The garbage disposal is something nearly every household has. Typically, the device can run flawlessly for years unless used improperly. If your garbage disposal already shows signs of wear and tear, it might be because you’re putting the wrong things through it. Here’s a quick guide on what not to put down the drain. Avoid disposing of these foods via the drain to keep the plumbing system in good condition.
What Not to Put Down the Garbage Disposal
Just because the garbage disposal works smoothly even when veggies and ice are put down the drain, it doesn’t mean it’s completely immune to damage. In fact, some surprising things can substantially affect the performance of the kitchen helper, making it less likely to last as long as it should. If you want to keep the device working properly for as long as possible, avoid putting these things down the drain.
Avoid Coffee Grounds
You may have heard that coffee grounds will keep your pipes smelling fresh. In actuality, they’re one of the worst things to put down the drain. That’s because they eventually turn into a sludgy mess that leads to clogs. So, even though they’re not particularly bad for your garbage disposal, they can be the kiss of death for your drain, so it’s better to dispose of them in compost.
Avoid Potato Peels
Potato peels also cause plumbing problems, such as clogs. They’re high in starch, which makes them sticky and hard to flush down the pipes. The garbage disposal just makes things worse by cutting them into smaller pieces. Keep in mind that small amounts of potato waste won’t cause immediate plumbing problems, but over time, you’ll have to deal with terrible blockages that can be rather costly to fix.
Avoid Fibrous Vegetables
Veggies high in fiber are the main foods you’d rather not put down on the garbage disposal. Celery, Chard, Pumpkin innards, and similar kinds of vegetables can damage the blades of the device. Before long, you might have to replace the whole unit, which sounds like an unnecessary expense. Remember to remove stickers from fruit peels prior to putting them down the drain, too. Don’t forget that the most eco-friendly way to dispose of peels of fruits and veggies is a compost or organic garbage bin. If you have a flower bed outdoors, you might even use some fruit peels to nourish plants.
Avoid Starchy Foods
Starchy foods are a big no-no for garbage disposal. Typically, foods like oats, rice, beans, etc., expand in contact with water, so what initially seems like a minor piece of waste can swell to become a terrible clog somewhere down the plumbing system. Starch causes problems with the device as well by accumulating on the blades, thus downgrading its efficiency.
Avoid Grease and Fats
If you want to keep the whole plumbing system safe, keep grease off the drain. You might think that hot water dissolves it. If only it were so simple. Actually, grease goes back to its original condition when it cools off, eventually accumulating on pipes. Ideally, try disposing of them at your local oil recycling facility.