Garbage Disposal Myth-Busting: What It Really Can Handle (And When It’s Time to Call NorthStar) By NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning. Serving Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead & surrounding areas. Your kitchen sink’s garbage disposal is a handy appliance when used properly. But there are a lot of myths floating around about what you can (and can’t) toss down, what weird sounds mean, and when you should consider replacing the unit altogether. In this post we’ll clear things up so you can get the most life out of your disposal and know when it’s time to call in the experts at NorthStar. What Your Garbage Disposal Can Handle: Myth to bust: “If I scrape everything into the sink, my disposal will take it.” Reality: You can put many food scraps in there, but you still must be selective. Overloading, tossing in hard/indigestible items, or ignoring proper use will shorten the lifespan and increase the risk of clogs. It’s easy to assume that your disposal can eat just about anything left on your plate. The truth: modern units are quite capable but they’re not invincible. Here are some guidelines: • Soft or liquid food wastes are generally fine. According to home-appliance experts, if you can chew it, your disposal likely can handle it (assuming you use cold water and run the unit properly). • Occasional use of ice or citrus rinds helps clean and refresh the disposal. • Chop up larger pieces of food waste before feeding into the disposal. This reduces strain on the motor and blades. • Consistent use + good maintenance = longer life for the unit. What Your Garbage Disposal Cannot / Should Not Handle: Here’s where many problems start. When you feed your disposal things it wasn’t designed to handle or neglect proper usage, you set yourself up for troubles like jams, clogs, or motor burnout. Here are usual culprits: • Grease, fats, oils: These may go down when hot, but cool and solidify in the pipe or disposal, building up over time. • Fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery strings, onion skins, artichokes) the fibers wrap around the blades or impellers and impair function. • Egg shells, large pits/fruit seeds, large bones: Hard items may damage the blades or simply not grind down properly, leading to blockages. • Pasta/rice in large quantities: They may expand, swell or create sludge after being partly ground. • Non-food items (metal, plastic, glass), too much at once, or items that should go in the trash or compost. • Overloading the unit or expecting it to handle major cleanup of the day in one go. Tip from NorthStar: Before running your disposal, turn on cold water, feed food gradually, run the disposal for a short time, then flush with cold water for ~20-30 seconds afterward. This helps wash away remaining particles and keeps the drain flowing. Odd Sounds & Other Warning Signs: When Something’s Wrong Your disposal should operate with a certain background of hum when running, but when the sounds change, that’s a red flag. Here are signs to listen for: • Humming or whirring without grinding: The motor is powered, but the blades or impellers may be jammed or stuck. • Rattling or loud grinding/clanking: A foreign object (cutlery, bone fragment) may be loose inside, or internal components are loosening/damaged. • Squealing or high-pitched noise: Possibly a failing motor or misaligned flywheel. • Slow drainage: The disposal may grind, but the sink is slow to clear could indicate wear or partial blockage. • Persistent odors: If your disposal smells even after cleaning, food may be trapped inside, or the unit is deteriorating. If you hear or observe any of these signs, it’s wise to stop using the disposal and give NorthStar a call before the issue escalates into a full blockage or leak. When Should You Replace Your Garbage Disposal? While a well-cared for disposal can last many years, it won’t last forever. Here’s when replacement becomes a better option over repeated repairs: • The unit is 10+ years old (typical lifespan is around 8-15 years) and starting to show multiple issues. • You’re resetting the unit often, or it simply won’t turn on. • Leaks under the sink from the disposal unit itself (not just from a pipe connection) sealing/gasket damage means risk of water damage. • Multiple warning signs from above (odd noises + slow drain + smells) happening together. • The cost of repeated repairs is approaching the cost of a new unit. Bottom line: If you’ve been careful and still facing recurring problems, replacing the disposal may save $$$ in the long run and avoid kitchen catastrophes. NorthStar’s Tips & Best Practices for Life-Long Disposal Health Here are some practical pointers from NorthStar Plumbing to keep your disposal and sink running smoothly: • Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water keeps fats from liquefying and then solidifying further down the drain. • Feed waste gradually, don’t dump a whole plateful of heavy scraps in at once. • Avoid the "everything gets dumped in the sink" mindset. Scrape off large bones, shells, fibrous veggie parts into the trash or compost first. • Use the disposal regularly, even if just for small scraps, to keep the mechanisms moving. • Clean your disposal monthly: a few ice cubes + a bit of citrus rind can help clean the unit and refresh the smell. • If you hear noise changes, or the sink is draining slow, don’t “wait it out”, catch issues early. • And of course: If you’re unsure, or something doesn’t feel right, call NorthStar for an inspection or service. Our licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers serving Fargo / West Fargo / Moorhead are ready to handle the job. Need Help? NorthStar’s Here for You Your garbage disposal is a great kitchen tool, but only if treated right. By understanding what it can and cannot handle, listening for warning signs (especially odd noises), and knowing when to call for professional help or consider a replacement, you’ll avoid messy, expensive problems. If your kitchen disposal has been acting up lately, such as strange sounds, slow draining or weird smells, don’t wait until it’s a full-blown leak or clog. Reach out to NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning. We provide up-front guaranteed pricing, 24/7 emergency services, and a team that knows the Fargo-Moorhead area inside out. Call us today at (701) 367-9592 or request a service online to inspect your disposal and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

