10 Worst Things to Put in a Garbage Disposal

Top 10 Things to Not Put Down Your Garbage Disposal: Expert Plumbing Service’s Guide

Garbage disposals are excellent for grinding up small food scraps, but not everything belongs there. Improper use can lead to clogs, damage, and costly repairs. Knowing what can and can’t go down your disposal is essential to avoid issues. Expert Plumbing Service, a trusted garbage disposal company serving DuPage, Will, Kendall, and Kane Counties, IL, is here to guide you through the top 10 things you should never put down your garbage disposal.

1. Grease, Oil, and Fats

Grease, oils, and fats might seem harmless when they’re in liquid form, but they solidify as they cool, leading to clogs in your pipes. Over time, this can cause major blockages. Instead, let grease cool in a container and throw it in the trash.

2. Coffee Grounds

It’s tempting to rinse coffee grounds down the drain, but they can clump together and form a thick paste that blocks your pipes. Throw them in the trash or use them for compost instead.

3. Eggshells

Many people believe that eggshells help sharpen disposal blades, but that’s a myth. Eggshell membranes can wrap around the blades, while the gritty shells may contribute to clogs. It’s best to discard egg shells in the compost bin.

4. Potato Peels

Potato peels are starchy, and when they’re ground up, they can form a paste that clogs your disposal and pipes. This is especially true for large quantities of potato peels. It’s best to put them in the trash or compost them instead.

5. Pasta and Rice

Pasta and rice expand when they absorb water, which can lead to blockages in your disposal or pipes. Even small amounts can build up over time, so it’s better to scrape pasta and rice into the trash before rinsing your dishes.

6. Fibrous Vegetables

Fibrous vegetables, like celery, asparagus, and corn husks, have stringy fibers that can tangle around your disposal’s blades, causing it to jam. Always toss fibrous vegetable scraps into the compost or trash bin.

7. Bones

Bones are too hard for your garbage disposal to break down. They can damage the blades and motor, leading to expensive repairs. Even small bones should be thrown in the trash to avoid issues.

8. Fruit Pits and Seeds

Similar to bones, fruit pits and seeds are too hard for your disposal to handle. Throw away or compost these items as they can dull or damage the disposal’s blades.

9. Onion Skins

Onion skins can slip past the disposal blades and create blockages in your drain. The thin outer layers of onions can easily wrap around the blades, so it’s best to throw them away or compost them.

10. Non-Food Items

Your garbage disposal is not designed to handle nonfood items like paper, plastic, or metal. These materials can damage the blades or get stuck in the disposal, leading to a costly repair. Always discard non-food items in the trash.

How to Properly Use and Clean Your Garbage Disposal

To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, it’s essential to use it correctly and maintain it regularly. Here are a few tips:

• Run Cold Water – Always run cold water before and after using your garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify any fats, making it easier for the disposal to grind them up.
• Cut Large Items into Smaller Pieces – Large food scraps can be difficult for your disposal to handle. Cut them into smaller pieces before feeding them into the disposal.
• Clean Regularly – To keep your disposal fresh and free of odors, clean it regularly. You can use a simple baking soda and vinegar solution to remove grime. For a deeper clean, consult a garbage disposal company like Expert Plumbing Service for professional maintenance.

Why Choose Expert Plumbing Service for Your Garbage Disposal Needs?

At Expert Plumbing Service, we specialize in both garbage disposal repair and installation. Our team understands the intricacies of plumbing systems and is equipped to handle any issues that may arise with your disposal.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experienced Technicians – Our trained plumbers have years of experience fixing and installing garbage disposals. We’ll diagnose the problem and provide fast, reliable service.
• Comprehensive Services – Whether you need help fixing a garbage disposal, replacing an old unit, or scheduling regular maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
• Customer Satisfaction – We take pride in providing high-quality service and long-lasting solutions. We will work with you to make sure that your disposal runs smoothly for years to come.

If you’re experiencing persistent issues with your garbage disposal or need a new one installed, contact us for professional assistance. For over three decades, we have provided top-tier plumbing services throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. Family-owned and with over 100,000 completed jobs, our skilled team handles everything from minor clogs to extensive water line repairs. Known for our dedication and problem-solving expertise, we’ve built a loyal clientele and a reputation for quality service.

For more information about our company and the services we provide, or to schedule a service call, visit our website or call us at 815-402-2841