There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what your kitchen garbage disposal is capable of. So, let’s break it down with our Paso Robles plumbers with a list of eight garbage disposal don’ts.
The problem is in the name. If you treat your garbage disposal as a magical dispenser for, well, garbage, then odds are you’re going to run into some problems. Here’s what shouldn’t be going into your garbage disposal.
Grease and Fat:
It might seem that with a little hot water your garbage disposal flushes grease down the drain easy peasy. However, when that cools down, it can solidify farther down the line and cause major clogs and plumbing issues. Also, it’s an environmentally conscientious decision to keep fat out of the drain because even if it makes its way through your pipes, it can cause a big problem in your city’s sewer system. Think of a big “fatberg” lurking. Gross.
Coffee Grounds:
The grounds can get caught in your shredder and pack in tight together, causing build-ups. Plus, coffee grounds are compostable and great for the garden.
Eggshells:
It might seem like a delicate shell can be easily dispatched. But the egg’s membrane can get wrapped around the disposal’s rotors and cause them to jam or block the drain filters causing them to clog. These are great for the compost bin, as well.
Bones:
This is an obvious one, but a lot of “heavy duty” garbage disposals are marketed as if you can throw anything in and be fine. Even if the disposal grinds them into dust, your home’s plumbing system may not be able to handle what the disposal sends down the drain – especially in older homes.
Fruit Pits:
Here’s another obvious one. I mean, think about a peach pit; those things are solid. You might as well try throwing rocks down there. Cherries, avocados, plums, etc.; all those pits are a no-no for the garbage disposal.
Fibrous and Starchy Foods:
We all know someone who put potato skins in the disposal – or done it ourselves – and ended up with a drain clogged with what is essentially mashed potatoes in your sink. Not good. But vegetables like celery, asparagus, onions, and leafy greens can tangle in the rotors and clog pipes.
Pasta and Rice:
Foods that expand in water like pasta, oats, and rice will continue to expand in a sink’s plumbing system, leading to an eventual clog.
Nuts:
Ever used a nut grinder to make your own peanut butter? Yeah, that’s what you’ll basically be doing by putting nuts down the disposal. That thick paste you eventually produce is an easy path to a hard clog.
Basically, proper garbage-disposal etiquette involves scraping all your food waste into the garbage or – better yet – compost bin. Then, the garbage disposal can handle all the little bits left over on the dishes.
Think of the disposal as if it wasn’t even there; instead, there was a screen over your drain.
But if you run into a problem or need more garbage disposal don’t tips from our friendly Paso Robles plumbers, call Griffin at 805-934-1949 today!
