What not to do with your waste disposal, a general set of rules
We realise that not all waste disposals are made to the same quality and standard, and generally the more money you pay, the more ‘stuff’ you can stick down it.
To be sure of what your waste disposal can do, check the manual, or you could have a wasted disposal.
Here are some general rules for the lower-priced units, and units that you cannot find the manual for.
Try to limit the amount of grease, oil and fat you pour down the disposal. The ideal amount of these liquids (and semi-solids) is zero. These substances can easily coat your waste pipes leading to a blockage, and possibly a rancid smell. It is always best to dispose of these types of substances in the trash using a jar or can as a receptacle. Another good option is to wipe with a paper towel.
Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste. Counterintuitively, hot water may cause fats to congeal. These congealed fats can stick to the grinding mechanisms causing the motor to work harder than it is designed to. Running hot water through the waste disposal when the blades are not spinning is perfectly fine.
Ensure that you maintain water running through the disposal unit whilst it is still grinding. Ensure also that you are using an adequate amount of water. Often blockages are caused by stingy water usage. Only turn off the water once you can only hear the sound of the motor whirring. Turning the water off prematurely will leave food waste in the disposal, leading to smells at the very least
Don’t grind fibrous materials such as corn husks and the like. Trying to grind away animal skins is also not the best idea.
Don’t grind bone material unless expressly mentioned in your manual
Don’t grind any type of non-food waste such as flower stems, or hard materials such as glass and metal
Feed the disposal unit slowly with food waste. Do not try to grind a lot of food waste at once. This will lead to overload or blockage.
There you have it, a good set of rules to live by. To be certain of what you can put into your disposal, the first stop should always be the manufacturer's instructions.
If you have a blockage or another problem with your waste disposal, please don’t hesitate to call us for Auckland-wide service.