Garbage disposal repair is a common household issue that can be easily avoided by knowing what not to put down your disposal. A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance that helps us get rid of food scraps and waste, but it’s important to remember that not everything can go down it. In this article, we’ll explore five things you should never put down a garbage disposal to prevent unnecessary damage and costly repairs.

1. Grease and Cooking Oils: A Recipe for Disaster

Garbage disposal repair nightmares often begin with grease and cooking oils.

Pouring grease and cooking oils down your garbage disposal may seem convenient, but it’s a recipe for disaster. When these substances cool down, they solidify and can clog your disposal’s blades and pipes. Over time, this can lead to reduced efficiency and, ultimately, the need for garbage disposal repair.

The right way to dispose of grease and cooking oils is to pour them into a heat-resistant container, such as a coffee can or an old glass jar and let them cool before throwing them in the trash. This simple step can save you from costly repairs in the future.

2. Fibrous Vegetables: The Silent Saboteurs

Fibrous vegetables are like silent saboteurs, wreaking havoc on your garbage disposal.

Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, and corn husks might seem harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. The fibers in these vegetables can wrap around the disposal’s blades, causing them to jam. When this happens, you may need to call in a professional for garbage disposal repair.

To prevent this issue, it’s best to dispose of fibrous vegetables in your regular trash. If you want to make them more disposal-friendly, cut them into small pieces before sending them down the sink.

3. Eggshells: Not as Egg-cellent as You Think

Eggshells can be deceptively harmful to your garbage disposal.

Eggshells are often seen as harmless and even beneficial for garbage disposals because they can help clean the blades. However, this is not entirely true. The thin membrane on the inside of the eggshell can wrap around the blades, and the small, sharp shell pieces can contribute to clogs. While they might not be the primary culprits for garbage disposal repair, it’s best to avoid putting eggshells down the disposal.

If you want to clean your disposal, consider using ice cubes instead. Ice can help sharpen the blades and remove built-up residue, keeping your garbage disposal in good working order.

4. Coffee Grounds: A Drain’s Worst Enemy

Garbage disposal repair often stems from the seemingly innocuous coffee grounds.

Coffee grounds are a common kitchen waste item that people often try to dispose of down their garbage disposals. Unfortunately, coffee grounds are a drain’s worst enemy. They can accumulate in your pipes, creating a thick sludge that can block the flow of water and lead to clogs.

Instead of tossing coffee grounds down the disposal, it’s best to find alternative ways to dispose of them. You can use them in your garden as compost or simply throw them in the trash. By doing so, you can avoid the need for garbage disposal repair and keep your kitchen sink working smoothly.

5. Bones: A Hard Nut to Crack for Your Garbage Disposal

Attempting to grind bones can lead to significant garbage disposal repair costs.

Some people believe that garbage disposals can handle bones, but this is a common misconception. Bones are too hard and dense for the disposal’s blades to handle. Attempting to grind bones can lead to significant damage and result in costly garbage disposal repair bills.

Instead of trying to put bones down the disposal, it’s better to discard them in your regular trash. You can also consider composting them if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly solution.

Conclusion: The Key to Avoiding Costly Garbage Disposal Repair

In conclusion, understanding what not to put down your garbage disposal can save you from the headache of garbage disposal repair. By avoiding grease and cooking oils, fibrous vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, and bones, you can keep your garbage disposal in good working order. Remember that a little extra care in the kitchen can go a long way in preventing costly repairs and maintaining a smooth-running disposal.

Regular maintenance is also important to keep your garbage disposal in tip-top shape. Grinding ice cubes, using citrus peels, and running cold water while the disposal is in use can help prevent clogs and keep the blades sharp. When it comes to garbage disposal repair, prevention is always the best approach.

In case you ever find yourself in need of garbage disposal repair, it’s essential to contact a professional plumber or appliance repair service to handle the issue. Attempting to fix a disposal on your own can lead to further damage and more significant expenses. So, remember, keep your garbage disposal happy by avoiding the “forbidden five,” and it will serve you well for years to come.