As the holidays approach, kitchens everywhere begin to buzz with the sounds of family, laughter, and—of course—lots of cooking. Your garbage disposal is about to become one of the hardest-working helpers in your home. If you rely on a garbage disposal in Alexandria, VA, now’s the perfect time to show it a little love before the big feast.
At this time of year, we’re especially thankful for our wonderful customers and proud to help you celebrate thankfulness with your own loved ones—without the stress of a sudden plumbing disaster. And while we’re always here for emergency repairs, a few simple steps can help you avoid them altogether.
1. Feed It Slowly and Kindly
Garbage disposals are tough, but they’re not invincible. When preparing meals, take your time feeding scraps into the unit. Use small portions and run plenty of cold water. Cramming large amounts of food in all at once can overload the motor or cause a clog before you even sit down to dinner. Think of it as portion control for your disposal—it’s happier (and longer-lasting) when it’s not overfed.
2. Know What Not to Feed It
Some holiday favorites are the enemies of a healthy garbage disposal. Avoid sending fats, oils, or grease down the drain—they harden as they cool and can create a stubborn, sticky mess in your pipes. Stringy foods like celery, onion skins, and pumpkin guts can wrap around the blades, while starchy foods like mashed potatoes or rice can expand and clog the drain. Bones, fruit pits, and eggshells are also best left for the trash or compost. When in doubt, throw it out!
3. Keep It Clean and Fresh
Your disposal handles a lot of smelly tasks, and it deserves a little refresh now and then. After each use, run cold water for at least 20 seconds to flush out food particles. If you notice an odor, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow it to fizz for ten minutes to clean and deodorize naturally, then rinse with water. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage internal components.
4. Give It a Pre-Holiday Check-Up
Before the big day, take a few minutes to listen for odd noises, slow draining, or unpleasant smells—these could be early warning signs of a developing issue. If you suspect trouble, it’s best to call in a professional plumber for an inspection or tune-up before your holiday crowd arrives. Catching a small problem early is much easier (and more affordable) than dealing with a post-dinner breakdown.
5. Remember, We’re Here When You Need Us
Even with the best care, sometimes things go wrong—especially with all the extra cooking and cleanup that comes with Thanksgiving and beyond. If your disposal stops spinning, starts humming, or backs up when you need it most, don’t worry. We’re thankful for our customers year-round and happy to be just a call away for quick, reliable garbage disposal repairs.
This holiday season, give thanks for good food, great company, and smooth-running kitchen appliances. With a few simple habits, you can keep your garbage disposal happy, healthy, and ready to handle every scrap of the season—so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating with those you love.
At McDaniel Service, Inc., service is our middle name! Contact us today for expert help with your garbage disposal in Alexandria, VA.