Since its invention in 1927, people have enjoyed the fascinating capabilities and convenience of the garbage disposal in their kitchen. This handy kitchen appliance has saved countless trips to the outside garbage can by instantly eliminating your worst kitchen waste. However, your garbage disposal is not without some parameters. You cannot simply throw anything and everything down your disposal and expect it to continue working. Here are five items to avoid putting down your garbage disposal:
- Rice and Pasta: These foods may be soft enough, but the problem is that they expand. Both rice and pasta are also difficult to break down small enough to ease through your pipes. Therefore, they just gather at the trap and swell the more you add water.
- Bones and Shells: Your disposal simply isn’t strong enough to grind up animal bones. When it comes to shells, including eggshells, your drain lines are again at risk for clogging.
- Grease: Grease is another No-No. The grease will eventually solidify and clog a portion (or all) of your drain.
- Vegetable Peelings: The peels of potatoes or carrots in excess can gum up on the blades and in the pipes. Put these in the trash instead.
- Coffee Grounds: These may seem harmless but a large chunk of coffee grounds can act similar to rice and pasta and clog the blades and drain lines of your system.
In general, following the rule of “less is more” is a good idea when it comes to your garbage disposal. If your disposal starts to smell, make an unusual noise or stops working altogether, you can call the professionals of Metro Septic and Plumbing. Making the extra effort on the above items by putting them in the trash instead of dropping them down the sink can significantly improve the function and lifespan of your valued garbage disposal.
