7 Things You Should Never Put Down Your Garbage Disposal: Avoid Plumbing Nightmares!
Garbage disposals are incredible kitchen appliances that can make our lives easier by quickly disposing of food waste. However, it’s important to remember that not everything can go down the disposal without consequences.
In this blog post, we’ll explore seven common items that should never be put down your garbage disposal. By avoiding these items, you can prevent clogs, damage to your disposal, and costly visits from plumbers in Marietta, GA.
1. Animal Fat
While it may be tempting to pour leftover grease from cooking down the drain, animal fat is a big no-no for your garbage disposal. As animal fat cools, it solidifies and can cling to the walls of your pipes, causing blockages. Instead, let the fat cool and dispose of it in a sealed container or wipe it out with a paper towel before rinsing your dishes.
2. Egg Shells
Despite their hard exterior, eggshells can cause problems for your garbage disposal. The membrane lining the shell can wrap around the disposal blades, leading to clogs. Additionally, the shells can break into small pieces that are difficult to flush out. It’s best to compost eggshells or dispose of them in the regular trash.
3. Starchy Foods
Foods like rice, potatoes, and pasta absorb water and expand when exposed to moisture. When these starchy foods are sent through the garbage disposal, they can swell and create a thick paste that clogs your drains. Instead, scrape starchy leftovers into the trash or compost.
4. Tough Vegetables
Although garbage disposals can handle many vegetable scraps, certain tough ones are better off discarded elsewhere. Avoid sending items like celery stalks, artichoke leaves, and corn husks through the disposal. Their fibrous and stringy nature can wrap around the blades and impede proper functioning.
5. Solid Fat
Just like animal fat, solid fats like coconut oil or butter should never be poured down your garbage disposal. As they cool, they harden and can accumulate in your pipes, leading to blockages. Dispose of solid fats in a container and discard them with your regular trash.
6. Corn Husks
While we briefly mentioned corn husks under tough vegetables, they deserve a separate mention due to their tendency to cause issues. Corn husks are tough and fibrous, and the disposal blades can have difficulty grinding them up. Instead, compost or discard them in the trash.
7. Clam or Oyster Shells
Seafood lovers, beware! Clam and oyster shells are extremely hard and can damage your garbage disposal blades. They can also create clogs in your drains. It’s best to dispose of these shells in the trash or find a local recycling center that accepts them.
When to Call a Plumber
Even if you follow these guidelines, it’s possible to encounter plumbing issues. If your garbage disposal becomes clogged, emits foul odors, or experiences frequent breakdowns, it’s time to call in professional help. Plumbers in Marietta, GA, such as Dupree Plumbing, have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix plumbing problems efficiently, saving you from further headaches.
Protect your Pipes with Dupree Plumbing
Garbage disposals are fantastic tools for managing food waste, but they have their limitations. By avoiding the seven items mentioned above, you can prevent clogs, damage to your disposal, and the need to call a plumber. And if you ever find yourself facing a stubborn plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted plumbers in Marietta, GA, like Dupree Plumbing, for expert assistance.