Do's and Don'ts of Garbage Disposals
It can be confusing to figure out what can and can't go down your garbage disposal. Disposals are fantastic to recycle your food scraps, but they have their limits. They're not fully capable of processing everything you might want to run down it.
Garbage disposal repairs are pricey, but if you can avoid the damage in the first place you'll be one step ahead. Here are some of the do's and don'ts of what you should be putting down your garbage disposal.
DON'TS
GREASE
Grease is the number one mistake to put down your garbage disposal. Though for the most part your disposal doesn't have a problem with liquids, grease is only in a liquid form temporarily. As grease cools down it solidifies, which can be a disaster if done in your disposal. Clogs and thick films on the shredding teeth can easily form, eventually culminating in the decomposition of the grease that will cause a foul odor. No matter how much water you pour down with it, grease and oils are never a good idea for your garbage disposal.
COFFEE GROUNDS
There's a bit of a mixed consensus of whether coffee grounds are a do or don't for the disposal, but according to multiple plumbers, coffee grounds can be a huge hassle when put down the garbage disposal. They can attract grease, build up and create a clog, and make your drain smell like bad coffee. Instead of putting them down the disposal, try putting them to better use and utilizing them for composting instead.
EGGSHELLS
Another controversial disposal item, eggshells can cause problems when put down your disposal. The membrane on the inside of the shells gets wrapped up in the blades, and they can also get stuck to the walls of the pipes and cause blockages. Though there is back and forth on whether or not eggshells are safe to put down the disposal, it's a better idea to stay safe and just put them in the compost pile.
RICE OR PASTA
If you've ever cooked pasta or rice, you know that when they are exposed to water they expand. While this is great when cooking, it's can be a big problem when they expand down in your garbage disposal. You'll have some pretty sizeable clogs in no time. Save your rice and pasta leftovers for them trash when throwing them out.
DO'S
DISH SOAP
Obviously, you wouldn't use your garbage disposal to shred up dish soap, but running soap down your drain can help clean the disposal. Simply pour a bit in with some cold water and let it run for a little bit. It's an easy and quick way to sterilize your disposal.
ICE CUBES
While you want to be careful with how many and how often you put these down your disposal, throwing a few in every once and a while can knock food residue off the blades of your unit. To help them be more effective, try using ice cubes made from vinegar or lemon juice to freshen the unit up a bit.
LIQUIDS
Most liquids are garbage disposal safe. Cold water is recommended to run down the disposal for about 20 to 30 seconds before grinding food items to help them go through smoothly. Your disposal is much more equipped to take liquids than solids or sludges.
Your garbage disposal can handle a lot you throw its way, but knowing exactly what can and can't run through it will help reduce risk of clogs and extend your disposal's life.
Do you have any questions? Contact Any Hour Services today to discuss any questions or problems you have regarding your garbage disposal. We're happy to help!
Author: Amber Smith-Johnson
Copyright © 2020 by Any Hour Services
Feb 1st 2020
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