Sink Only Drains When Garbage Disposal Is On

Garbage disposals are convenient appliances that can help to keep your kitchen clean and free of food waste. However, it is important to use them properly to avoid damaging the appliance or your plumbing. One of the most important things to remember is to only drain water through the sink when the garbage disposal is on. Running water through the disposal helps to flush food waste down the drain and prevents it from clogging the appliance. It also helps to keep the disposal blades sharp.

There are a few reasons why you should never drain water through the sink without running the garbage disposal. First, it can cause the disposal to overheat and burn out. The motor in a garbage disposal is not designed to run without water, and running it dry can cause it to overheat and fail. Second, draining water through the sink without running the disposal can cause the drain to clog. Food waste can build up in the drain and eventually block the flow of water. This can lead to a messy and inconvenient backup in your sink.

If you are experiencing problems with your garbage disposal, it is important to check to see if it is properly connected to the water supply. The disposal should be connected to a cold water line, and the water should be turned on before you use the disposal. If the disposal is not properly connected to the water supply, it will not be able to flush food waste down the drain and may overheat.

Following these simple tips can help you to keep your garbage disposal running properly for years to come. Remember to only drain water through the sink when the garbage disposal is on, and to check the water connection if you are experiencing problems with the disposal.

Additional tips for using a garbage disposal:

Do not put grease, oil, or fat down the disposal. These substances can clog the drain and damage the disposal.
Do not put fibrous materials, such as celery or banana peels, down the disposal. These materials can wrap around the disposal blades and cause the disposal to jam.
Do not put hard objects, such as bones or glass, down the disposal. These objects can damage the disposal blades.
If you have a septic tank, do not put too much food waste down the disposal. Food waste can overload the septic tank and cause it to fail.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your garbage disposal running properly and avoid costly repairs.