Is Hot or Cold Water Best for Your Garbage Disposal? Find Out
When using your garbage disposal, it’s best to run cold water. Cold water helps keep fats and oils in the food waste solid, which makes it easier for the disposal to break them down and prevents clogs in your pipes. Hot water, however, can melt these fats and oils, causing them to coat the inside of your pipes, which could lead to clogs over time.
Also, cold water helps keep the garbage disposal cool, preventing it from overheating. For optimal performance, run the cold water for about 15 seconds before and after using the disposal to make sure all the waste is flushed out of the pipes properly.
What Happens When You Use Hot Water in a Garbage Disposal?
Using hot water in your garbage disposal can cause problems. Food scraps often have fats and oils, which are usually ground up and washed away. But when you use hot or boiling water, the fat melts and separates from the food. This melted fat can then harden again in your pipes, sticking to the walls and causing blockages over time.
That’s why it’s better to use cold water with your disposal. Cold water keeps the fats solid, helping them safely flow down the drain without causing clogs.
When Can You Use Boiling Water?
However, there’s one time when boiling water can be helpful—when cleaning the disposal. Fat and grease can build up inside the disposal, making it less effective. Boiling water can melt this grease and help wash it down the drain. Using boiling water once a week is fine, but using it every time you run the disposal can lead to grease buildup in your pipes.
So, try to use cold water whenever possible, and only use hot water for cleaning the disposal. Also, avoid running the disposal if you think waste might overflow, as that can cause clogs and plumbing issues.
Why Cold Water is the Best Choice for Your Garbage Disposal
Cold water helps prevent grease and fat from building up in your pipes. When you use hot water, it melts the fats and oils, allowing them to move through the disposal. However, as the water cools in the pipes, the fats harden again and stick to the inside of your plumbing, which can lead to clogs. Cold water keeps the fats solid, making it easier for the disposal to break them down.
Using cold water also protects the parts of your garbage disposal. It keeps the blades and motor cool, preventing overheating and damage. This helps the disposal work better, breaking down food waste into smaller pieces that flow smoothly through the pipes without causing problems.
How Much Water Should You Use?
A common myth about garbage disposals is that they use a lot of water. In reality, a typical garbage disposal uses only about 1.32 gallons of water per day, which is roughly the same amount as one toilet flush. Surprising, right? This means you don’t need to run the water at full force when using the disposal. Simply open your kitchen faucet slightly so there’s a steady stream of water.
Can You Run a Garbage Disposal Without Water?
It’s not a good idea to run your garbage disposal without water. If you do, the disposal could get jammed, causing potential damage. Water helps wash away ground food scraps, preventing them from building up inside the disposal. It also provides lubrication for the grinding process, helping the blades chop up food waste more effectively. The motor and grinding components could get damaged without water. Always make sure water is running continuously when using your disposal to keep it working properly.
How Long Should You Run Water?
You should run water as long as the garbage disposal is running, and a little longer after it’s turned off. It’s always best to turn on your disposal first, then turn on the water. Once the grinding is finished and the disposal is off, continue running the water for a few more seconds. This confirms that any leftover food particles in the disposal are flushed.
Further Reading:
5 effective steps to get rid of garbage disposal smell
Can You Put Lettuce & Cabbage Down A Garbage Disposal?
Can You Put Drain Cleaner In A Garbage Disposal?
