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What You Should Never Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
All About Plumbing & Septic is your garbage disposal repair services expert, but there are some ways to prevent damage to your garbage disposal – starting with what not to put in it:
PASTA
When pasta comes into contact with water, it expands. Dumping large amounts of pasta down the drain can cause it to swell further and potentially block the pipes. Even if your garbage disposal chops it into smaller pieces, pasta can continue expanding in the water, leading to clogs before it can be flushed away.
COFFEE GROUNDS
Many people unknowingly toss coffee grounds down the sink, not realizing the potential for plumbing problems. While coffee grounds can help neutralize odors, they tend to clump together and form a thick, sticky paste that can obstruct drain lines, often necessitating professional hydro jetting to clear the blockage.
EGGSHELLS
Despite common myths, eggshells do not sharpen the blades of garbage disposals. Instead, the inner membrane of the shells can snag in the pipes, leading to clogs similar to those caused by onion skins. It’s best to throw eggshells in the trash or use them in your garden to decompose naturally.
TRASH
Avoid putting non-decomposable items like plastic, paper, cloth, or even banana peels down the garbage disposal. It’s not designed to handle these materials. Use your trash can for these items.
POTATO PEELS
Potato peels are often discarded in large quantities, which can overwhelm garbage disposals and cause them to malfunction. Even if they make it past the blades, these peels can easily accumulate and block the drain pipes.
CHEMICALS
Be cautious with chemicals you put down the drain, as some can be harsh and damaging. They may dissolve clogs but can also harm the pipes. Always consult your plumber before using chemicals to ensure safe use.