What Not to Do to Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is a hardworking helper in the kitchen, but misusing it can lead to a kitchen sink clog or worse. To keep your disposal running smoothly, here’s what not to put down the disposal.
Grease and Oils – these harden inside pipes, leading to sticky buildup. Instead, collect cooled grease in a container and toss it in the trash.
Starchy Foods (Rice, Pasta). These expand with water, creating a gummy mess that blocks your kitchen sink.
Bones and Shells. These are too hard for the blades; they can jam or break the disposal.
Fibrous Vegetables and Fruits (Celery, Onions, Bananas). Fibers wrap around blades, causing jams.
Coffee Grounds, Eggshells, and Pits. Coffee grounds clump together, eggshells and pits get tangled, and are hard to grind.
Bad Disposal Habits
Overloading - Dumping too much food overwhelms the system. Instead, use the trash or compost for large amounts of food waste.
Skipping Cold Water: Always run cold water while grinding to flush debris.
Using Harsh Chemicals: Use baking soda and vinegar instead.
Final Takeaway
Your garbage disposal is designed for small, soft food scraps only. Treat it kindly, and you’ll avoid the headaches.
If your disposal is acting up or you suspect a clog, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Call RooterMan; we specialize in drain cleaning and can handle everything from a simple kitchen sink clog to a full clogged sewer repair.
