What Are Things You Never Want to Put into a Garbage Disposal or Down a Drain Line?

Garbage disposal is a total mystery for most homes.  It’s tempting to believe that everything can go down the drain, but this is not true. Knowing what to not throw down the disposal before deciding to get one installed in your home or commercial space is crucial. This will save you a lot of time and money that would have been used for repairs and replacements. Hiring an emergency plumber can get expensive if you are not following simple common-sense steps to avoid broken and clogged drain lines. 

What Helps the Disposal Perform Best?

Plenty of soft foods can go down the garbage disposal, depending on the motor’s capacity. Also, the unit’s specification will tell you what you can run through your disposal.

Cold Water

Regardless of horsepower, each garbage disposal can handle cold water. It is best to use chilly or cold water whenever the gadget is on. To help transport trash smoothly down the drain, turn on the tap for 1 minute before and after use. If leftovers get trapped within the garbage disposal without running water, it could cause a blockage or emit a horrible smell. It is also worth noting that cold water can aid in taking any stray grease from the device, saving you from hassles later.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, can play several roles in a garbage disposal. The acid from these fruits aids in decomposing hidden crud in garbage disposals. Additionally, they can successfully reduce undesirable odors and substitute them with a pleasant aroma.

Ice Cubes, Baking Soda, and Vinegar

These are good for sharpening the waste disposal knives while cleaning them simultaneously. Throwing down several ice cubes for cleaning once a week is a nice idea. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to clean the unit regularly to kill bacteria and mold. For more effectiveness, you can make the ice cubes using a mix of vinegar and lemon juice. It’s worth noting that several garbage disposals use impellers rather than blades. It is not required to utilize ice cubes in such a circumstance.

What to Avoid Throwing Down the Disposal

Although it may seem obvious that some items are not supposed to go down a garbage disposal, it is good to clarify as sometimes what is common sense to you may not be for someone else. 

Grease

Among the most crucial things to avoid putting down garbage disposal are fats and grease. Fats harden as they chill, and without adequate rinsing to move them farther, they accumulate in the unit, causing overflow and blockage problems. Sometimes it might be hard to avoid throwing fats into the disposal because it is one of the essential ingredients for most foods. Ensure to run enough water as you dispose of fatty foods.

Coffee Grounds

When coffee beans are poured down the garbage disposal, they congeal into a viscous, heavy paste.  If you pour an excessive amount, it can cause a blockage or sluggish draining.  It’s advisable to compost them or utilize them in your backyard instead of throwing them away.

Eggshells

Eggshells are said to assist in sharpening blades, although this is a prevalent misconception. The membrane inside the eggshells has a different tale. Whereas they have no significant good or bad effect on the blades, the membrane can. This thin layer can tangle around the blades, become unfastened and caught in the turbine, or cause a slimy obstruction within your pipes.

Onion Skins

Similar to eggshells, onion skins can wrap around the blades and cause a malfunction in your drains. It is best to dispose of in a compost bin.

Potato Peels

Potato peels can be small enough to slide between the rotors. This creates a blockage in the sink drain, wreaking havoc in your kitchen.

Hard Objects

These include bone, seeds, and other hard foods that might damage the garbage disposal blades.