Stay Safe During Winter: Key Garbage Disposal Checks

Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes

As winter descends upon Denver and its surrounding areas, ensuring your home's plumbing systems are in top shape becomes essential. One often-overlooked component is the garbage disposal. While it might seem like a minor part of your kitchen, a malfunctioning garbage disposal can lead to serious plumbing issues, especially during the winter months.

Introduction

In the chill of a Colorado winter, frozen pipes and clogged drains can quickly go from minor annoyances to major problems—something many homeowners have learned the hard way. Laney, a satisfied customer of Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, shared, "I had what I thought was a clogged drain, but due to the cold temps in CO, my pipes had frozen underneath my sink and the water was backing up in the sink side and the garbage disposal side. Chris was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in getting the job done"[1].

Understanding the Risks

• Frozen Pipes: When temperatures dip, the water sitting in your pipes can freeze. A backed-up garbage disposal can exacerbate this issue, creating a blockage that leads to potential pipe bursts[2].
• Increased Usage: During the holidays, many households tend to entertain guests, leading to increased use of the garbage disposal. This increased load can overwhelm older units, leading to clogs and breakdowns[3].

Key Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Inspections: Check the disposal blades for wear and the motor for unusual noises. These can be early signs of potential malfunctions.
2. Run Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat, allowing it to be chopped up before it reaches the pipes[3].
3. Avoid Overuse: Given the extra strain during winter, be mindful of what you put down the disposal. Avoid fibrous materials and large quantities of food[3].
4. Professional Assessments: Before winter hits, consider having your disposal professionally checked. Cherylynn G. commented on Bell Plumbing’s efficiency, sharing how the team arrived on time, communicated effectively, and resolved her garbage disposal issues to her satisfaction[4].

Spotlight on Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical

At Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we're committed to keeping your home's systems running smoothly throughout the winter months. From addressing disposal jams to preventing back-ups, our expertise is unmatched. Nancy C. praised our team's patience and effectiveness, saying, "Sink and disposal work great" after our intervention[0].

Benefits of Routine Maintenance

• Prevents Major Failures: Regular maintenance helps avoid sudden breakdowns, ensuring a trouble-free winter.
• Increases Longevity: Prolongs the life of your disposal, saving you money in the long run.
• Improves Efficiency: A well-maintained disposal works efficiently, reducing water and energy costs.

Conclusion

Maintaining your garbage disposal during the winter is a simple, effective way to prevent larger plumbing issues. As temperatures drop, rely on Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for expert help and guidance. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your home stays safe and functional this winter. For any plumbing needs or to schedule a maintenance visit, call us at (720) 740-0350 or visit our website at bellplumbing.com.

Let us help you prepare your home for winter's challenges, keeping your plumbing systems safe and reliable all season long.