Garburators, also known as garbage disposals, are convenient kitchen appliances that help keep your kitchen clean by grinding food waste into small pieces that can be flushed down the drain. They save time, reduce waste, and help avoid unpleasant odors in your garbage bin. However, like any appliance, garburators require regular maintenance to ensure optimal functionality and safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use, maintain, and care for your garburator.
How Does a Garburator Work?
Garburators are simple yet effective appliances that use a motor-driven grinding mechanism to break down food scraps into small particles. These particles are then carried away through your plumbing system. Most garburators have a hopper (the part where food waste is placed), a rotating plate with blades, and a motor that powers the grinding action. When you turn the garburator on, food scraps are quickly ground into bits that flow down the drain.
What Can You Put in a Garburator?
To keep your garburator in good working order, it’s important to only put appropriate items into it. Here’s a list of food waste that is safe for your garburator:
- Small food scraps (from rinsing dishes).
- Soft fruits and veggies (like peeled apples or cucumbers) in small quantities
- Water (always run while using the garburator)
- Citrus peels (small pieces, especially helpful for a fresh scent)
- Ice (can give the blades a refresh)
Certain items can damage your garburator or clog your plumbing. Here’s a list of items to avoid putting in your garburator:
- FOGs – fats, oils and greases (can solidify and block pipes)
- Fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery, asparagus, and corn husks)
- Potato, rice, pasta and dough (turn into a sticky paste and cause clogs)
- Bones (even small ones can damage the blades)
- Coffee grounds (clump together and block pipes)
How to Clean Your Garburator
Cleaning your garburator regularly helps ensure it stays free of odors and debris, ensuring smooth operation. Here’s how you can clean it effectively:
- Turn off the power – Before cleaning, always make sure the garburator is turned off. You can unplug it or switch off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Clean the sink baffle – The rubber part that seals around the garburator’s opening can accumulate food particles. Clean it by using a brush and some warm, soapy water.
- Use ice cubes – Put a handful of ice cubes into the garburator and run cold water through it. The ice helps dislodge any stuck debris and sharpens the blades.
- Use baking soda and vinegar – For a deeper clean, pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
- Rinse with cold water – Always run cold water when using your garburator to prevent fats from solidifying in the pipes.
What to Do If Your Garburator Isn’t Working
If your garburator stops working, it can be frustrating. However, the first step is to check if the unit has power. If it doesn’t, check the circuit breaker or the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If the motor hums but doesn’t grind, it might be jammed. Try turning it manually with a special wrench (which typically comes with the garburator) to clear the obstruction.
However, if your garburator is beyond repair, it’s time for a replacement. Here at Service Pro, we specialize in garburator replacements rather than repairs. Our experienced team will help you find the right model for your kitchen, ensuring reliable performance for years to come. We typically use InSinkErator products.
Safety Tips for Small Children
While garburators are incredibly useful, they can pose safety risks to small children. Here are some important safety tips:
- Always supervise children around the sink – Make sure small children don’t have access to the garburator when it is in use. Never allow them to play near the appliance.
- Keep the switch out of reach – Install the power switch for the garburator in a location that is out of reach of young children to avoid accidental activation.
- Use a cover – A garburator cover can help prevent little hands from getting too close to the unit.
- Teach children about safety – If your children are old enough, educate them about the importance of not putting anything into the garburator and the dangers it poses.
Conclusion
Garburators are a great addition to any kitchen, helping with food waste disposal and keeping your kitchen clean. By following these simple tips on functionality, maintenance, and safety, you can ensure your garburator operates smoothly for years to come. If you ever encounter problems, remember that we offer garburator replacement services to get your kitchen back to working order quickly.
If you’re looking for expert help or a new garburator installation, don’t hesitate to contact Service Pro Plumbing in Campbell River. We’re here to assist with all your plumbing and appliance needs!