Garbage disposals have recently become a standard in the modern-day home in Chicago. There are many added luxuries of being able to throw waste and food down the drain, but they should not be taken for granted. All sink drain lines with garbage disposals should be rodded every 6 months to 1 year depending on the size of the building and usage of the owner/tenants. As an experienced property management company in Chicago, here are a few tips on how to save your drains from overflowing/clogging and how to save your association/landlord from charging you for the damages.
Run the disposer along with a steady stream of cold water for 10-15 seconds before and after grinding is complete.
Avoid using hot water during grinding. It is ok to use your garbage disposal between grinding periods.
Do not pour grease or fat into your disposer or drain.
Avoid grinding or draining the following:
Large amounts of fruit or vegetable peels
Fibrous materials such as celery, corn husks, artichokes, carrots, etc
Hard Materials such as bones, fruit pits, etc
Large amounts of Rice or Pasta/Noodles
Egg Shells
Potato Peels
Coffee Grounds
Use a disposer cleaner to relieve objectionable odors caused by build-up, or grind a small amount of citrus fruit peels to freshen up the area.