The garbage disposer has no doubt become one of the most convenient appliances in the kitchen. However, garbage disposers were not made to be used for each and every type of food waste, or for that matter, household waste. Putting improper items down your garbage disposer will ultimately lead to clogged lines, offensive odors, damaged blades and very costly plumbing repairs. With an understanding of what should never go down your garbage disposer, you can increase the longevity of your appliance as well as ensure proper functioning of your plumbing system.
We often assist our customers who have had their drains clogged, their garbage disposals damaged or have a kitchen plumbing issue that could have been avoided by practicing just a couple of easy habits. Below is what you should always refrain from putting into your garbage disposer.
Grease, oil & fat
Some individuals think that since Grease comes out of the fryer (or whatever cooking device) in a liquid state, it is safe to pour it down the sink. Grease does cool rapidly when entering your piping system.
Once cooled, the Grease begins to solidify and clings to the interior of your plumbing and adheres to any food particles going through the pipe. This accumulation creates a continuous buildup which in turn causes either restricted water flow or total blockage of the drain line.
Dispose of Grease in a disposable container where it can cool. Then discard in the trash. Preventing Grease buildup is probably the simplest way to avoid unnecessary plumbing work.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds appear harmless since they are so small; however, they do not dissolve in water. They collect within your pipes and combine with Grease and soap residue creating large buildups.
It is recommended to place coffee grounds in your trash or recycle them as part of your compost pile.
Eggshells
A popular misconception about garbage disposers is that eggshells help to sharpen the blade(s). Most modern garbage disposers actually utilize grinding units rather than blades. As such, when you put eggshells into your disposal, they can stick to the grinding units and then settle at the bottom of your drain and contribute to clogging.
Removing eggshells from your disposal will simply help minimize unwanted wear on the unit.
Fibrous foods (Vegetables)
There are some types of Vegetables which contain long strings of fiber. These long strands of fiber can get stuck in your garbage disposal’s grinding mechanisms.
Examples of these fibrous Vegetables include:
• celery
• corn husk
• asparagus
• artichoke
• Onion skins
When these fibers jam up your disposal or slow the water flow down the drain, you will inevitably experience a call for a service appointment for plumbing repair.
Place fibrous Vegetables in your compost bin or throw them away in the trash instead.
Pasta, Rice, Bread
Pasta, Rice and bread absorb lots of water even after being disposed. Once absorbed in water and discarded down the drain, these foods expand into a gooey mess which can obstruct pipes and impede normal water flow. Even though pasta, Rice and bread may seem insignificant as individual contributions toward causing plumbing problems, their cumulative effects can certainly produce substantial plumbing problems.
Bone material (chicken bones etc.)
Disposers are not designed to crush hard bone material. Hard bone material can damage the inner workings of the disposal or make the disposal jam.
Hard bone material includes but is not limited to: chicken bones, beef bones, shrimp shells, crab shells, lobster shells, oyster shells, etc. Do not attempt to force these items through your disposal. It will likely cost you money to fix and/or replace your disposal.
Seashell material (shrimp shells etc.)
Crab shell, lobster shell and oyster shells are particularly problematic when trying to crush them. When crushing these materials, there is a high probability that they will shatter into sharp fragments. Sharp fragments can lodge themselves deep within your disposal and/or plumbing systems. This increases the likelihood that you will encounter a clog.
You should generally throw seashell materials away in the trash.
Non-disposable materials
While it seems obvious, many individuals have had garbage disposal problems due to accidental disposal of non-disposable items. Examples of non-disposable items include:
• paper towel
• plastic
• Glass
• metal objects
• Twist ties
• food packaging
• rubber bands
Even small non-disposable items can damage the grinding mechanism of your garbage disposal or totally stop-up your disposal.
Ways to use your garbage disposal properly
Your good habits regarding use and maintenance of your garbage disposal will significantly prolong its useful life as well as maintain optimal function of your kitchen plumbing.
Here are some easy methods to use your garbage disposal properly:
1. Run cold water
Always run cold water prior to starting use of your garbage disposal. While using your disposal, always run cold water. After completion of usage, run cold water again. This process prevents Grease and other debris from sticking together and accumulating upon the walls of your pipes.
2. Feed waste gradually
Do not feed large portions of waste into your disposal at one time. Break down large portions into smaller ones. Doing so will allow for smooth operation and efficient grinding action.
3. Cut larger pieces
Prior to feeding waste into your disposal, cut larger pieces into manageable sizes. This allows for effective grinding.
4. Clean your garbage disposal
Regularly clean your garbage disposal using ice cubes and citrus peels. Citrus peels aid in eliminating odors from your garbage disposal while ice cubes scrub the interior surfaces preventing buildup.
5. Never use harsh chemical drain cleaners
These five easy actions will effectively prevent clogging issues while maintaining peak performance of your disposal.
When to call a pro
If your garbage disposal frequently jams, produces excessive noise, leaks or continues to trip circuit breaker/thermal overload switch (reset), it is time to contact a professional plumber.
Allowing these early warning signs go unnoticed can provide an opportunity for small problems develop into major plumbing issues. A professional plumber can diagnose whether it is necessary to repair, replace or if there is another issue further downstream affecting the drain line.
In addition, a professional inspection can uncover underlying issues before requiring extensive plumbing repair.
Trust ac plumbing construction for all garbage disposal & plumbing repairs
Knowing what should never be fed down your garbage disposal is without question one of the easiest ways to protect your homes plumbing system. By avoiding Grease, coffee grounds, fibrous vegetable products, starchy foods (such as potatoes), bones and other potential clogging materials you will greatly decrease opportunities for clogs, lengthen the life expectancy of your appliance and minimize plumbing repair costs.
Whether you find yourself having ongoing disposal issues or need dependable plumbing repair services ac plumbing construction is ready to serve. Our knowledgeable staff offers expert drain cleaning services, garbage disposal repair/replacement services including leak detection and full residential/commercial plumbing solutions throughout San Diego County.