Tips for Healthy Garbage Disposals & Drains - What to Avoid

Garbage disposals are a convenient and efficient way to get rid of food waste, but they are not designed to handle everything that is thrown their way. To keep your disposal running smoothly and to avoid damage to the unit, it's important to know what should be avoided when using a garbage disposal.

1. Grease and Oil: Grease and oil can solidify and clog the disposal and pipes. Instead of pouring grease and oil down the disposal, let it cool and solidify and dispose of it in the trash.

2. Coffee grounds and Eggshells: These materials may seem small and innocent, but they can accumulate and create clogs. While eggshells can help sharpen the blades, they also tend to add up fast, cause clogs, and leave a bad odor.

3. Starchy Foods: Foods such as rice, pasta, and potatoes can expand and absorb water in your pipes, causing a clog. These should be avoided or at least be run under hot water and in small quantity

4. Fibrous Foods: Stringy foods such as celery, artichokes, and corn husks can wrap around the blades and cause a blockage. These should be avoided or at least be run under hot water and in small quantity

5. Hard Objects: Never put hard objects such as bones, fruit pits, or metal objects in the disposal. These can damage the blades, causing them to break or become dull.

6. Chemical Drain Cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the disposal. They should be avoided, and any clogs or blockages should be dealt with using a plunger or by calling a plumber.

By avoiding these items, you can keep your disposal running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. If you're ever unsure about whether or not something is safe to put down your disposal, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it in the trash.

It is important to also keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning of the disposal. This can be done by running cold water and dish soap through the disposal for a minute after each use, also you can use a solution of vinegar and baking soda to give it a fresh clean. Finally, Always remember to keep the water running while the disposal is on and for 30 seconds after, this will help flush out the waste and avoid blockages.