Garbage Disposal Questions

The following are some simple answers to frequently asked questions about garbage disposal.

Garbage disposals reduce food preparation time

What is the proper way to use a garbage disposal?

The following tips illustrate the proper way to use a disposal:

Use a strong flow of cold water running while the garbage disposal is running. This will solidify and fats and grease that could clog up your pipes.
Let the water run for a couple of seconds after you turn off the disposal to flush all debris down the drain line.
Avoid grinding any fibrous materials like curn husks, celery, etc. to avoid possible blockages.
Grinding small bones will help scour the grind chamber.

What should you avoid putting down a garbage disposal?

Use should avoid putting any of the following materials down a garbage disposal as the might damage the disposal or clog up the drain line:

Liquid fats and uncooked fat off meat
Fibrous materials such as corn husks, asparagus, vegetable and fruit peels, etc...
Pasta and rice.
Lye, chemical drain cleaners, bleach, etc...

Will a garbage disposal adversely affect the operation of a septic system?

It is strongly recommended that you do not use a garbage disposal when attached to a septic system. Excessive use of a garbage disposal can cause a septic system to prematurely fail. The septic system failure results from the garbage disposal discharging a finely ground mix of solid matter that will not completely settle in the septic tank. This fine material passes through the septic tank and then either completely clogs the distribution network of a pretreatment unit or clogs the distribution network of an absorption field. Some localities ban the use of garbage disposals with septic systems, so check with you local building department before adding a disposal.