Your garbage disposal is a handy kitchen tool, making it easier to get rid of food scraps and waste. But while it may seem like an easy solution for many items, putting some things down the garbage disposal could lead to clogs and costly repairs. To help you avoid those issues, here’s a list of things you should never put down your garbage disposal to avoid having to schedule a plumbing repair.
1. Grease, Oils, and Fats
Some of the worst things you can put down the garbage disposal are leftover cooking oils, fats, or grease. These substances may flow easily when hot, but they solidify once they cool, forming a thick sludge that can clog pipes and the disposal itself. Always dispose of grease in a separate container and toss it in the trash once it is completely cooled.
2. Vegetables
If you put vegetables like celery, asparagus, corn husks, or artichokes down the garbage disposal you could potentially be looking at a jam or a broken motor. These veggies are packed with fibers that can easily tangle around the blades of the disposal. A better solution is to throw these into your compost bin or trash can.
3. Starchy Foods
If you put starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, or rice down the garbage disposal you could be looking at a blockage. These foods can turn into a thick paste when wet which an quickly clog your disposal and pipes. We recommend throwing away any leftover starchy foods or save them for composting to be safe.
4. Eggshells
While some people believe that eggshells help clean the disposal by sharpening the blades, this isn’t the case. The small particles of eggshells can combine with grease or other materials in your pipes, leading to blockages that would call for a plumbing repair. Dispose of eggshells in the trash or compost instead.
5. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another food that shouldn’t go down the garbage disposal. Grounds can build up over time and form sludge that is difficult to break down. This sludge can clog your pipes, leaving you with a backed-up drain. Instead of rinsing them down the disposal, place coffee grounds in the trash or add them to your compost pile.
6. Fruit Pits and Seeds
Hard pits from fruits like peaches, cherries, and olives can damage your disposal blades. The pits can also cause blockages further down the drain. Dispose of them in the trash or compost, and save your disposal for softer food scraps.
7. Bones
While small chicken or fish bones may seem like they could pass through your disposal, larger bones—especially from meats like beef, pork, or lamb—can jam the motor or damage the disposal blades. It’s best to dispose of bones in the trash or compost bin.
8. Non-Food Items
Some people make the mistake of throwing non-food items like paper towels, plastic, or metal down the disposal. These materials can cause serious damage to the blades, clog your pipes, or even lead to motor burnout. Avoid putting non-food items down the garbage disposal and watch for items that may accidentally fall into the drain.
9. Dairy Products
Dairy items like cheese, butter, and yogurt can coat the pipes in a greasy film, which can lead to clogs over time. Another reason to avoid putting dairy products down the disposal is that they can sour and produce unpleasant odors in your kitchen. It’s best to throw away any leftover dairy items rather than dispose of them down the garbage disposal.
10. Onions and Garlic
While these pungent kitchen staples aren’t as risky as some other foods, large quantities of onions and garlic can cause odors and possibly contribute to clogs. Their natural oils and juices can coat pipes and linger, leading to unpleasant smells in your kitchen. It’s best to dispose of them in the trash if you have leftovers instead of putting them down the disposal.
When To Call A Plumber
If your disposal is not working or you have a backed up sink, it may be time to call a plumber in for help. Learn more about Central Carolina’s plumbing services or simply submit your request below.
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