Even if your sink looks clean, it doesn’t always mean it is. Using your sink throughout the day isn’t enough to keep your drain clear of debris and bacteria. If you’re not regularly cleaning your sink disposal, you may experience blocked drains or bad odors. Here are some simple tips for cleaning your sink disposal that you can try today to avoid an emergency plumbing service for a clogged disposal.
Freshen Up Your Kitchen
One of the simplest ways to clean your sink disposal doesn’t even require harsh chemicals. All you need to do is mix baking soda and vinegar together. As soon as the solution reacts, pour it down the drain. The reaction will help clear out gunk and debris and will keep your drain working correctly.
There may be a lingering smell even after clearing out your drain. Simply use citrus and hot water. Squeeze lemons in a pot of boiling water and pour it down the drain following the baking soda and vinegar mixture. The hot water will clear out any remaining debris and the lemon juice will make your sink smell fresh and clean.
Use a Plunger
Having a dedicated plunger for your sink can be effective for removing difficult clogs from the drain. If you have a double sink, block the second drain to seal the drain system and allow the plunger to work correctly. Plunging the disposal drain can help dislodge any food or debris that may be stuck.
Remove Large Objects
You can cause serious damage to your disposal system if something gets caught in the drain and you flip the disposal switch. Things like small utensils and cups can fall down the disposal and become lodged in the system. Be sure to check your disposal before using it.
Safety is extremely important when checking your disposal for objects. Never blindly reach into the disposal. Use tongs to remove anything that shouldn’t be in there if you can.
If there is broken glass in your disposal, which happens more than you’d think, call the professionals at Plumbing by Jake so we can safely remove the glass and make sure your system works correctly.
What Not to Do
Once your sink disposal is clean, it’s important to do everything you can to keep it that way. One common mistake many homeowners make is continually pouring grease into the disposal. The grease will eventually congeal and cause a blockage. Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery down the disposal as well.
One of the easiest ways to cause major issues with your disposal is by putting too much through the disposal at once. Overloading your disposal is the fastest way to cause a malfunction. While it’s usually a quick fix, sometimes food can lodge in the disposal and require extensive repairs.
When You Need Help
Even the cleanest kitchen drains need occasional plumbing work. Whether you need routine repairs or an emergency plumbing service, the experts at Plumbing by Jake are here to help. To schedule your next plumbing service, book online now!
