How to Prevent a Garbage Disposal Disaster on Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving holiday can place a lot of stress on a McAllen home's drains and sewers. The reason is that turkey dinners for large gatherings often result in extra food waste including fats from turkey and hams along with peelings. Clogs from the congealed fat in the drains are more likely, along with various other problems.
The garbage disposal is one of the most heavily abused appliances during the holidays and its failure can make preparing a holiday meal even more stressful. Here are some tips on how to avoid garbage disposal problems on Thanksgiving Day:
1. Avoid Overloading Your Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal may get overloaded due to the cook's inexperience with the appliance, or because they are stressed and need to get food finished in a hurry. Instead, waste should be placed into the appliance a little at a time. If possible, waste should be cut into smaller pieces to make it easier to grind.
2. Know Which Foods Should Not Go Into the Garbage Disposal
Fibrous food waste like celery and onion peels are difficult for the blades of the garbage disposal to grind. This makes them more likely to cause a blockage. Food waste like turkey skin and rice are not fibrous but may also be problematic for the appliance’s blades. Fats should definitely not be poured into a garbage disposal. Fats can harden and take on a consistency similar to wax. That waxy residue can cause clogs. A better way to dispose of cooking grease is to wipe pots out with paper towels and dispose of the paper towels in the trash.
3. Know How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal
For starters, you should run your garbage disposal regularly as this can help to prevent rust and keep all the parts moving properly. Make sure that when using it, you run it for a few seconds after it is clear. You should also run cold water while disposing of waste so that the pipes get flushed out. Cold water can help any grease to solidify so that it is chopped into smaller pieces before it gets to the trap. Warm water may liquefy fats and cause them to cling to the sides of the drains thus increasing the likelihood of a clog. Finally, throw a lime or an orange peel into the appliance. Not only will this remove any residue, it will help to get rid of any foul odors in your McAllen kitchen.
Don't get clogged up this Thanksgiving in your McAllen, TX home, call All Valley Plumbing today at (956) 686-6656.
