
Garbage disposals are a staple in modern kitchens, offering a convenient way to manage food waste and keep sinks clear. However, some things should never be put down your disposal — even if it might seem like a quick and easy thing to do.
The efficiency and longevity of your system depends on how it’s used. At Mr. Plumber, we’re prepared to help you prevent damage and avoid kitchen plumbing nightmares. Our team is here to shed light on common items that are better off in the trash can than down your drain.
The Importance Of Garbage Disposal Care
Proper garbage disposal care is about ensuring your appliance serves you well for years to come. When inappropriate items are sent down the disposal, they can cause clogs or damage to the blades. These issues may lead to costly repairs or the need for a complete replacement.
Proper disposal care also contributes to a healthier home by preventing foul odors and potential backups, both of which can pose hygiene issues. One of the best ways to protect your system is to ensure you only send food scraps down that you know are safe for it.
Maintain Your Garbage Disposal With Proper Waste Management
There’s a long list of things not to put down your garbage disposal. Understanding what these items are will help you make informed choices that protect your plumbing. To help get you started, we’ve listed out some of the things you’ll want to avoid sending down your drain.
Can You Put Chicken Bones In Garbage Disposals?
When getting rid of dinner waste, it’s not always clear what can or can’t go down a garbage disposal. This lack of clarity can have homeowners questioning if solids — particularly chicken bones — can be put down the drain.
The answer to this is a firm no. Bones of any type should not be put in 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 get stuck.
The system will try to break the bone down, but it could be what ends up damaged instead! It’s best to play it safe and throw bones away in a trash can.
Fats, Oils And Grease: Keep Your Drains Clear Of FOGs
Fats, oils and grease, also known as FOGs, should never be disposed of in your disposal. While in liquid form, these materials may seem to go down easily, but in reality, they can cause major plumbing issues.
This issue is because FOGs will harden over time and clog the pipes. For proper disposal, drain your fat, oil or grease into a can or jar. Seal it and toss it in the trash for adequate ejection.
Expandable Foods Have No Place In Your Garbage Disposal
Pasta, rice and bread can expand when exposed to water — even after they’ve been cooked. This expansion can lead to blockages in pipes, leading to clogs that are difficult to clear without professional help.
Keep Hard Objects Out Of Your Sink
Anything hard, small and round will likely cause damage to the machinery’s blades. Nuts, fruit pits and seeds will sit at the bottom of your disposal, unable to be ground up, or they will make your blades dull after granulation. Stick to throwing these items in the trash.
Use this as a general rule — if it’s hard enough to require a hammer to crack, it’s too hard for your disposal.
Avoid Onion Layers And Eggshells In Your Garbage Disposal
Anything with a film or skin-like membrane — like egg shells and onion layers — can wrap around the system’s blades, hindering their movement and efficiency.
It’s a misconception that eggshells can sharpen your disposal’s blades. In reality, they’re likely to create significant problems, so don’t risk putting them down the disposal.
Keep Coffee Grounds Away From Your Plumbing
As you add coffee 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 accumulation not only restricts water flow, but also attracts other debris, worsening the blockage.
Clearing such a clog often requires professional intervention, making it a costly and inconvenient problem for homeowners. Avoid this issue and throw those grounds in a compost bin or the trash.
Tips for Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Maintaining this household staple isn’t solely about knowing what foods to throw away. To keep your system in top shape, run cold water through it during and after use to help flush down waste. Also, avoid overloading the disposal by cutting larger items into smaller pieces before disposing of them.
Regularly cleaning your disposal with natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda can help eliminate odors and buildup. However, if you find yourself dealing with stubborn clogs, Mr. Plumber is here to help!
Combat Garbage Disposal Problems With Mr. Plumber
Your garbage disposal is a valuable kitchen appliance — its care should not be overlooked. By being mindful of what you dispose of and adhering to regular maintenance practices, you can extend the life of your system and avoid serious plumbing issues.
If you deal with complex complications, trust Mr. Plumber to be your plumbing system ally. Give us a call to schedule your service!