Your garbage disposal may be tough, but there are still certain items that should never be flushed down the drain and ground up in it. In fact, to prevent damage to your garbage disposal and plumbing, Five Star Plumbing recommends you use drain nets on all of your household drains. Here are six things you should never grind up in your garbage disposal.
Bones
Grinding up leftover bones from chicken, turkey, or any other meat can stop your garbage disposal in its tracks. The bone fragments will get stuck underneath the garbage disposal blades and this will prevent them from moving. Don’t grind any bones in your garbage disposal, even small ones. Also, keep in mind that large bones can actually destroy your garbage disposal.
Celery
Celery strings can also get caught up in the garbage disposal blades and prevent them from moving. It’s important never to grind celery up in the garbage disposal. Once the stalk strings have wrapped around the garbage disposal’s blades, the entire disposal may have to be taken apart in order to fix it. It’s better to throw celery away rather than grind it up in the disposal.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds will clog your garbage disposal and your plumbing. They should never be washed down the drain or flushed down the toilet. Coffee grounds need to be disposed of in the trash or they will build up in your plumbing walls and create clogs. Better yet, use some of your coffee grounds to fertilize your garden and encourage plant growth.
Eggshells
Contrary to popular belief, eggshells don’t actually sharpen your garbage disposal blades. Rather they clog your garbage disposal and your plumbing. Eggshells are also a good thing to fertilize your garden with as they are filled with calcium and other nutrients. Don’t use your garbage disposal to dispose of your eggshells.
Seeds
Another thing that can damage your garbage disposal is fruit pits and seeds. These things not only clog the garbage disposal and your plumbing, but they can also get stuck underneath the blades and freeze up your garbage disposal. Toss these things in the trash to avoid not only damaging your garbage disposal but also damaging your plumbing.
Starches
Finally, starchy foods such as bread, pasta, and rice, can all expand inside of your garbage disposal and plumbing and cause serious clogs. Don’t wash anything down the drain that has the potential to expand and stick to the plumbing walls. Tossing these items in the trash avoids a serious plumbing disaster.
Five Star Plumbing is located in San Antonio, TX. Call the location closest to you if you are having problems with your garbage disposal or household plumbing.
