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10 Things You Should Never Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
To keep your kitchen sink running smoothly and avoid the hassle of plumbing problems, it’s essential to know what can and cannot be put down your garbage disposal. While many people think of their disposals as a convenient place to eliminate food waste, some items can lead to significant clogs and costly repairs. Below is a comprehensive list of ten things you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal.
1. Egg Shells
Contrary to popular belief, throwing egg shells into your disposal does not help keep it sharp. Garbage disposals operate with impellers, not blades, and egg shells can accumulate in pipes, leading to clogs, particularly in low spots.
2. Grease
Pouring frying oils or bacon grease down the sink may seem harmless at first, but these liquids solidify as they cool, creating a sticky buildup in your pipes. This can lead to severe clogs, sometimes referred to as “fatbergs.” Instead, let grease cool and dispose of it in a container.
3. Pasta and Rice
These starchy foods may seem innocuous, but they tend to absorb water and turn into gooey masses, making them a significant clog risk. Even if they pass through the disposal, they can block the kitchen drain later on.
4. Peels
While citrus peels are often used in attempts to freshen a disposal, they can wrap around the moving parts and cause blockages. Additionally, potato peels are starchy and can contribute to clogs. Instead, use lemon juice, baking soda, or ice to clean and deodorize your disposal.
5. Seeds
Seeds can be hard enough to become lodged in the disposal’s components, leading to jams. Avoid discarding anything larger than a sesame seed down your drain to prevent blockages.
6. Fibrous Foods
Foods high in fiber, such as celery, asparagus, corn husks, and rhubarb, can tangle and wrap around the disposal’s mechanisms. Avoid these items to keep your pipes clear.
7. Poultry Skin
While small bits of meat can generally go down the disposal, poultry skin is rubbery and difficult to grind properly. This can lead to clogs, especially after large meals like Thanksgiving. Discard skin in your trash instead.
8. Coffee Grounds
A fine grind of coffee grounds in small amounts may be acceptable, but regular grounds take on a dense form and can create clogs. Additionally, stray coffee beans can jam the disposal.
9. Nuts
While it may seem unlikely that someone would dispose of nuts through their sink, when large quantities are poured in, they can create a paste-like obstruction—similar to peanut butter—that is problematic for your disposal.
10. Pet Food
Both wet and dry pet food can disrupt the workings of your garbage disposal. Various ingredients in pet foods can become greasy, gooey, or fibrous, leading to clogs. The best option is to throw away any uneaten pet food in the trash.
By avoiding these ten common culprits, you can help protect your garbage disposal and plumbing from unnecessary clogs and costly repairs. Remember that garbage disposals were designed to handle small amounts of food waste left on plates, not the contents of your refrigerator. For any significant plumbing issues, consider consulting a professional plumber.
To learn more about maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen, check out the original article on Eating Well.
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