PLUMBER SECRETS: WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER PUT IN YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Plumber Secrets: What You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Plumber Secrets: What You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal

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Garbage disposals are kitchen heroes—quietly grinding away food waste and keeping your sink clean. But according to experienced plumbers, most disposal problems are caused by homeowners unknowingly tossing in items that should never go down the drain. If you want to avoid a costly repair or replacement, it’s time to learn what your garbage disposal can’t handle. 

1: The Truth About Garbage Disposals


Garbage disposals aren’t invincible. Despite the name, they’re not designed to handle all garbage. Built to break down soft food scraps, disposals struggle—and sometimes completely break down—when faced with harder or more fibrous materials. Understanding their limitations is key to a long-lasting appliance and a clog-free kitchen.

Common Misconceptions



  • “If it fits, it grinds.” False! Size doesn’t equal safety.

  • “Hot water helps everything go down.” Wrong! For grease, this causes more harm than good.

  • “It’s okay if the blades are strong.” Strong blades mean nothing when a drain is blocked.


2: What Plumbers Say You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal


Plumbers have seen it all—and these are the worst offenders that keep showing up in clogged drains and busted disposals:

1. Grease, Oils, and Fats


These may go down as a liquid, but they harden and cling to your pipes. Over time, this builds up into a blockage that can take down your entire system.

2. Fibrous Vegetables (Celery, Corn Husks, Onion Skins)


Stringy, tough vegetables wrap around the disposal blades and jam the motor. They’re a leading cause of breakdowns.

3. Eggshells


There’s a myth that eggshells sharpen blades—don’t believe it! The membrane can gum up your machine, and the shell fragments stick to pipes.

4. Coffee Grounds


They may seem fine, but coffee grounds turn into sludge in your drain and create the perfect environment for clogs.

5. Bones and Fruit Pits


Too hard for your disposal to handle, these items can break the blades or burn out the motor entirely.

6. Pasta, Rice, and Bread


These starchy foods expand with water, turning into a sticky paste that clogs the pipes fast.

3: Plumber-Approved Tips to Protect Your Garbage Disposal


Taking a few simple precautions can extend the life of your disposal and keep your plumbing in top shape:

  • Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal.

  • Cut large scraps into smaller pieces before tossing them in.

  • Use your disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.

  • Once a week, clean your disposal with a mix of ice cubes and citrus peels to clear buildup and freshen it up.


Conclusion


Your Garbage disposal repair is a powerful tool—but it’s not a catch-all for kitchen waste. Plumbers agree that what you don’t put down your disposal is just as important as what you do. By avoiding common clog culprits like grease, fibrous veggies, and bones, you’ll keep your disposal running smoothly and your sink free from nasty backups.

 

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