Having a garbage disposal makes life just a little easier. In fact, if you’re fortunate enough to have one, then you already know the feeling of satisfaction you get by flipping the switch to dispose of food waste.
However, even with the best intentions, it’s not uncommon for some homeowners to forget that they can’t treat their disposal like a trash can.
While most garbage disposals are built to last, there’s still a long list of things that should never go down the drain.
If any of these items happen to go down your drain, you might need to schedule Morton TX garbage disposal repair.
1. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds, even those that are finely ground, should never be put in the garbage disposal. When wet, grounds can create a paste-like texture that can lead to a build-up of sediment in the drain, increasing the likelihood of a clog. Always dispose of coffee grounds in the trash can to avoid clogging your drain and possibly damaging your disposal.
2. Pasta, Bread, and Rice
Wondering what these three have in common? All three are super absorbent and hold a lot of water. When you put them down the disposal, they can expand, which can cause both a clogged drain and disposal to stop working. If you’re guilty of letting a few pieces of rice or pasta go down the drain, don’t worry. In most cases, it will pass through without causing a problem.
However, it’s not a good idea to put larger quantities of any of the three down the drain on a regular basis. If it does occur, run cold water for at least 30 seconds to clear the drain. You should also avoid putting other types of grains, like oats, in your disposal as well.
3. Bones
Even the most powerful garbage disposals aren’t indestructible. They aren’t made to grind up hard items like food bones. Trying to grind up bones can dramatically shorten your disposal’s lifespan or break it altogether.
Similar to pasta and other grains, don’t panic if a small bone slips down the drain. Most garbage disposals can handle it once in a while. However, if larger bone fragments end up in the disposal, it could damage the grinding mechanism.
4. Shells and Nuts
Just like bones, eggshells can damage your garbage disposal. Even if your disposal can grind up the shells, the sticky inside membrane may stick to the blades preventing it from working properly.
When it comes to nuts, the idea is the same. Nutshells can damage your disposal’s blades and motor, either reducing how well it works or preventing it from turning on at all. In addition, nut shells can have a paste-like consistency when ground and clog your drain as well.
5. Fruit Pits
The golden rule should always be that if you can’t cut it with a knife, it’s probably not a good idea to put it in your disposal. Fruit pits, regardless of size, should always go in the garbage. Even the smallest of fruit pits can damage your disposal.
6. Fats, Oils, and Grease
Regardless of type, you should never put any fats, oils, or grease down the drain. Although it might seem okay to pour hot oil or grease down the drain, it can wreak havoc on both your pipes and disposal once it cools and hardens. The solidified oil can harden on the disposal’s blades and motor, reducing functionality and possibly preventing it from turning on.
7. Potato Skins
Putting potato skins in the disposal can also cause it to malfunction. Due to their starchy nature, they also become paste-like when wet. This can cause the blades to stick or not spin at all. Play it safe and always put your potato skins in the trash.
If your garbage disposal needs repair, we’re here to help. JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for plumbing in Lubbock, TX, and beyond. Contact us today!