The Problem with Grease and Fat

Grease and fat may be liquid when hot, but once they cool down, they solidify, creating blockages in your plumbing system. These stubborn buildups not only clog your garbage disposal but also cause backups further down the pipes. Over time, hardened grease can restrict water flow, making it necessary to call a plumbing repair service to fix the blockage. While it might seem like a small amount of grease or oil won’t do much harm, the cumulative effect is serious. You might think running hot water or soap after pouring grease will prevent issues, but this is a myth. To protect your disposal and avoid future repairs, always dispose of grease and fat in the trash instead of the drain.

Why Coffee Grounds Aren’t Your Friend

Coffee grounds might seem harmless because they’re so fine, but they can be a big problem for your garbage disposal. Rather than breaking down, coffee grounds tend to clump together and form a sludge-like substance that can coat the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can create clogs that require a qualified plumber to remove. If you’re looking to get rid of coffee grounds, try using them in compost or simply toss them in the trash. Your pipes will thank you, and you’ll avoid a potential call to a plumbing service down the road.

Eggshells Cause More Harm Than You Might Think

It’s a common misconception that eggshells help sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal. In reality, the membrane inside the shell can wrap around the blades, leading to reduced efficiency or even damage over time. The hard shell fragments don’t break down as easily as other food items and can contribute to clogging. While it might be tempting to toss eggshells down the disposal, it’s best to avoid this habit. Instead, discard them in the trash or use them for compost, where they can benefit your garden instead of harming your plumbing.

Bones Are a Definite No-Go

Bones are far too hard for your garbage disposal to handle. Whether they’re chicken, beef, or pork bones, these tough materials can damage the blades or get stuck in the mechanism. Even smaller bones, like fish bones, can lead to issues by getting lodged in your pipes and causing blockages. If bones find their way into your garbage disposal, you’ll likely need a garbage disposal replacement or repair. To prevent this from happening, always throw bones in the trash, no matter their size.

Avoid Fruit Pit Problems

Fruit pits, like those from peaches, avocados, or cherries, are another tough material that your garbage disposal isn’t equipped to handle. These pits might jam the disposal’s motor. Their hardness is comparable to small rocks, which makes them extremely damaging to the blades and internal mechanisms of your disposal. The best practice? Throw fruit pits away to avoid a plumbing repair service in Windsor, CA, and keep your garbage disposal in good working order.

Trouble Caused by Fibrous and Starchy Foods

Items like celery, corn husks, potato peels, and banana skins can wrap around the blades, causing the disposal to jam. Starchy foods like potatoes, rice, or pasta will expand when exposed to water and create a thick paste that clogs your pipes. To keep your disposal in top shape, always discard fibrous and starchy foods.

Nuts are Small but Mighty Clog-Makers

Nuts might be small, but they’re deceptively tough on garbage disposals. Their hard texture and oiliness can create a sticky paste that clogs up the blades and pipes. Grinding nuts is like turning your garbage disposal into a nut butter maker, which is a recipe for disaster in your plumbing system. It’s best to throw nuts in the trash, not your disposal. Doing so can help you avoid an unnecessary call to a plumber for a clogged drain or damaged disposal.

Protect Your Garbage Disposal with a Professional Plumbing Service

When you avoid putting damaging items like grease, coffee grounds, and bones down your disposal, you extend it's lifespan and prevent the need for frequent repairs. However, if you find yourself dealing with a jammed or broken disposal, Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air is here to help. Our plumbers can quickly resolve any disposal or plumbing issues, whether it’s a simple fix or a full garbage disposal replacement. Contact us to schedule your service.