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Some extras tips to sink about..

Quick fix tips for your Garbage Disposal 

Is your garbage disposal jammed, clogged, leaking or not draining? Here are some pointers that can $ave you $$..

1) Push the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and then try it again.
2) Make sure the cord is plugged into a working electrical outlet or hardwired to an electrical box. If necessary reset the circuit breaker that supplies electrical power to it.
3) To clear a jam, insert a 1/4 hex wrench/Allen key into the hex shaped hole underside of the garbage disposal and crank in both directions (counter and clockwise) a few times to free up the flywheel/blades.
4) If you don't have a hex wrench/Allen key, disconnect the power, place a short broom stick or plunger handle into the disposal; push it down against one of the blades and try to rotate back and forth to free the jam. 

                  NEVER PLACE YOUR HAND INSIDE THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL          

Don't try to run the disposal if it hums, but doesn't grind. This could overheat and burnout the motor. If the motor has burnt out, you'll need to replace the garbage disposal. 
  • Leaks from the top of the garbage disposal re-seal and tighten the flange.
  • Leaks from the side of the garbage disposal, tighten the drain line connections and replace worn gaskets.
  • Leaks from the bottom of the garbage disposal (often from the rest button) commonly indicate that at least one seal on the interior shell of the unit that protects the motor has deteriorated, or that the shell casing itself has cracked. Best to buy a new disposal.
Water that hasn't drained out of the sink is usually due to a drain line clog/ blockage, and not a garbage disposal problem.

What can you put in the garbage disposal?
GOOD:
Cold Water (Not Hot) Water should be running the whole time the garbage disposal is on. Cold water is best because it solidifies grease and fatty foods. Hot water can cause overheating.

Small Bits of Food-small scraps of food left over on your plate after a meal is what a garbage disposal is intended for. Grind away! Avoid large amounts or big chunks.

Breads: Breads break up easily and dissolve quickly in water. Use plenty of water to avoid turning to paste. Avoid the whole loaf.

Cooked vegetables and meat.: Most cooked vegetables and meats are soft enough to grind up in the disposal with ease. Avoid bones and stringy vegetables.

Egg shells: This is a controversial subject, but they break up easily and are not heavy so they won't sit in your drain and build up. So go for it! The carton they come in is not okay

Ice Cubes and/or Rock salt: Yes, it makes a horrible noise, but ice will beat the rock salt around the blades and will help scrape things off and keep things clean. This will not sharpen the blades.

BAD: 
Bones, fruit pits, small pebbles. Generally speaking, if it is something that you can not chew up yourself then it should not go into your garbage disposal. Causes: Blade damage and clogs.

Grease, oil, greasy foods: Grease and oil do not mix well with your mechanic. It hardens when cooled and is very bad for septic systems. Causes: Clogs and gums up blades.

Pasta or Rice: Large quantities of rice and pasta expand in your pipes. Causes: Clogs up the pipes.

Stringy Vegetables: Things like celery or asparagus can wrap around the blades and stop them from spinning. Causes: Impede functionality.

Vegetable and Fruit peels: The exterior of most fruits and vegetables are harder than you think. A little at a time would be okay, but avoid a whole fruit salad fruit salad. Causes: Blade damage  and clogs. 

Other items to avoid: Stems, shrimp shells, cigarette butts, glass, plastic, banana peels, onion skins, nut shells, artichokes, silverware, rocks, jewelry, wood. 

               Call Smart plumber & Rooters at 408-247-2400



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