Seven Things You Shouldn't Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Bones

Bones are one of the worst things to put down your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are not equipped to handle hard items like bones. They can damage the blades and the disposal motor, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, bones can get lodged in the pipes, causing blockages and backups. It is best to dispose of bones in the trash or compost.

Eggshells

Eggshells are often mistaken as an excellent item to put down the disposal because they are small and can be easily ground up. However, eggshells are not easy on the disposal's blades. The membrane inside the eggshell can wrap around the blades and cause them to dull over time. Instead of putting eggshells down the disposal, consider composting them or using them in the garden as a fertilizer.

Fruit Pits

Fruit pits, like peach and avocado pits, are hard and can damage the garbage disposal blades. They can also get stuck in the pipes and cause blockages. It is best to dispose of fruit pits in the trash.

Fats and Grease

Fats and grease should never be put down the garbage disposal. When fats and grease cool, they solidify and can cause clogs in the pipes. Over time, these clogs can cause serious plumbing problems. Instead of pouring fats and grease down the disposal, let them cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of them in the trash.

Stringy Foods and Peels

Stringy foods like celery and corn husks can wrap around the garbage disposal blades, causing damage to the unit. Potato peels are also a no-go, as they can create a starchy paste that can clog the pipes. Dosing stringy foods and peels in the trash or compost is best.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds seem harmless enough to put down the garbage disposal, but they can actually cause problems. Coffee grounds can accumulate in the pipes and create clogs over time. They can also create a sludgy residue that coats the garbage disposal blades. Instead of putting coffee grounds down the disposal, consider composting them or using them as a natural fertilizer for your plants.

Cleaning Chemicals

It should go without saying, but cleaning chemicals should never be put down the garbage disposal. These chemicals can be harmful to the environment and can cause damage to the disposal's blades and motor. Additionally, cleaning chemicals can react with other chemicals in the pipes and cause dangerous fumes. It is best to dispose of cleaning chemicals according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Maintain Your Disposal With Leak Detection of Atlanta’s Professional Plumbing Service

To ensure that your garbage disposal is working at its best, it must be regularly maintained by a professional plumbing service. At Leak Detection of Atlanta, we have a team of highly skilled plumbers who can provide regular maintenance and repairs to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly. We specialize in leak detection and plumbing services, and we can help you identify any potential problems with your garbage disposal before they become major issues.