As the crisp October air settles in and the leaves start to turn, it’s the perfect time for homeowners in Fargo, ND, West Fargo, ND, Moorhead, MN, and nearby communities to cozy up their homes with a remodeling project. Whether you’re dreaming of a warm, inviting kitchen, a spa-like bathroom retreat, or a finished basement with a wet bar ready for autumn gatherings, North Star Plumbing is your trusted local partner to bring those dreams to life. Why October Is the Perfect Month to Remodel with North Star Plumbing Choosing the right season for your remodeling project can make a significant difference in both the process and outcome. October offers several advantages for homeowners planning upgrades in the Fargo-Moorhead area. With milder temperatures and fewer extreme weather disruptions compared to winter, contractors can work more efficiently and on schedule. Additionally, starting your remodel in October allows you to complete projects before the busy holiday season, ensuring your home is ready for family gatherings and celebrations. Planning your remodel during this period can also help you avoid the summer rush, giving you access to better scheduling flexibility and more attentive service from professionals like North Star Plumbing. Kitchen Remodeling: Warm Up Your Home This Fall The kitchen is the heart of your home, especially as temperatures drop and family and friends gather over home-cooked meals. Let us help you create a space that’s both stylish and functional — whether you’re in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, or the surrounding area. • Install a new sink or faucet perfect for those hearty fall meals and cozy evenings. • Prepare plumbing for new appliances like instant hot water taps — ideal for a quick cup of cider or tea on a chilly day. • Reconfigure your kitchen plumbing to optimize your layout just in time for holiday cooking and entertaining. Bathroom Remodeling: Create a Relaxing Retreat from the Fall Chill As the nights get longer and cooler, your bathroom can become a sanctuary where you unwind and refresh. Homeowners across the Fargo-Moorhead region trust North Star Plumbing for: • Luxury showers and soaking tubs equipped with rainfall showerheads or thermostatic controls to keep you warm and relaxed. • Water-saving fixtures to keep your utility bills in check during the heating season. • Add a stylish vanity or wet bar plumbing to elevate your space and convenience. Basement Finishing: Host Cozy Fall Gatherings with a Custom Wet Bar Finishing your basement is a smart way to add living space just in time for fall entertaining. A wet bar is perfect for serving seasonal drinks — think mulled wine, spiced cider, or your favorite craft beers. • Expert wet bar plumbing installation tailored for your space and style throughout Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and neighboring communities. • Full plumbing setups for basement bathrooms or kitchenettes to make your gatherings seamless. • Safe and code-compliant installations so you can focus on making memories, not worries. No rth Star Plumbing’s Fall Remodeling Tips for Fargo-Moorhead Homeowners Planning a successful remodeling project requires careful consideration, especially during the fall season. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind: • Begin your plumbing plans early: Early planning helps avoid last-minute complications and ensures your remodel stays on schedule, especially with the upcoming holiday season. • Select energy-efficient fixtures: Choosing durable, water-saving fixtures not only helps reduce utility bills but also supports sustainability, which is particularly important as heating demands increase in colder months. • Schedule your project ahead of winter: Starting your remodel in the fall allows ample time to complete work before winter weather can cause delays, ensuring your home is comfortable and functional during the colder season. By following these guidelines, homeowners in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and nearby communities can enjoy a smoother remodeling experience with long-lasting results. Ready to fall in love with your home all over again? Contact North Star Plumbing, proudly serving Fargo, ND; West Fargo, ND; Moorhead, MN; and the surrounding areas, to discuss your remodeling ideas — and let us help bring warmth, style, and function to your kitchen, bathroom, or basement before the holidays arrive.

