A garbage disposal is a must-have in any kitchen. It’s perfect for easy cleanup, and when used properly it can keep your drains clear of food. However, a garbage disposal is not a chainsaw – it doesn’t chop through everything!
Many people dump anything and everything down the garbage disposal, which often leads to clogged drains and even damaged disposals. Here are 7 ways to clog your garbage disposal, so hopefully you can avoid these problems in the future.
1. Fats, Oils, and Grease
Fats, oils, and grease clog your garbage disposal by sticking to the pipes and solidifying. If enough fat and grease builds up it causes blockages and even sewer overflows.
2. Rice and Pasta
Rice and pasta may be small but they can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. The starch in these foods enables them to stick to the sides of the disposal. Worse still, they swell as they absorb water, leading to clogged pipes.
3. Stringy Vegetable Peels
Vegetable peels are among the most common culprits when it comes to clogging your garbage disposal. The fibrous peels make it difficult for the disposal to move freely, often leading to damage. Avoid putting potato, carrot, and artichoke peels down your disposal.
4. Bones and Eggshells
Bones and eggshells are too hard for the disposal to fully break down, and as a few pieces are broken, they become sharp shards that damage your garbage disposal.
5. Fruit Seeds and Popcorn Kernels
Fruit seeds and popcorn kernels may be small but they can have a huge impact on the performance of your disposal. Seeds and kernels are too hard to be broken down, and they’re small enough to sneak into the cracks and holes of your machine. Extracting seeds can be a difficult process – it’s better to keep them far away from your garbage disposal.
6. Plastic and Metal
Whether it’s a tiny plastic measuring cup or a small metal spoon, these hard objects are almost impossible for your disposal to process. Whenever you can, check your disposal for anything that may have accidentally fallen down your disposal and extract them carefully.
7. Coffee Grounds
Many people recommend disposing coffee grounds in a garbage disposal, as coffee may eliminate some unpleasant smells and odors. However, coffee particles can accumulate in your disposal and pipes, leading to blockages. It’s better to throw the coffee filter and grounds in the trash.
Fortunately, if you have done any of these 7 ways to clog your garbage disposal, EZ Plumbing offers 24-hour plumbing. We can correct the problem quickly and efficiently, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of a clogged garbage disposal.