[jblum315]

I've had less trouble wih the cheap builders model garbage disposal here than with "better" ones in other homes over the years. I put everything in it except bones and fruit pits and grease. All kinds of peelings, lettuce, cabbage, etc. It loves ice cubes. Every now and then I pour in some baking soda. If I put in lemon or lime rinds it chews thoughtfully for a long time but eventually digests them and smells nice. I think trouble comes from stuffing it too full and from not running cold water in it.

[redwitch]

Here's a link to one of my favorite sites for unclogging things. This link is very specific about what not to put down the disposal and why: What not to put down the garbage disposal and why - The Unclog Blog - Thompson Plumbing Heating Cooling

[hotrodgirl]

Well, that was interesting! I have been putting egg shells down there as I learned from my Mom "to sharpen the blades"! Little did I know! But, what can you put down there? Seems they have ruled out more than 1/2 my diet!!! Alas, should there ever be any unfinished wine at my house I guess that would be OK. But, then again, there's about a snowballs chance of that happening!!

[kentucky blue]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Here's a link to one of my favorite sites for unclogging things. This link is very specific about what not to put down the disposal and why: What not to put down the garbage disposal and why - The Unclog Blog - Thompson Plumbing Heating Cooling

Redwitch,
Please don't include an informative and instructive post about garbage disposals .Plus, the fact you are in the business of property management and maintenance shouldn't add any credibility to your post.

[billethkid]

one mistake many people make is they do not let the disposal or the water run long enough to do the grinding and then most importantly run enough water to be sure the ground up matter is washed away.
It always helps to run the hot water when anything that has fat content or at times just because hot water just makes things flow better.

And to sweeten the grinding area grind up a lemon (cut up) rind and all occasionally.

If one has a septic tank they should not be using a disposal.....many do but it is not recommended.

Run enough water after grinding.

btk

[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by billethkid

one mistake many people make is they do not let the disposal or the water run long enough to do the grinding and then most importantly run enough water to be sure the ground up matter is washed away.
It always helps to run the hot water when anything that has fat content or at times just because hot water just makes things flow better.

And to sweeten the grinding area grind up a lemon (cut up) rind and all occasionally.

If one has a septic tank they should not be using a disposal.....many do but it is not recommended.

Run enough water after grinding.

btk

I have a septic tank system, no problem seven years running. Guess I'm walking on the wild side.

[TV Tom]

This subject always amazes me. I have owned my house 32 years and am stil using my second disposal. I put everything in them, up to and including turkey carcasses, and have never broken one nor clogged the drain. Why have one, if you don't use it for what it's intended.

[The Great Fumar]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

Apparently the plumbers and others who condemn all garbage disposals have not ever awakend on trash collection day to find that animals tore open the plastic bags to get food and meat scraps etc. in there......and now your rotting, dripping, stinking, ugly trash is strewn all the way up and down the street and in neighbors' yards. THAT is why garbage disposals are to be used!!

I have fixed the problem of having my garbage strewn down the street !!! I caught the little varmints and put them through my new 15 hp disposal that handles dogs,cats,squirrels, weasels, chipmunks, badgers, and one thing that I don't know what it was.....Now granted , the machine makes a lot of noise and the neighbors are complaining but at least I'm not raking at 3:00 in the morning.....and its amazing how much it has cut down on the dog crap in my lovely yard.........
Always glad to help . ....Fumar...

[jgbama]

Originally Posted by Gary Pullen

Ours is listed as a "Badger 5 1/2HP". I looked on Home Depot and saw an "InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposer" listed. It had 4 out of 5 rating with 120 reviews.

But it won't matter since we eat out almost all the time. We have to "dust" the stove off once in a while in case one of the burners accidentally gets turned on

Ha ha ha! You're "da bomb" (aka "the man")!! That will be us when we get moved.

On the topic of the thread, we put everything down our disposal, including celery, onion peels, everything down ours here. Must be a "two ton" unit! It even does a number on our spoons occasionally!

[The Great Fumar]

Originally Posted by The Great Fumar

I have fixed the problem of having my garbage strewn down the street !!! I caught the little varmints and put them through my new 15 hp disposal that handles dogs,cats,squirrels, weasels, chipmunks, badgers, and one thing that I don't know what it was.....Now granted , the machine makes a lot of noise and the neighbors are complaining but at least I'm not raking at 3:00 in the morning.....and its amazing how much it has cut down on the dog crap in my lovely yard.........
Always glad to help . ....Fumar...

PS thinking about going to a 20 HP......

[jgbama]

Originally Posted by The Great Fumar

PS thinking about going to a 20 HP......

Good choice. Hear it will take up to a 4-foot gator!

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by The Great Fumar

I have fixed the problem of having my garbage strewn down the street !!! I caught the little varmints and put them through my new 15 hp disposal that handles dogs,cats,squirrels, weasels, chipmunks, badgers, and one thing that I don't know what it was.....Now granted , the machine makes a lot of noise and the neighbors are complaining but at least I'm not raking at 3:00 in the morning.....and its amazing how much it has cut down on the dog crap in my lovely yard.........
Always glad to help . ....Fumar...

You are so sly in picking your spots..................great job!

[perrjojo]

I have had a garbage disposal for 30 years. Can't imagine life without one. You do need at least a half horse power and feed it slowly. Things like potato peels and lettuce will gum it up but not if you feed it slowly with lots of water. A good way to break up a clog is with ice cubes, vinegar and soda. That will also freshen the disposal. Ice is actually recommended to sharpen the blades. If you haven't used one before, it is good to read the instructions. :-)

[Papa Muzzy]

Our problem has been the short pipes and sharp turns in them. At least yhat's what we thought we causing the backups. Not the disposal itself