What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal

• Grease And Oil

The tricky thing about grease and oil is that they will cool and solidify, and eventually cause clogs in the pipes. Grease and oil may look harmless when they’re in a liquid state, but they will cool quickly and cause a sticky mess. These materials happen to be the leading causes of clogged drains in many homes. Instead of pouring grease and oil down the drains, let it cool and then dispose of it in the trash.

• Bones

All bones, no matter their size, do not belong to the garbage disposal. To avoid breaking the shredder ring and impellers, toss bones in the trash instead.

• Coffee Grounds

You may have heard that coffee grounds make your sink smell better. While that is true, it’s not worth the clogs they will cause. Coffee grounds are highly fibrous and tend to stick together. They can easily create a thick, sludgy mass that can trap other debris. The best option is to compost them.

• Egg Shells

Do not fall for the misconception that egg shells help to sharpen the blades of a garbage disposal. This fixture does not have blades. Instead, they have a shredder ring and impellers that grind up food waste. Egg shells can cling to the shredder ring and blades, potentially causing clogs. You’re better off throwing them in the trash or composting them.

• Fibrous vegetables

Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, broccoli, and okra can tangle around a garbage disposal’s grinder. Throw fibrous vegetables onto a compost heap or in the trash can.

• Nuts

Nuts are a poor candidate for a garbage disposal. They are too hard for the disposal's blades to grind effectively and can damage the motor. Besides, nut butters can be sticky and contribute to clogs.

• Oatmeal

Just like nuts, oatmeal gets gummy when it mixes with water. The mushy texture of oatmeal can easily clog your disposal and pipes. It's best to compost oatmeal or throw it away in the trash.

• Fruit Pits and Seeds

A garbage disposal is designed to grind soft food waste. Fruit pits and seeds can be very hard and damage the blades. Some larger pits, like avocado pits, can also jam the disposal. If your garbage disposal has jammed for some reason, call a trusted plumbing repair service for repairs.

• Seafood Shells

These are another culprit for damaging blades. They are too hard to grind and can also become lodged in the disposal. Seafood shells belong in the trash bin.

• Potato Peels

There are two ways potato peels can harm your garbage disposal. First, thin potato peels can slide between the disposal grinders and cause clogs. Second, ground potato peels turn into a starchy paste in a garbage disposal. The same goes for beans, nuts, oatmeal, and starchy vegetables.

Contact Rooter Man Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair

Garbage disposals can last for many years, but they will eventually need to be replaced. You’ll know your garbage disposal is in disrepair if you notice grinding noises, leaks, persistent clogs, and unpleasant odors. Call the qualified and experienced plumbers at Rooter Man Plumbing for garbage disposal repair or replacement. Our trusted plumbers have the expertise and state-of-the-art tools to troubleshoot your garbage disposal and make repairs.