The garbage disposal is a sturdy device that makes food items “disappear” with a simple flip of a switch. However, despite its power and convenience, this kitchen workhorse isn’t indestructible. There’s a misconception out there that a garbage disposal is foolproof. This is misleading because, while garbage disposals are designed to handle much of the food waste, they are not equipped to grind up everything you toss their way. There are certain items you should not include in your garbage disposal.
The skilled plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita have put together a list of items not to put down your garbage disposal. If you ever need garbage disposal repair, we are the plumbers to call. We have been offering reliable services for decades, so we are familiar with all garbage disposal makes and models.
Grease, Fats, and Oils
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is pouring grease, fats, or oils down the disposal. These substances may seem harmless when hot and liquid, but as they cool, they solidify. Over time, they can coat your pipes and blades, causing sticky buildup that leads to slow drainage or complete blockages. Instead, pour cooled grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Fibrous Vegetables
Vegetables like celery, corn husks, asparagus, and onion skins may seem like they belong in the disposal, but their stringy, fibrous texture can wrap around the blades and jam the motor. These fibers don’t grind up easily and can clog the unit or your plumbing. Composting these types of vegetables is often a better solution.
Eggshells
There’s a lot of debate about whether eggshells are safe for garbage disposals. While a few may not immediately cause damage, the thin membrane inside the shell can get caught in the blades or stick to the walls of the disposal. The tiny shell fragments can also accumulate in pipes, increasing the risk of blockages. To be safe, toss eggshells in the trash or compost.
Coffee Grounds
Though they seem harmless, coffee grounds are dense and clump together when wet. Dumping them into the disposal can create a thick, sludgy mess that sticks to the inside of pipes and slows down your drainage. Instead, collect used grounds and use them for compost or as a natural deodorizer around the house.
Bones and Fruit Pits
Hard items like bones and fruit pits (such as peach or avocado seeds) are simply too tough for your garbage disposal. These can damage or dull the blades and strain the motor. In some cases, trying to grind these items can break your disposal entirely. Throw bones and pits in the trash or use bones for broth before discarding.
Pasta, Rice, and Bread
Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and bread may seem soft and easy to break down, but once exposed to water, they expand and become gummy. This can lead to clogs inside your disposal and drainpipes. Even small amounts can build up over time and cause plumbing headaches.
Plumbing Repair Services From Mr. Rooter Plumbing Of Wichita
If your garbage disposal displays signs of disrepair, call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita. Our team of licensed and experienced plumbers in Andale, KS offers reliable plumbing repair services, including garbage disposal repair and replacement. Perhaps it’s become noisy or starts to hum without grinding properly, or maybe it’s leaking from the bottom or frequently gets jammed—these are all signs that something isn’t working as it should. You should never attempt to repair or service a garbage disposal yourself, as it can turn out to be dangerous in some cases. Leave the job to skilled plumbers like those at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita.
