Few home maintenance problems are as unpleasant as plumbing issues. One of the most frequent reasons for having to call a plumber is a clogged or broken kitchen garbage disposal, which, 99% of the time is due to user error. With that in mind, we present you with our list of five things you should most definitely never put down the kitchen disposal:
1. Grease and oil
Grease from cooking can seem harmless enough when it is still liquid, but remember that once it cools, it turns back to its original solid state. As it slowly builds up (putting grease down the drain is a habit for some), it will clog your pipes.
2. Anything stringy
Stringy items, like corn husks or celery, can wrap around the disposal motor and cause it to burn out, resulting in the need for expensive repairs.
3. Pasta and Grains
Leftover pasta, or rice for that matter, will continue to absorb water as long as it remains in contact with it. That means that it will continue to expand in your pipes until you have a problem on your hands.
4. Bones
Bones can vary in their level of toughness, so it’s best not to take a chance sending them down the disposal at all.
5. Garbage
Despite its name, a garbage disposal is not capable of handling most types of actual garbage – paper, glass, produce, egg shells, or synthetic materials should never go down your disposal.
The best bet when it comes to what not to put down your garbage disposal is: when in doubt, use the garbage bin instead. Treat your garbage disposal gently, and you should be able to avoid any related plumbing problems.
