Your garbage disposal might seem like a kitchen superhero, but even heroes have their limits! Tossing the wrong things down the drain can lead to clogs, jams, and unpleasant smells—yikes! Let’s break down what you should never put in your garbage disposal, how to keep it running smoothly, and when it’s time to call in the plumbing pros.
What NOT to Put in Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, Oil, and Fat: Sure, it’s tempting to pour that bacon grease down the drain, but think twice! Grease can solidify in your pipes, creating stubborn clogs that are a nightmare to deal with. Instead, let it cool and toss it in the trash.
- Fibrous Vegetables: Celery, asparagus, corn husks—these stringy veggies can wrap around the blades and gum up the works. Your disposal will thank you if you toss them in the compost instead.
- Eggshells: Contrary to popular belief, eggshells aren’t a good match for your disposal. The membrane inside the shell can stick to the blades, and the ground-up shell can create a sandy mess that clogs your pipes.
- Coffee Grounds: They might be small, but coffee grounds can clump together like a wet, sludgy mess in your pipes. Save them for your garden or compost instead!
- Pasta and Rice: These starchy foods expand when wet, so tossing them in the disposal can lead to a sticky, goopy clog. Better to scrape leftovers into the trash.
- Bones: Your disposal isn’t made to handle bones. They can dull the blades and cause the motor to overheat. Keep bones out, and if you’ve got a lot of them, consider making broth or just chucking them in the trash.
- Fruit Pits and Seeds: Think of fruit pits as the disposal’s kryptonite. They’re just too hard for the blades to handle, so keep those out of the drain.
DIY Tips to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Happy
- Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal. It helps solidify any fats, making them easier to chop up and flush away.
- Use Ice Cubes and Citrus: Toss in a few ice cubes to clean the blades and follow up with a lemon or orange peel to freshen things up.
- Clean Regularly: Pour a little baking soda and vinegar down the drain every few weeks to keep things fresh and prevent buildup.
When to Call for Help
If your garbage disposal is jammed, making strange noises, or just not working as it should, it’s time to call in the experts. Attempting to fix it yourself can sometimes make the problem worse, so when in doubt, let a professional handle it.
At Aqua Knight Plumbing, we’ve seen it all—if your garbage disposal needs a rescue, we’re just a call away! We’ll get your kitchen back to running smoothly in no time, so you can focus on what matters: enjoying your meals without the worry of clogs or breakdowns.
