Did you know that not all food scraps can be put into a garbage disposal unit? Some of those most apparently harmless foods can jam the blades, damage the motor, or clog your pipes. And repairs are expensive. Before you find yourself with a clogged sink, here’s a list of your garbage disposal‘s worst enemies.
Installing a garbage disposal unit under the sink promises a clean, odor-free kitchen. No more filling the trash can with food scraps: just place them in the unit, and it grinds them into fine particles before sending them down the drain. Quick, convenient, and eco-friendly, in theory. Because if you think you can put anything in it, think again! Some foods should not go into your appliance or down your pipes.
Eggshells: The Classic to Avoid
It’s usually thought that eggshells pass through the garbage disposal unit with ease. Wrong! They break up into small, grainy pieces which meld together in the pipes to form tough obstructions. Worse yet: the membrane of the interior of the shell wraps around the blades and forms an obstruction. Alternatively, place them in the compost; they will enrich your garden soil due to the magnesium and calcium they contain.
Fibrous vegetables: the invisible enemy
The fibers of celery, asparagus, corn, or even leeks wind around the turbines like string. The result: jammed blades, a strained rotor, and a struggling motor. Even potato peelings are a problem. Very rich in starch, they swell with water and form a sticky paste that blocks the pipes. Off to the compost heap or the food waste bin.
Bones and pits: too hard for it
Small or big, a bone is a bone. Even chicken bones or fish bones can damage the blades and prematurely wear out the motor. And as for avocado, peach and cherry pits, or even seeds, they are way too tough. The result: you risk a broken garbage disposal, and a trip to the plumber.
Coffee grounds: an insidious trap
You might’ve heard that coffee grounds dispel bad odors. The truth is, they create a thick paste within the drain that clogs the pipes. Again, composting is the better choice, as they add much-needed nitrogen to the soil.
Fats and oils
The guaranteed clog liquid when hot, fats and oils solidify as they cool. They deposit on the pipe walls and trap other waste until there is a complete blockage. If you cook with fat, let it cool, then throw it in a container in the trash or recycle it at a specialized waste disposal facility.
Starchy foods and oatmeal
They swell silently. Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, oats, etc. These foods absorb water and swell in the pipes, creating a sticky mass that slows down drainage. Over time, they can block the pipes altogether. Absolutely avoid them.
So, what can you put in the garbage disposal
The good news is that not everything is taboo. Soft scraps like fruit flesh, soft non-fibrous vegetables, or bits of boneless meat are easily chomped by the garbage disposal. A good tip: cut the scraps into pieces and always run cold water before, during, and after use.
Cold water solidifies residual fats, making them easier to flush away. And if something forbidden has fallen in? Don’t panic! Turn off the power before attempting to do anything. Using pliers, take out the stuck thing, then pour boiling water over it to dissolve any residue that may be left.
If even now the garbage disposal does not start, call a waste management professional rather than risk making the problem worse. A garbage disposal is not a magic trash can. It makes life easier, but it does call for some attention. Remember: only soft, easily biodegradable waste goes into it. By following these tips, you’ll extend the life of your appliance… and you won’t have to pay that hefty plumber’s bill!
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