Here at Unique Indoor Comfort, we want to keep your kitchen sink flowing smoothly all year round. So, before you reach for that handy disposal button, take a moment to learn about the sneaky saboteurs that can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. In this blog, we'll highlight the things you should never put down your garbage disposal to keep your kitchen sink flowing smoothly and avoid the need for costly repairs.
Grease and Cooking Oil:
1. Pouring grease and cooking oil down the drain is a common mistake many homeowners make. While they may be in liquid form when hot, they solidify as they cool, leading to blockages in your pipes and causing backups. Instead, dispose of grease and oil in a separate container and throw them in the trash once cooled.
Fibrous Foods:
2. Fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, corn husks, and artichokes can tangle around the disposal blades, leading to jamming and potential motor burnout. Avoid putting these items down the disposal and opt for composting or trash disposal instead.
Coffee Grounds:
3. While it may seem convenient to wash coffee grounds down the drain, they can accumulate and create a sludgy mess. Over time, this can lead to clogs and foul odors in your pipes. Dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or use them in your garden as compost.
Eggshells:
4. Despite popular belief, eggshells do not sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal. Instead, they can stick to the sides of your pipes and create blockages. Dispose of eggshells in the trash or add them to your compost pile.
Pasta and Rice:
5. These starchy foods expand when exposed to water, which can lead to clogs in your pipes and the disposal unit. Avoid rinsing leftover pasta and rice down the drain, and dispose of them in the trash.
Potato Peels:
6. Potato peels contain starch that can turn into a gluey paste when mixed with water, leading to blockages in your pipes. Dispose of potato peels in the trash or compost them instead.
Bones and Fruit Pits:
7. Garbage disposals are not designed to handle hard objects like bones and fruit pits. Attempting to grind these items can damage the blades and motor of your disposal unit. Dispose of bones and fruit pits in the trash or compost them.
Non-Food Items:
8. Avoid putting non-food items like bottle caps, rubber bands, plastic utensils, or glass down the disposal. These items can damage the disposal unit and create blockages in your pipes.
Chemical Drain Cleaners:
9. While it may be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners to unclog your kitchen sink, they can damage your pipes and disposal unit over time. Opt for natural alternatives, specialty kitchen sink drain cleaners, or call a professional plumber for assistance.
By avoiding these common mistakes and being mindful of what you put down your garbage disposal, you can prevent clogs, foul odors, and costly repairs. Remember to use cold water when running your disposal and schedule regular maintenance to keep your kitchen sink flowing smoothly. If you encounter persistent clogs or issues with your garbage disposal where kitchen sink drain cleaner won’t cut it, don't hesitate to contact Unique Indoor Comfort for professional assistance. We will unclog your kitchen sink and handle any necessary garbage disposal repairs.
To schedule a consultation, contact us at (610) 825-4400. We look forward to working with you!