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Video: How to Use Your Garbage Disposal the Right Way

Few kitchen appliances get as much use as the garbage disposal. And over the years, common issues such as jamming and leaking can occur. However, a disposal not operating properly or maintained can break down and cause plumbing issues - leading to costly repairs.

Oct. 24, 2011

By Jennifer Wiley

Jennifer Wiley

shot and edited videos for our TV partners across the United States.

Comments

Anonymous 8 years ago

Subject: what a stupid video

what a stupid video

Pat 9 years ago

Subject:

http://magazine.angieslist.com/plumbing/articles/items-to-avoid-sending-...
link to what not to put down. Nearly everything is bad it seems.

DC 9 years ago

Subject:

Very helpful. I never realized you were supposed to run the water first and use cold water instead of hot water.

Nick the Plumber 9 years ago

Subject:

If you follow the steps in the video you can put virtually any food waste you want through the disposal. I wouldn't put the pork ribs from lastnight's BBQ Party in it, but pretty much anything else.

Pearl 9 years ago

Subject:

First time I've watched an Angie's list video. Thanks! I like the idea of making these available!

Dennis 9 years ago

Subject:

Good tips on that video clip...Now what about if you have a Batch Feed Disposal that you must fill before you turn it on?

Barbara Launspach 9 years ago

Subject:

It would probably be good to put in what not to put in the garbage disposal. When I was new to the use of G.D.s I put in onion skins. That was not the best.

El Gordo 9 years ago

Subject:

Does the world really need garbage disposals? Use those sink strainers and compost, or if you live in a city apartment, throw them in the garbage.

Mark 9 years ago

Subject:

I am not a believer in garbage disposals. Pushing ground-up food scraps through 1 and 1/2-inch pipes stresses a plumbing system needlessly. Instead, try composting food waste, and put meat & fish bones in the regular garbage. But if you feel you must have a disposal, replacing one is not at all difficult. And they're not that expensive, either: a high-end model is around $150 at Home Depot.

LYN 9 years ago

Subject:

TO.LARRY...
to read 'what NOT to put into a dishwasher', click directly on 'that sentence' itself.
The video is a different subject.

AmyLou 9 years ago

Subject:

Larry is right. This was linked in a newletter with the headline, "Don't throw this down the garbage disposal!" Completely misleading. I will have to look for a new arbiter in my family's "eggshells vs. no eggshells" argument!

Steve 9 years ago

Subject:

What can you put down your garbage disposal? Depends on where it goes, if you have sewer or a septic system. If you are on a septic system use of a disposal is not recomemnded. The excess material can cause system failure or increased maintenance costs.

Deb 9 years ago

Subject:

Where is the info? I also want to know what not to put in disposal? Please edit your intro!

Vickie Pallo 9 years ago

Subject:

Good Info!!!

larry 9 years ago

Subject:

Your lead in said you'd tell me what NOT to put into a dishwasher. No such info was given.

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Video: How to Use Your Garbage Disposal the Right Way

Few kitchen appliances get as much use as the garbage disposal. And over the years, common issues such as jamming and leaking can occur. However, a disposal not operating properly or maintained can break down and cause plumbing issues - leading to costly repairs.

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