how does garbage disposal work

Plumbing

The answer to 'how does garbage disposal work' is that a garbage disposal is an electrical appliance installed under the kitchen sink that grinds up food waste into small pieces so it can be easily flushed down the drain. It has a motor that spins a set of metal impellers or blades to shred the food into a fine slurry that can be washed away by running water.

Garbage disposals help reduce the amount of food waste that goes into landfills by allowing it to be easily disposed of down the drain. They are convenient for quickly getting rid of food scraps, peels, and leftovers. Most disposals have an overload protection feature that will automatically shut off the motor if it becomes jammed or overloaded to prevent damage.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Turn on the disposal

    Press the button or switch to turn on the garbage disposal and start the motor.

  2. 2

    Feed in food waste

    With the disposal running, gradually feed food scraps into the drain opening. Avoid overloading it.

  3. 3

    Run water

    Run a steady stream of cold water to help flush the ground-up waste through the drain.

  4. 4

    Turn off disposal

    Once the food waste has been fully ground up, turn off the disposal and continue running the water for 30 seconds to fully clear the drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of food can I put in a garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals can handle most types of soft, non-fibrous food waste like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and grains. Avoid putting in hard items like bones, shells, or pits as they can damage the disposal.

How do I maintain my garbage disposal?

To maintain your garbage disposal, regularly run it with hot water to keep the blades clean and the drain clear. You can also grind up ice cubes or lemon peels to help sharpen the blades. Avoid putting harsh chemicals or cleaners down the disposal as they can damage the motor.

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