone! Here are signs you need a pro:

• Disposal won’t turn on, even after resetting
• Strange noises, grinding, or humming that won’t stop
• Water leaking under the sink
• Persistent odors or slow drains
• You’re ready for a new, efficient garbage disposal

From emergency plumbing to preventative maintenance, Regbon Plumbing is your neighborhood’s trusted choice. We also handle drain cleaning, leak repair, toilet repair, kitchen and bathroom plumbing, gas line installation, sump pump repair, water heater repair and installation, repiping, backflow testing, sewer line inspection, water filtration systems, backflow prevention, boiler repair, and more—all near you!

📞 Stay Safe & Stress-Free: Call Regbon Plumbing Today!

Let Regbon Plumbing handle your garbage disposal repair or installation—so you can get back to the things that matter most. Whether it’s an emergency plumbing issue or you just want everything running smoothly, we’re here for you 24/7.

Questions? Need fast service?
Call Regbon Plumbing now at  1-888-909-2925  — your kitchen (and your peace of mind) will thank you! 🌟

Regbon Plumbing — Keeping Your Kitchen Flowing, One Home at a Time!