When it’s time to clean up your kitchen after cooking, throwing scraps down the garbage disposal might seem like the quick and easy thing to do. However, there are some things that should never be put in it and could result in your garbage disposal not working and needing repairs. Here are some items that you should stick to throwing in the trash can and not down the drain.
Bones
Bones should not be put down the garbage disposal because they will not be able to be broken down. While small pieces might get through, larger bones such as chicken wings will just get stuck. The garbage disposal will try to break the bone down, but it has a greater chance of actually breaking it and clogging the connected plumbing.
Pasta
Pasta is something you wouldn’t immediately think of as having the potential to harm your garbage disposal. However, even if they are fully cooked, the pasta will still expand with water. This swelling will lead to clogged drains so it is best to just throw your leftover noodles in the trash.
Fruit Pits
Similar to bones, fruit pits are too hard for your disposal to handle and break down. Throwing these down there will most likely result in broken or dented blades causing you to need a whole garbage disposal repair. Think with items like these, if you can’t chop it with a knife, your disposal won’t be able to either.
Grease and Oil
While liquid grease or oil will be able to go through the garbage disposal it will cause major issues in the connected plumbing. The grease will harden over time and clog the pipes which is not something you want to deal with. Instead, drain your oil and grease into a can or jar, seal it and toss it in the trash to dispose of it.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are a surprising culprit for your garbage disposal not working. As you add more grounds down the drain it will build up and form a sludge similar to what you get in a coffee filter once you make a fresh pot. This will eventually clog the drain so throw those grounds in a compost bin or just in the trash.
If you are in the Boerne, TX area and need professional help with your garbage disposal repair or other plumbing needs, Mr. Plumber is ready to help. Contact us to request service for your home.
