Foods That Can Cause a Clogged Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are modern commodities that make cleaning after cooking much easier. They break up large food pieces and flush them down your pipes so you do not have to fish them out of the sink after doing the dishes. However, you can’t just throw any food you want down the drain, as some foods can break or clog your garbage disposal.
Are you dealing with garbage disposal issues and are not sure what is causing them? We will talk about foods that should and should not go down the drain and signs you may need professional garbage disposal repairs.
What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
When it comes to foods that should not go down your garbage disposal, the main concerns are clogs in your pipes and damage to your garbage disposal. Both of these can lead to costly plumbing repairs and repeated visits from a plumber. To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, do not put the following foods down your sink.
Fats, Oils, and Grease
While fats such as oil and grease start as liquids, when you cook with them, they solidify as they cool down. Grease and oil can solidify in your pipes and lead to serious clogs anywhere down your plumbing system.
Clogs that happen further down are more difficult to fix, so don’t pour fats, oils, and grease down your garbage disposal. Then how do you dispose of cooking oil? Use oil solidifiers such as FryAway to coagulate the oil so you can safely and easily dispose of it in your garbage can.
Starchy Foods (Such As Rice and Pasta)
While scraping the occasional noodle or bit of rice off your plate before putting it in the dishwasher is perfectly fine, do not put large quantities of rice or starchy foods like potatoes down the drain. Over time, these foods break down into a slimy mush that can cause clogs in your pipes and gum up your garbage disposal. Throw these foods in the trash.
Eggshells
Can egg shells go in the garbage disposal? Eggshells do not decompose or break down quickly, and they can sit in your pipes and garbage disposal for a long time. Eventually, a large buildup of these shells will clog your pipes and cause a disposal backup. Your best bet is to throw those shells in the trash instead of down your drain.
Coffee Grounds
Do coffee grounds damage your garbage disposal? Similar to egg shells, they do not break down quickly and can build up in your pipes causing a clog. They can also be quite oily, so they are a double-whammy on your garbage disposal. Coffee grounds should be tossed in the trash can, even if they are used grounds from your coffee maker.
Stringy Vegetables
Not all vegetables are safe to put down in the garbage disposal. Stringy veggies such as celery and asparagus can pass through the pipes without the garbage disposal properly breaking them down. These stringy fibers can then build up in your pipes and lead to serious clogs and leaks.
What Can Go Down Your Garbage Disposal
- Liquids
- Small pieces of bone
- Fruit scraps, which include small pits
- Vegetable scraps, as long as they are not stringy
- Citrus peels—which are good for cleaning and deodorizing your garbage disposal
- Ice cubes—which help keep the blades sharp
Signs You Might Need Garbage Disposal Repair
- Jammed or Clogged Garbage Disposal: Clogs in your garbage disposal can lead to a slow-draining sink and a buildup of debris.
- Dead Garbage Disposal: If your garbage disposal is not turning on at all, it may be time to call in the professionals.
- Humming Garbage Disposal: Your garbage disposal should be silent when it is not running. If you hear a noticeable humming sound, this could indicate electrical issues with the disposal.
- Smelly Garbage Disposal: Garbage disposals can quickly get smelly due to the nature of what they do in breaking up food. If there is a pungent odor coming from your sink or drain, it could indicate a clog or other issues.
- Leaking Garbage Disposal: Water under your sink or inside your cabinets can lead to significant water damage and should be addressed quickly.
Garbage Disposal Solutions in Phoenix, Arizona
While your garbage disposal does an excellent job of taking care of food scraps in your sink, it’s not indestructible. There are certain foods you should avoid putting down your drain to prevent clogs or damage to your garbage disposal.
Do you need professional help with a broken garbage disposal or a clogged drain? Day & Night is proud to offer extensive garbage disposal solutions throughout the Metro Phoenix area. No matter whether you live in Scottsdale or Peoria, our team is ready to get your garbage disposal back in working order. We offer plumbing installation services as well as drain cleaning services. Contact us today to get a free quote or to schedule an appointment with one of our plumbing experts.
