Things You Should Never Put In Your Garbage Disposal

• Coffee Grounds

Some homeowners believe coffee grounds help sharpen the blades, but this is a myth that needs to be debunked. Garbage disposals do not actually contain blades. Instead, they make use of impellers that spin at high speeds to grind up food. Coffee grounds may seem to go down the drains without a problem, but they’re a major culprit behind garbage disposal clogging. Any plumber will tell you that coffee grinds belong in the compost pit, not your garbage disposal.

• Eggshells

Eggshells are one of those sneaky foods that can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. They may seem harmless, but their membrane can wrap around the disposal blades and cause them to dull. Eggshells are also quite bulky and can contribute to clogs. They should be tossed in the trash and never washed down the sink into the garbage disposal.

• Rice and Pasta

Both rice and pasta should stay out of the garbage disposal. These starchy foods expand in water and can easily form a gloopy mess that can clog your disposal and pipes. It's best to compost these items or toss them in the trash.

• Fibrous Foods

Fibrous foods can cause a lot of problems when put in the garbage disposal. Celery, corn husks, artichokes, and asparagus have long, stringy fibers that can tangle around the disposal blades and stall the motor. These are better suited for composting or the trash bin.

• Bones and Fruit Pits

Your garbage disposal isn’t made to grind down hard items such as animal bones. Do not let the power of your garbage disposal trick you into believing that it can pulverize all sorts of hard items. A small piece of bone can damage the appliance and cost you hundreds of dollars to hire a plumbing service for garbage disposal repair. Fruit pits are no different. They can damage the disposal blades and cause them to break. They can also contribute to clogs further down the drain line. Think of it this way—if you cannot cut it with a knife, don’t expect your garbage disposal to handle it either. Animal bones and fruit pits belong in the trash.

• Potato Peels

While they may look harmless, potato peels are starchy and can turn into a sticky paste that can clog your disposal. Another problem with potato peels is that they can slip past the disposal and cause drain line problems. Just like carrot peelings, it’s best to compost them or throw them away.

• Nuts and Shells

Nuts and shells should never go in your garbage disposal. They are too hard for the disposal to handle and can damage the blades. Besides, they can get lodged in the drain and cause clogs. Nuts and shells belong in the garbage, not in your drains.

• Chemical Drain Cleaners

Most homeowners reach for chemical drain cleaners whenever their garbage disposals get clogged. These products promise a quick fix for clogged drains, but they come with a host of drawbacks. For instance, they accelerate pipe corrosion and interfere with the proper functioning of septic systems. Instead of using chemical drain cleaners to clear garbage disposal clogs, call a nearby plumbing repair service that offers professional drain cleaning.

Looking For Trusted Plumbers? Call Rooter Man Plumbing

If you need assistance with drain cleaning or garbage disposal repair, reach out to Rooter Man Plumbing. We are a top-rated plumbing service that you can count on for all of your plumbing needs.