Some Things Should Not Go Down The Drain

The history of garbage disposals is as fascinating as it is practical. The invention dates back to the late 1920s, credited to John W. Hammes, an architect in Racine, Wisconsin. His creation was born out of a desire to make kitchen cleanup more efficient. By 1935, Hammes had perfected his design, and in 1940, the InSinkErator company was born. This innovation transformed the way households managed kitchen waste, offering a convenient method to dispose of food scraps directly through the sink. Over the decades, garbage disposals became a standard fixture in American homes, evolving in efficiency and functionality. Today, these devices are celebrated for their convenience, yet they require careful usage to prevent malfunctions.  

Avoid These Garbage Disposal Problems

Fibrous Foods: A Recipe For Disaster -  One might assume that fibrous foods like celery and asparagus can easily be ground up by a garbage disposal, but these stringy vegetables are notorious for causing clogs. Their fibrous strands can wrap around the disposal’s blades, leading to jams and potential motor burnout. Similarly, corn husks and artichokes pose a threat for the same reason. These items can accumulate, creating a tangled mess that is difficult to remove. It's best to dispose of such waste in the compost bin rather than risk a malfunction in the unit.

The Starch Conundrum - Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can wreak havoc on garbage disposals. When these foods come into contact with water, they expand and form a paste-like substance. This sticky paste can clog the disposal and pipes, leading to unpleasant blockages. Even in small amounts, starchy foods can gradually build up, resulting in significant plumbing issues. It's prudent to scrape these foods into the trash or compost instead of risking the functionality of the disposal.

Coffee Grounds: A Brewing Problem - While it may seem harmless to wash coffee grounds down the drain, they can accumulate in the pipes and cause clogs. The fine particles of coffee grounds tend to stick together, creating a thick sludge that obstructs water flow. Over time, this buildup can lead to serious blockages that require professional intervention. It's wiser to repurpose coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer for plants.

Eggshells: Not As Innocent As They Seem - Eggshells are often mistakenly believed to sharpen the blades of a garbage disposal, but this is a myth. The membranes within eggshells can adhere to the blades and inner components, causing mechanical issues. Additionally, ground eggshells can form a sand-like substance that clogs pipes.

Fat, Oil, And Grease: The Triple Threat - Fat, oil, and grease are major culprits in causing clogs and blockages in garbage disposals and pipes. When these substances cool, they solidify and adhere to the interior surfaces of the pipes, gradually accumulating and narrowing the passage for water. This can lead to severe blockages that are difficult to clear. Instead of pouring fat, oil, or grease down the drain, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the trash.

Bones: The Hard Truth - Bones are another item that should never be put in a garbage disposal. Whether from chicken, beef, or fish, bones are too hard for the disposal to grind. Attempting to process bones can dull or damage the blades and potentially cause the motor to overheat and fail.

Fruit Pits And Seeds: Small But Mighty - Fruit pits and seeds, such as those from avocados, peaches, and cherries, are incredibly hard and can cause significant damage to the blades and motor of a garbage disposal. These items are better suited for the trash or compost bin. Even smaller seeds from fruits like apples and citrus can cause problems over time, so it's best to avoid disposing of them in the sink.

Shells From Seafood: A Shaky Proposition - Shells from shrimp, crabs, lobsters, and other seafood are too tough for garbage disposals to handle. These shells can cause clogs and damage the blades. Additionally, the remnants of seafood can lead to unpleasant odors if they get trapped in the disposal. Discard seafood shells in the trash to prevent any issues and keep the kitchen smelling fresh.

Onion Layers: Peel Away The Myths - Onion skins and layers can create a web-like structure inside the disposal, leading to clogs and mechanical issues. The thin, papery layers can wrap around the blades, causing jams and reducing the unit’s efficiency.

Nuts And Nut Shells: A Crunchy Catastrophe - Nuts and their shells are hard and can cause significant damage to garbage disposals. The hardness of nuts can dull or break the blades, while the shells can create blockages. Even peanut butter can cause issues due to its sticky, thick consistency. 

Non-Food Items: A Definite No-Go - While it may seem obvious, non-food items such as plastic, paper, glass, and metal should never be put in a garbage disposal. These materials can cause severe damage to the blades and motor and pose significant safety hazards. Always dispose of non-food items appropriately to prevent accidents and maintain the disposal’s functionality.

Expanding Foods: A Growing Concern - Foods that expand in water, such as bread and grains, can cause clogs and blockages in garbage disposals and pipes. When these foods come into contact with water, they swell and form a sticky, paste-like substance that can obstruct water flow. 

Citrus Rinds: Not So Zesty - Citrus rinds, while often used to freshen up garbage disposals, can cause problems if not used sparingly. The tough, fibrous texture of citrus rinds can create clogs and jams. It's best to use small pieces occasionally for deodorizing purposes and dispose of larger quantities in the compost or trash.

For additional insights on maintaining your kitchen appliances and keeping your plumbing system in top shape, visit Tom Shell Plumbing. Our team of seasoned experts is dedicated to assisting with all your plumbing needs, ranging from routine maintenance and inspections to emergency repairs and comprehensive installations.

We offer professional advice, top-notch services, and reliable solutions to ensure your home’s plumbing operates smoothly and efficiently. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert guidance, quality workmanship, and exceptional customer care. We're here to help you keep your home running seamlessly.