While a garbage disposal can be a very convenient appliance in your kitchen to help you dispose of food scraps and other waste, it’s important to know that not just anything can go down your disposal without causing issues. Today, we’re going to explore some common culprits that lead to garbage disposal damage and how to prevent issues like a broken or clogged disposal.
Culprit #1: Fats, Oils, and Grease
Garbage disposal problems are commonly caused by fats, oils, and grease going down the drain.
When these culprits do go down your drain, they cool and solidify, creating a sticky blockage that is very hard to remove. This sticky buildup can lead to a clogged or stuck garbage disposal over time. The best way to dispose of fats, oils, and grease is in a separate container that can be thrown away in the regular trash.
Culprit #2: Coffee Grounds
Because coffee grounds don’t break down very easily, they can often be a menace to your garbage disposal as they can accumulate in the pipes of your disposal which can cause blockages. Some other ways to properly dispose of coffee grounds is adding them to your compost pile or repurposing them as a natural exfoliant.
Culprit #3: Eggshells and Stringy or Fibrous Vegetables
Eggshells are another item that is commonly put in garbage disposals that can actually cause damage, as the membrane inside the shell can wrap around the garbage disposal blades. And vegetables like corn husks have long, fibrous strands that can also wrap around the disposal’s blades and motor, which can lead to clogs and put stress on the motor. It’s best to dispose of these items either in your trash or compost.
Culprit #4: Fruit Pits, Seeds, and Bones
Fruit pits, seeds, and bones are all a big no-no. They are extremely hard and can easily damage the blades of your garbage disposal and even the motor. You should avoid putting these items down the disposal at all costs, to prevent breakdowns.
Culprit #5: Starchy Foods
Rice, pasta, and potato peels are starchy items that absorb water easily and can swell inside your garbage disposal unit. The gummy paste that it creates can lead to clogs and can interfere with the garbage disposal’s performance.
Culprit #5: Non-Food Items
While it may seem obvious, we want to remind folks never to put non-food items down your garbage disposal. This includes things like paper, plastic, glass, and metal, which can cause severe damage to your garbage disposal unit and can even pose serious safety hazards.
In order to avoid garbage disposal issues such as a broken, stuck or clogged unit, it’s important to be mindful of what you put down your drain. By avoiding the culprits mentioned in this blog, you’re helping to extend the lifespan of your garbage disposal and preventing costly repairs down the road. When in doubt, it’s always a safe bet to dispose of potential problem items in the trash.
If you do find yourself dealing with a malfunctioning garbage disposal, FloHawks is here to help assess and repair the issue. Contact us today!
