Avoiding Garbage Disposal Disaster: What Not to Toss

Hey there, Nashville! If you’ve ever found yourself standing over your kitchen sink, wondering why your garbage disposal is making a sound akin to a train wreck, you’re not alone. Many homeowners unknowingly send their disposals into a tailspin by tossing in all sorts of food and debris that should have never seen the inside of those blades. Let’s break down what you should absolutely avoid putting down your garbage disposal to keep it functioning like a champ.

Why It Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to think about why avoiding certain items is crucial. Your garbage disposal is not a magical box that can shred anything thrown its way. It’s a mechanical device, and like all machines, it has its limits. Misusing it can lead to clogs, odors, and even costly repairs. Nobody wants to be calling Music City Plumbing Pros because of a disposal disaster, right?

What NOT To Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

• Fibrous Foods: Items like celery, corn husks, and artichokes can wrap around the blades, leading to jams. Think of them as the unwelcome party guests that just won’t leave.
• Starchy Foods: Pasta, rice, and potatoes will expand when wet and can create a thick paste that clogs the disposal. You don’t want to turn your disposal into a starchy soup!
• Grease and Oil: While it may seem harmless, pouring grease down the drain can solidify and cause serious clogs in your pipes. Remember, what goes down must come back up, and you don’t want that mess.
• Coffee Grounds: They might seem small and innocuous, but they can build up over time and create sludge. So, unless you want to be fishing grounds out of your plumbing, toss them in the compost instead.
• Eggshells: Contrary to popular belief, eggshells can cause more harm than good. The membrane can wrap around the blades, and the shells can create a gritty mess.
• Non-food Items: This includes anything from utensils to sponges. Your garbage disposal is not a trash can, folks! If it didn’t come from your plate, it shouldn’t go down the drain.

Best Practices for Your Disposal

Now that you know what to avoid, here are some tips to keep your garbage disposal in tip-top shape:

1. Run Cold Water: Always run cold water while using the disposal. It helps to solidify any grease or food particles, ensuring they get chopped up properly.
2. Use Citrus Peels: Every once in a while, toss in some lemon or lime peels. They’ll help freshen up the disposal and help cut through any odors.
3. Regular Maintenance: Consider using ice cubes and salt to periodically clean the blades. This will help keep them sharp and reduce buildup.

When To Call the Pros

If your disposal is still acting funky after you've avoided all the above pitfalls, it may be time to seek help. At Music City Plumbing Pros, we have real plumbers ready to tackle your plumbing needs. Don’t let a stubborn garbage disposal ruin your day. Give us a call!

In Summary: Treat your garbage disposal right, and it will serve you well. Avoid fibrous foods, starchy items, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, and non-food objects. Practice good maintenance and always remember, when in doubt, give us a shout!

Need help with your garbage disposal or any other plumbing issues? Call Music City Plumbing Pros at (855) 532-7550 today!