Garbage disposals are a convenient kitchen appliance designed to handle food waste. However, many people misuse their garbage disposals, leading to clogs, damage, and costly repairs. Knowing what not to put down your garbage disposal is essential to ensure it functions efficiently and lasts for years. Here, we outline the items you should avoid putting into your garbage disposal and explain why they can cause problems.
1. Grease, Oil, and Fat
One of the most common culprits behind garbage disposal clogs is grease, oil, and fat. While these substances may go down the drain in liquid form, they solidify as they cool, sticking to the interior of your pipes.
- Clog Formation: Over time, grease can accumulate and create stubborn blockages in your plumbing.
- Environmental Impact: Pouring grease down the drain can also contribute to larger sewer issues, such as fatbergs, which are massive blockages in municipal sewer systems.
Instead of disposing of grease in your sink, let it cool and solidify, then scrape it into a sealed container and discard it in the trash.
2. Fibrous Vegetables
Fibrous vegetables, such as celery, asparagus, and corn husks, can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal.
- Stringy Texture Issues: The fibrous strands in these vegetables can wrap around the disposal’s blades, reducing their effectiveness.
- Clogs in Pipes: Once these fibers make their way into your plumbing, they can contribute to clogs and slow drainage.
To dispose of fibrous vegetables, consider composting them or throwing them in the trash.
3. Starchy Foods
Foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes may seem harmless, but they pose significant risks to your garbage disposal and plumbing system.
- Expansion Problem: Starchy foods expand when exposed to water, creating a gluey, sticky mass that can clog your pipes.
- Blade Damage: The consistency of starchy foods can also dull the disposal’s blades over time.
Avoid putting large quantities of these foods down your disposal. If small amounts accidentally fall in, run cold water to help flush them through the system.
4. Eggshells
Eggshells are often thought to help sharpen garbage disposal blades, but this is a misconception.
- Membrane Complications: The thin membrane inside the eggshell can wrap around the blades, reducing their efficiency.
- Pipe Sediment: The finely ground shell particles can mix with other debris, creating a sediment-like buildup in your pipes.
Instead, add eggshells to a compost pile, where they can decompose naturally and enrich the soil.
5. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another seemingly harmless item that can cause issues in your garbage disposal.
- Sludge Formation: When coffee grounds are washed down the drain, they clump together, forming a thick, sludge-like residue.
- Drain Blockages: Over time, this sludge can build up in your pipes, leading to clogs and slower drainage.
Use coffee grounds in your compost or as a garden fertilizer instead of disposing of them in the sink.
6. Bones
While garbage disposals are equipped to handle tough materials, bones are generally too hard for the blades to process effectively.
- Blade Damage: The hardness of bones can dull or break the disposal’s blades.
- Jamming Risks: Larger bones can become lodged in the disposal, causing it to jam and malfunction.
Dispose of bones in the trash or use them to make broth before discarding.
7. Fruit Pits and Seeds
Items like peach pits, avocado seeds, and cherry stones are too hard for a garbage disposal to grind effectively.
- Blade Wear and Tear: These hard items can damage the disposal’s blades over time.
- Jamming Issues: Small seeds can also get stuck in the disposal mechanism, leading to jams.
Throw fruit pits and seeds in the trash or compost them if possible.
8. Non-Food Items
Garbage disposals are designed specifically for food waste. Non-food items, such as plastic, glass, and metal, should never be placed in your disposal.
- Mechanical Damage: Non-food items can severely damage the disposal’s motor and blades.
- Safety Hazards: Broken glass or sharp objects can create safety risks during disposal repair or maintenance.
Ensure non-food waste is disposed of properly in recycling or trash bins.
9. Large Quantities of Food Scraps
Even though garbage disposals are built to handle food waste, large quantities can overwhelm the system.
- Clogs: Dumping too much food at once can lead to clogs in the disposal or pipes.
- Reduced Efficiency: Overloading the system can strain the motor, reducing its lifespan.
Feed food scraps into the disposal gradually, and run cold water to assist with the grinding process.
10. Shells from Shellfish
Shells from shellfish, such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters, are too tough for garbage disposals.
- Blade Damage: The hard, brittle texture can dull or break the blades.
- Odor Issues: Residual shell fragments can create unpleasant odors if they become trapped in the disposal.
Instead, dispose of shellfish shells in the trash or use them as compost material.
How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal
To ensure your garbage disposal runs smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
- Run Cold Water: Always run cold water while using the disposal to help solidify grease and move waste through the pipes.
- Clean Regularly: Use a mixture of ice cubes and salt to clean the blades and remove buildup.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the disposal’s components.
- Inspect Periodically: Regularly check for wear and tear to catch potential issues early.
Conclusion
Understanding the things you should never put in your garbage disposal is crucial for maintaining a functional and efficient kitchen. By avoiding items like grease, fibrous vegetables, and non-food waste, you can prevent clogs, damage, and costly repairs. Always use your garbage disposal responsibly and consult a plumber if you encounter any issues.
