Anyone who has garbage disposal will likely claim it is one of the best appliances in the kitchen.
I mean, who doesn’t love a machine that dramatically speeds up cleaning time? You just cram all the food waste down the drain and flip a switch, right?
Wrong.
Garbage disposals can handle a lot, but they can’t handle everything.
Read on to discover what not to put down a garbage disposal. Keep these 5 clogging risk items out of your sink.
1) Coffee Grounds
For many, the morning routine begins with fresh coffee. However, after brewing, refrain from flushing the coffee grounds down the garbage disposal.
The blades of the disposal can handle the grounds, but the thick paste-like substance will clog up your plumbing over time.
If this happens, you’ll need the help of the professionals at Olympic Plumbing Technology to clean the drains.
2) Grease
The grease, oil, and fat that accumulates from cooking is a major culprit of a clogged sink.
In its liquid form, the greases are not good for the mechanics of disposal. Furthermore, after it cools, it will harden a lead to slow draining and clogged plumbing.
Instead, dispose of cooking grease by pouring it into a container to be thrown away.
3) Egg Shells
This one surprises many people. There are rumors that suggest the shells help sharpen the blades of the disposal. This is false.
In fact, eggshells are bad for the garbage disposal.
How could something as fragile as eggshells disrupt the garbage disposal?
Well, it’s not so much the shell, but the membrane on the inside of an eggshell that is harmful. This membrane dislodges from the shell and can wrap around or be sucked up into the mechanisms of the disposal.
Play it safe and throw them in the trash.
4) Pits, Seeds, and Cores
The Washington area is certainly familiar with eating apples. However, once you are finished, keep the apple cores away from the garbage disposal. The same goes for any fruit pits and heavy seeds.
These items are too harsh for the motor. They may tear up the device. You will find yourself calling the professionals for replacement.
5) Bones
Though it may seem like the easy way out, don’t let the disposal chew up animal bones. The substance is too hard.
Repeated grinding of bones in the disposal will burn up the motor and dramatically decrease the lifespan of your appliance.
Bone shards are also one of the top foods that clog sinks.
Understand What Not to Put Down a Garbage Disposal
When working in the kitchen keep an eye out for these things that will clog the sink. If you know what not to put down a garbage disposal, you can keep your appliance running longer.
Though, if you think you are having issues with your disposal, give us a call. Olympic Plumbing Technology offers fast and professional service in the Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater areas of Washington.
