Disposals make life easier. If you have one, you know the satisfaction of quickly disposing of food scraps. We often treat our garbage disposal like a trash can, which can cause plumbing issues. Instead, save time and money by avoiding these garbage disposal mistakes.

Animal Bones

Bone is a naturally resilient material, but it can shorten the life of your disposal. The garbage disposal can handle a small bone that accidentally falls down the drain. On the other hand, anything more significant than that will cause your garbage disposal’s grinding mechanisms to become damaged as it simply spins around.

Eggshells

Eggshell membranes have a chance of sticking to the interior of your disposal, which will make them less effective. In addition, the shells themselves may adhere to other debris in the drain, causing the drain to become clogged. Rather than draining them, try throwing them away in the garbage or composting them to avoid future problems. 

Coffee Grounds

After your morning coffee, avoid putting the coffee grounds in the garbage disposal. Your pipes may become clogged by the thick, black paste that forms from used coffee grounds. Instead, you can use coffee grounds in your garden as a natural way to feed your plants or scatter them around your plants to keep ants, snails, and slugs away.

Grease

Grease will solidify if left in a pan for a long enough time. If you pour it down the drain as opposed to flushing it, it will still have the same impact on your plumbing. Over time, grease will collect along the pipe’s walls, impeding waste and water flow.

Potato Peels

Peels from potatoes can clog up your garbage disposal because they tend to catch on other objects in the removal and then clump together. The starch found in potatoes, when processed into a paste, has the potential to clog your pipes. This is another scenario that has the potential to cause problems.

Non-Food Materials

Any non-food items, such as tissues, paper towels, or plastic wrappers, can cause severe issues for your drainage system. Not to mention that these substances can contaminate your local water supply and spread through your drainage system. Anything that isn’t biodegradable shouldn’t be disposed of in the garbage disposal.

Corn Husks

Husking corn generates a large amount of waste, most of which should be disposed of in the trash or compost pile rather than the garbage disposal. The thick, fibrous husk and the delicate threads of corn silk pose a threat to removals. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to husk it immediately into a bag and to keep it away from the garbage disposal.

Conclusion

If you want to avoid causing any problems with your garbage disposal, do not put these things listed above. If you need assistance with your garbage disposal or any other aspect of your plumbing, please let us know, and we will be happy to assist you. Bueno Plumbing will provide you the prompt and expert service. Call us right away!