Stop Putting These Items Down The Disposal ASAP!
When it comes to putting food waste down your disposal, there are certain items that should be avoided at all costs. Not only do they clog your sink drain, but they can cause costly plumbing repair problems in the future.
1. Chicken Bones
Chicken bones, especially ribs, can clog your disposal. They also pose a chocking hazard to young children and dogs. To avoid putting chicken bones down the disposal, compost them in a hot bin or bury them in the middle of your traditional compost pile, which will decompose faster, release less odor and attract less pests. You can also make bone meal fertilizer, which is a great source of nutrients for the garden. This fertilizer is high in essential phosphorous, potassium, nitrogen and calcium, which can help plant foods like vegetables grow well.
2. Eggshells
Some people mistakenly believe that eggshells can sharpen garbage disposal blades. This is simply not true, though. The membrane on the inside of an eggshell can actually wrap around the blades or impeller, which can cause a number of problems, such as a jam or a clogged drain. This type of clog is not something to want or need, so it’s best to keep eggshells out of the disposal altogether.
3. Grease
It’s important to remember that putting grease down the drain is one of the worst things you can do for your plumbing system. In fact, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, 47% of all sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in the United States are caused by greasy buildups. Once grease begins to collect in your drains, it hardens and clogs the sewer line, which then blocks the water from flowing through your home. This happens because the oily film that grease creates floats on the water and easily adheres to sewer pipes.
4. Fruit Peels
Despite their ghastly appearance, fruit peels should not be put down your disposal. Not only do they make the disposal work harder, but they also can lead to a clogged drain. The only exception to this rule is if you have a very low-powered disposal. If you do, banana peels are fine to use if you cut them into smaller pieces before grinding them up.
5. Fibrous Vegetables
Fibrous vegetables like asparagus, celery, rhubarb and corn husks are tough on the disposal as they bind together to form strings and fibers that can wrap around the blades. This can cause a jam or even burn out the motor of your garbage disposal! Fibrous foods can also make your sink and dishwasher drains clog. They can distribute a film over the disposal blades diminishing their effectiveness and causing an unpleasant odor in the kitchen.