How to Maintain Your Commercial Garbage Disposal

Last updated on July 1st, 2022 at 10:06 am

Commercial garbage disposal equipment provides a convenient way to deal with food waste, while improving sanitation in your kitchen. In the name of spring cleaning, here’s a closer look at how to maintain your garbage disposer, thanks to our friends at FES Magazine.

Commercial garbage disposals haven’t changed much since their initial design. Most basic commercial disposals are scaled up versions of residential types and range from 1/2 to 10 HP. While disposals require minimal maintenance, proper use will lengthen the system’s service life. Disposals are simple to maintain, and feature and easy-to-clean corrosion resistant finish.

Some things to keep in mind when utilizing your disposal:

1. Do not use these systems to dispose fat, oil and grease.
2. Flushing the drain after use will help prevent clogs. Some controls do this automatically.
3. Periodically check your grind plates to help prevent clogs.
4. After feeding waste through the disposer, run cold water for 10 to 20 seconds to push all of the particles to the main sewer line.
5. While some systems just need to be wiped clean, others may include automatic cleaning flush systems that need to be activated on a daily basis.
6. Use cold water to flush waste, since hot water can melt fat and allow it to solidify and block the drain line.

So how do you know when it’s time to replace your disposal? Depending on running time, the type of waste being processed, and drain plumbing conditions, a typical disposal can last an average of five years or as long as 20 years.

Here are five signs a disposal has reached the end of its service life.

Excessive Noise: Unusual or excessive noise, along with water leakage represent a pair of obvious signs a disposal is failing and needs replacement.

Drain Backups: This may indicate the blade teeth are worn and the mechanism needs replacing or may signify the disposal is on its way out.

Increased Grind Time: Blades wear out over time and when processing an excessive amount of hard material at high volumes. Signs such as increased grinding time or frequent clogging may signify a new disposal is needed.

Cracks: Over time, the disposal may develop cracks due to excessive use, chemicals and vibrations. Replace the unit when its construction is compromised.