Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly: Pro Tips from an FIXSOTA Repair Technician

As an experienced appliance repair technician, I've seen my fair share of garbage disposal issues. Many homeowners don't realize that a little preventive maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of their disposal and avoiding costly repairs. In this post, I'll share some expert tips to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.

1. Run Cold Water When Using Your Disposal

One of the most common mistakes I see is people using hot water when running their garbage disposal. Always use cold water instead. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oils that may be in the disposal, allowing them to be chopped up and flushed away. Hot water can melt these substances, causing them to coat the disposal's components and potentially lead to clogs.

2. Grind Ice Cubes Monthly

This might sound strange but grinding ice cubes in your disposal once a month can help clean and sharpen the blades. The ice acts as a mild abrasive, scrubbing away any built-up residue on the blades and disposal walls. For an extra boost, freeze vinegar in an ice cube tray and use these instead of regular ice cubes.

3. Avoid Putting Fibrous or Starchy Foods Down the Disposal

Certain foods can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. Avoid putting these items down the drain:

Fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, onion skins)
Starchy foods (potato peels, rice, pasta)
Coffee grounds
Eggshells
Large bones

These items can wrap around the blades, create a paste-like substance, or simply overwhelm the disposal's grinding capabilities.

4. Clean Your Disposal Regularly

A clean disposal is a happy disposal. Once a week, put a handful of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with cold water. This natural cleaning method helps eliminate odors and keep your disposal fresh.

5. Don't Overload Your Disposal

Feed waste into the disposal gradually, rather than stuffing it full all at once. Overloading can strain the motor and lead to jams or burnouts. If you have a lot to dispose of, do it in batches with plenty of cold water.

6. Listen to Your Disposal

Pay attention to the sounds your disposal makes. If you hear any unusual grinding, rattling, or humming noises, stop using it immediately and investigate. A foreign object may have fallen in, or there could be a mechanical issue brewing.

7. Know When to Call a Professional

While these maintenance tips can help prevent many issues, sometimes professional help is necessary. If your disposal is consistently clogging, making strange noises, or not turning on at all, it's time to call in an expert. Attempting complex repairs yourself can be dangerous and may void your warranty.

By following these professional tips, you can keep your garbage disposal in top shape, avoid costly repairs, and extend its lifespan. Remember, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way in keeping your kitchen running smoothly.

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ICE ICE BABY

By Jacob Tetens • October 7, 2024

The Ins and Outs of Refrigerator Ice Makers: A Technician's Perspective As an appliance repair technician with years of experience, I've seen my fair share of ice maker issues. These convenient devices can be a real lifesaver when you're hosting a party or just want a cold drink on a hot day. But when they stop working, it can be frustrating. In this post, I'll cover everything you need to know about refrigerator ice makers, from how they work to common problems and maintenance tips. How Does a Refrigerator Ice Maker Work? Before we dive into troubleshooting, let's understand the basics of how an ice maker functions: Water inlet: Water flows into the ice maker through a valve connected to your home's water supply. Ice mold: Water fills a mold with individual sections. Freezing process: The water freezes into cubes. Ejection: A heating element slightly melts the outer layer of ice, and an ejector arm pushes the cubes out. Collection: The ice cubes fall into a collection bin. Repeat: The process starts over. Common Ice Maker Problems and Solutions 1. Ice Maker Not Producing Ice Possible causes: Water supply issues Clogged water filter Frozen water line Faulty water inlet valve DIY check: Ensure the water supply is on and the line isn't kinked. Replace the water filter if it's old. 2. Ice Tastes Bad or Smells Odd Usual culprits: Old ice Dirty ice bin Expired water filter Quick fix: Empty the ice bin, clean it thoroughly, and replace the water filter. 3. Ice Maker Producing Small or Misshapen Cubes Potential reasons: Low water pressure Partially clogged water line Incorrect temperature setting Solution: Check water pressure and clean the water inlet valve. Ensure the freezer temperature is set between 0-5°F (-18 to -15°C). 4. Overproduction of Ice Common cause: Faulty sensor arm or shut-off mechanism Professional fix: This usually requires a technician to replace or adjust the shut-off arm. 5. Ice Maker Won't Stop Running Possible issue: Stuck or broken feeler arm DIY attempt: Try gently moving the arm to see if it's stuck. If broken, it will need professional replacement. 6. Leaking Water in Freezer or Under Refrigerator Potential causes: Cracked water line Loose connections Clogged defrost drain Immediate action: Turn off the water supply to prevent water damage. This often requires professional diagnosis and repair. Maintenance Tips for Your Ice Maker Clean regularly: Every 3-6 months, clean the ice bin and maker with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Replace water filter: Change the water filter every 6 months or as recommended by the manufacturer. Check water line: Inspect the water line periodically for kinks or leaks. Proper freezer temperature: Maintain the freezer temperature between 0-5°F for optimal ice production. Use it or lose it: If you don't use ice often, consider turning off the ice maker to prevent old ice from absorbing odors. When to Call a Professional While some ice maker issues can be resolved with simple DIY solutions, others require expert attention. Call a professional if you encounter: Persistent leaks Electrical issues Problems after attempting DIY fixes Any issue you're not comfortable addressing yourself Remember, attempting complex repairs without proper knowledge can lead to more damage and potentially void your warranty. Conclusion Ice makers are a fantastic convenience when they're working properly. By understanding how they function and maintaining them regularly, you can enjoy crisp, clean ice for years to come. When in doubt, don't hesitate to call a professional appliance repair technician – we're here to help keep your kitchen running smoothly.