Coffee Grounds
Beware of coffee grounds. Some people use them as a natural deodorizer but to the detriment of their garbage disposals. Although they are already finely milled, coffee grounds tend to clump together and make a thick paste rather than washing down the drain. Enough of them dumped down the drain can cause stubborn clogs. Try disposing of coffee grounds in your garden.
Eggshells
You’ve probably heard that eggshells help to sharpen blades. That’s a myth that has led many people to call for plumbing service as a matter of emergency. Eggshells have a fibrous inner membrane lining the shell, which causes them to wrap around the impellers. Not only do they cause motor strain, but they also accumulate in the U-shaped P-trap of plumbing. Toss them instead.
Pasta and Rice
Just like other expandable foods, pasta and rice absorb water and get thicker. If you put them down the disposal, they can swell inside pipes and cause blockages. While they may seem harmless, pasta and rice can turn into a sticky mess that you don’t want to deal with. To avoid this issue, dispose of leftover expandable foods in the trash can.
Fibrous Vegetables
Stringy, fibrous vegetables are problematic for garbage disposals, too. Whether we’re talking about artichokes, acorn squash, or celery, the bottom line when it comes to fibrous vegetables is to avoid putting them down the garbage disposal. The long, stringy fibers can wrap around the blades rather than washing away. Fibrous vegetables belong in the compost or trash and not in your garbage disposal.
Bones
Garbage disposals are not designed to process large or hard bones. Putting bones down the disposal can dull or damage components and may create pieces that become lodged in the plumbing.
Small soft bones may sometimes be handled by certain disposals, but avoiding bones altogether is the safer choice.
Potato Peels
Potato peels can create a surprisingly thick mess inside a garbage disposal. As they break down, the starch can form a paste that sticks to plumbing surfaces and restricts water flow.
If you're preparing a large batch of potatoes, put the peels in your compost or trash rather than sending them down the drain.
Fruit Pits and Seeds
Peach pits, avocado pits, cherry pits, and other hard seeds can damage disposal components. Their size and hardness make them unsuitable for most residential garbage disposals. Remove pits and seeds before rinsing or scraping fruit into the sink.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal may seem soft enough for a garbage disposal, but it can cause problems once it mixes with water. As it absorbs moisture, oatmeal can swell and become thick and sticky. That mixture may cling to the inside of your drainpipes and contribute to slow drainage or clogs.
This is especially true when you put a large amount of cooked oatmeal down the sink at once. Our plumbers in Highland, CA recommend you scrape leftover oatmeal into the trash or compost before washing the bowl.
Large Amounts of Food Scraps
Even foods that are safe for a garbage disposal can cause problems when too much is introduced at once. Large quantities can overwhelm the unit and increase the amount of material entering your drain.
Feed food scraps gradually and run plenty of cold water while the disposal is operating. Better yet, scrape most food waste into the trash or compost before washing dishes.
Schedule A New Garbage Disposal Installation with Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today
If your garbage disposal has come to the end of its lifespan or needs frequent repairs, contact the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for a new garbage disposal installation. Our plumbers have the skills to install and service all makes and models of garbage disposals. Call us now or send us a message online.
