The 5 Worst Things to Put Down Your Disposal

Garbage disposals are vital appliances in modern kitchens that eliminate food waste, ensuring a clean and healthy environment. However, these systems can’t handle all the waste, hence the need to have a bin in your kitchen. While it is easy to dump everything down the disposal while cleaning the dishes, some things should go into the bin to avoid damage and unplanned garbage disposal replacement emergencies. At Neighborhood Plumbing, we understand the convenience garbage disposals bring to modern kitchens, and provide comprehensive services, including installation and maintenance to ensure everything is in tip-top shape. Here are five things that should never go down your disposal to ensure it goes the distance.

Grease, Fat, and Oil

The most damaging substances you can put down your garbage disposal are grease, oil, or fat. These substances may seem harmless in liquid form, but once they cool down, they solidify and stick to the insides of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can cause major blockages and expensive plumbing repairs. It is advisable to let grease cool before disposing it in a sealed container in the trash. Also, running cold water through your disposal after use can clear buildup, preventing an unplanned and costly garbage disposal repair in Pittsburgh.

Eggshells

It’s a common misconception that eggshells are safe for your disposal. While the shells may seem harmless, the membrane inside can get tangled around the disposal’s blades, reducing their effectiveness. In addition, ground-up shells can form a substance that clings to pipes and causes clogs. The most effective solution to prevent such scenarios is to toss eggshells in the compost bin or trash instead.

Coffee Grounds

Many people assume that coffee grounds are fine to flush down the disposal, but they’re one of the worst culprits. When coffee grounds go down the drain, they clump together and form a dense paste that can clog your pipes over time. It’s better to use coffee grounds as compost or dispose of them in the trash to prevent plumbing issues. Even if you dispose of a few coffee grounds, over time the damage can worsen, prompting a professional garbage disposal replacement.

Bones

Bones may seem safe for a garbage disposal, but they’re too hard for the appliance to handle. Disposals handle softer food waste, and grinding bones can dull or damage the blades. Even small bones can cause issues, hence the need to throw them in the trash. If you’re looking to minimize waste, consider using bones to make broth before discarding them.

Starchy Foods

Lastly, starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, and rice can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. These foods absorb water and expand, which can clog your pipes. Also, starchy substances can create a sticky paste that coats the disposal’s blades and reduces overall system efficiency. It is advisable to scrape starchy leftovers into the trash before rinsing the dishes to mitigate blockages and costly repairs.

Garbage disposals are helpful kitchen tools. However, putting grease, eggshells, coffee grounds, bones, and starchy foods down the drain can wreak havoc and cause costly repairs. Contact us at Neighborhood Plumbing and schedule a consultation with our experts to ensure your appliance is in tiptop shape. We provide exceptional garbage disposal repair in Pittsburgh, keeping your kitchen running smoothly for years.