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As summer winds down and the back-to-school season picks up, it’s easy to put home maintenance on the back burner. But if you want to avoid costly plumbing issues this fall and winter, now is the perfect time to knock out a few important fixes. Here are 5 plumbing tasks every homeowner should tackle before the seasons changes and why doing them now can save you time, money, and stress later. 1. Find and Fix Hidden Leaks That tiny drip under your sink or behind the toilet might not seem like a big deal — but it adds up fast. Not only can leaks lead to water damage, but they also waste gallons of water (and dollars) every month. A quick inspection now can prevent a much bigger headache when temperatures drop and pipes become more vulnerable. 2. Test Your Sump Pump Late summer storms and early fall rain can overload your drainage system if your sump pump isn’t working properly. If it’s been a while since it was last checked, now’s the time. We’ll make sure everything is operating smoothly so you’re protected during heavy rain or unexpected snow melt. 3. Clear Out Slow Drains Are your sinks or tubs draining slower than usual? Hair, soap, and debris can build up over time, especially during the high-use summer months. A professional drain cleaning ensures water flows freely and helps prevent backups during the colder months when pipes can contract and clog more easily. 4. Inspect Your Water Heater No one wants to be stuck with a freezing shower in October. Your water heater has worked hard all summer and now’s the time for a quick inspection. We’ll check for signs of wear, flush out sediment buildup, and make sure it’s running efficiently before the weather cools. 5. Prep Your Outdoor Plumbing It’s not quite time to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, but you can still get ahead by checking for leaks, replacing worn washers, and making sure everything shuts off properly. Come October, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. ✅ Ready to Prep Your Plumbing for Fall? NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers honest, reliable service for Fargo–Moorhead homeowners whether you need a quick fix, routine checkup, or full system inspection. Book your pre-fall plumbing service now and step into the new season with confidence.

🚿☀️ Summer plumbing issues don’t take a vacation. Are You Ready? From leaky outdoor faucets to basement flooding and overworked drains, July brings a unique set of challenges for your home’s plumbing. We’re breaking down the top plumbing problems to watch for this month and how to prevent them. ✅

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Smelly or hard water in your home? You’re not alone, Fargo–Moorhead! A water softener from Northstar Plumbing can eliminate that “rotten egg” smell and reduce buildup that damages pipes and appliances. Cleaner, fresher water starts here.

A reliable sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against basement flooding, protecting your foundation and belongings from water intrusion. At Northstar Plumbing, we specialize in sump pump installation, maintenance, and flood prevention services for homes and businesses in the FM Area.

Discover some signs you need to upgrade your plumbing system. Call NorthStar Plumbing and Drain Cleaning for re-piping and installation services in ND.