Avoid Clogs
Garbage Disposal
All kitchens include garbage disposals to help keep sinks free of clogs. Before you turn your garbage disposal on, always be sure no small utensils, twist ties, or other non-food objects have fallen into the drain. Then, follow these simple steps:
- Turn the faucet on and let the water run for a few seconds.
- Using the switch on the wall closest to your sink, turn the disposal on and let it run until all of the food in your sink has gone down the drain.
- Turn the garbage disposal off, and let the water run a few seconds more.
But, wait! There are some food items that should never be put down your drain. Using a sink strainer with a mesh grating helps strain out bits of food and waste that shouldn't go down the drain.
Also, in an effort to decrease the work orders related to kitchen sink clogs, the cooperative is providing Range Klean Fat Trapper bags to our members. You can use these bags for dumping your fats, oils, and grease. After the bag is filled, you can dispose of it in your trash, and when you're ready, the dumpster.
Never Let These Go Down Your Kitchen Drain
Grease isn't the only thing that shouldn't go down your drain. Please review this list of drain-clogging items.
- Grease, oil, and fat
- Coffee grounds
- Pasta, rice, and bread
- Animal bones
- Nuts and shells
- Pits and seeds
- Onion layers
- Eggshells
- Fibrous or stringy fruits and vegetables
- Potato peels
- Non-food materials
What to Do if Your Garbage Disposal Gets Clogged
If your garbage disposal stops working, there's a good chance it's because it's clogged. A garbage disposal allen-wrench allows you to manually turn the mechanism back and forth to dislodge your clog. If your disposal stops working, follow these steps before requesting maintenance:
- Insert the allen wrench into the hole and slowly rotate it, back and forth, until the turntable can rotate freely, indicating that the clog has been dislodged.
- Near the opening for the allen wrench, you'll find a small reset button. Push that button once the clog has been cleared.
- Run some water into the disposal, and switch it ON for a few minutes. This will move any leftover-debris through the grinding chamber and into the drain pipes.
When to Request Maintenance
If despite your best efforts, you still can't unclog your sink, or if you have a leak underneath your sink, please contact us! Unfortunately, there may be a charge for work orders of this nature. So, be sure to follow these guidelines for a trouble-free kitchen sink.