Convenience is the first and foremost reason people use a garbage disposal to get rid of food remains. Everything doesn’t work out for going down, however. Some items could damage this appliance or clog your drains, even to costly repairs. At Rooter Man Plumbing, we have dealt with all kinds of disposal issues; we’re here to enlighten you about some tips that might help you avoid these very common mistakes. The following are the things that should never be put inside a garbage disposal.
Coffee Grounds
The most common myth is the use of coffee grounds; it helps to sharpen blades in a disposal. Well, the thing is, there are no sharp blades inside of a garbage disposal. The impellers inside of them are actually quite blunt and grind food. Coffee grounds clump together into a thick sludge that can easily clog drains. You can compost your coffee grounds rather than put them down your disposal. Down they may go, but at least they might help your garden.
Eggshells
Eggshells are fairly harmless, but they can still create issues. The thin membrane lining the inside of the shell can adhere to and ‘wrap’ around the impellers, reducing their effectiveness. Additionally, the ground-up shells build up inside your pipes, which can contribute to clogs. It is best to put eggshells in either the garbage or compost bin.
Rice and Pasta
Pasta and rice are two foods that should not be fed into your disposal. These are starchy foods that, when they absorb water, begin to swell, becoming sticky and gluey, and can clog up your disposal and pipes. Take these leftovers out to the compost or the trash instead of running it down the drain.
Fibrous Foods
The worst vegetables to put in a disposal are the stringy, fibrous ones: celery, asparagus, corn husks, and artichokes. Their stringy fibers wrap around the impellers, causing them to jam. These types of food should be composted or thrown away to avoid putting extra strain on your appliance.
Bones and Fruit Pits
Your garbage disposal is not designed to process hard objects e.g bones or fruit pits. These may break the impellers or the whole disposal itself. They may further create blockages in your drain that would only lead to intensive clogs. If you cannot cut it by a knife, then your disposal cannot grind it either. You should always throw the bones and fruit pits into the trash.
Potato Peels
Potato peels are starchy, and as they get wet, they can become a thick paste. This paste of potato material clogs your disposal and pipes. What’s worse is that the peels can actually pass the disposal, then block a part of your plumbing. Compost or trash your potato peels to keep your drains running free.
Nuts and Shells
Nuts and their shells would be a no-go for your garbage disposal. These elements are too hard for the impellers to deal with, and they will give your system clogs or damage. Always dispose of nuts and shells in the trash.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
When a clog presents itself, it may be tempting to use a chemical drain cleaner; however, these products often cause more harm than good. This type of cleaner can corrode your pipes, ruin your disposal, and even hurt your septic system. Calling a professional plumber to clean out your drains is much safer than attempting to use harsh chemicals.
Need Help with Your Garbage Disposal? Contact Rooter Man Plumbing
Whether you have a clogged or poorly running garbage disposal, call the professionals at Rooter Man Plumbing. From Garbage Disposal repair to drain cleaning, our plumbing technicians will ensure the job gets done right. For all your plumbing-related needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.