What NOT to Put Down Your Kitchen Drain and Garbage Disposal
Your kitchen drain and garbage disposal are hardworking parts of your home’s plumbing system, but they’re not indestructible. Misusing them can lead to stubborn clogs, foul odors, or even costly repairs. To keep your plumbing in top shape, here’s a guide on what to avoid putting down your kitchen drain and garbage disposal.
1. Grease, Oil, and Fat
Grease, oil, and fat might go down the drain in liquid form, but they quickly solidify as they cool, coating your pipes and leading to blockages over time. Instead, pour grease into a disposable container, let it solidify, and throw it in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds
While they may seem harmless, coffee grounds clump together in water, creating a sludge that can clog your pipes. Compost them instead or dispose of them in the trash.
3. Eggshells
Many people believe that grinding eggshells sharpens garbage disposal blades, but this is a myth. The membrane inside the shell can wrap around the blades, and the ground particles can contribute to clogs. Compost eggshells instead.
4. Stringy or Fibrous Foods
Foods like celery, asparagus, onion skins, and corn husks contain long, fibrous strands that can tangle around your garbage disposal’s blades, causing jams. Throw these items in the trash or compost bin.
5. Starchy Foods
Rice, pasta, and potato peels may seem soft, but they expand when exposed to water, leading to sticky clogs in your pipes. Always dispose of starchy foods in the trash.
6. Bones, Shells, and Pits
Garbage disposals are not designed to handle hard items like chicken bones, seafood shells, or fruit pits. These items can damage the disposal blades and motor. Toss them in the trash instead.
7. Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners
If your kitchen drain is already slow, resist the urge to pour chemical drain cleaners down it. These products can corrode your pipes over time. Opt for natural cleaning methods or call a plumber for stubborn clogs.
Ultimately, your kitchen drain and garbage disposal aren’t a catch-all for waste. By avoiding these common culprits, you can prevent clogs, protect your plumbing system, and extend the life of your garbage disposal. When in doubt, remember: If you wouldn’t eat it, your drain probably doesn’t want it either! Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Orange County, 949.371.2025