March 3. Cornelius resident Tommy Walker had more than 50 years experience in appliance repair and operated Tommy’s Appliance Service until retiring a few years ago.  Tommy offers his advice for various appliances.

Some things are good for the garbage disposal, and some things are not.

Celery, cabbage and some lettuce can be difficult for the blades to chop up, causing a clog in the pipe. I generally throw those things in the trash container.

Most problems occur when people try to feed it too fast.

Another thing to avoid is any type of grease, as the grease will get cold through the pipes and eventually harden.

There is not much maintenance required with a disposal, but I do like to quarter a lemon and peel it and put it in the disposal and run it for about five seconds and let it sit for a half a day, then run water in and get rid of the lemon.

It’s also a good idea to run and clear the disposal before starting your dishwasher as most dishwashers drain into the disposal.  And as the dishwasher goes, turn the water on hot first, making sure the disposal is clear.

In an average home, a half-horsepower disposal is more than adequate and more reasonable; anything less in size is ineffective. The bigger and more expensive ones are more than you need.

Thank you.

Tommy