Everyone has been guilty at some point for putting food items into their garbage disposal instead of simply placing it in their trash can. For many, that is the whole point of a garbage disposal and is often more simple to do. However, that convenience can sometimes come back to haunt you and result in a clogged garbage disposal. Before getting to the point of having to hire a professional plumber, below are some of the top things you should never put down your drain.
1. Starchy Foods
Starchy foods can often create the biggest problems in your drains. Large quantities of foods like rice, potato peels and pasta can turn into a sticky, goopy clog deep in your drain. Instead, these types of leftover foods should be scraped off into your trash can.
2. Fats
Cooking fats are another food item that should never be put down your kitchen drains. They may go down at first in liquid form, but once they cool off they will begin to congeal into a substance similar to candle wax. In time, it will gradually stick to the sides of your pipes and decrease the diameter of your piping. Eventually, the flow of water will decrease. Remove as much cooking fat from your plates and cookware before you rinse them off.
To keep the fat from building up in your drains, run hot water for at least one minute while adding a grease-cutting soap. More information can be found if you visit the www.drainrescueplumbers.com website.
3. Coffee Grounds and Eggshells
Both eggshells and coffee grounds require a significant amount of water to wash down the drains and push through your plumbing system. This means it can easily cause a clog deep in your pipes. Whenever possible, put these food products in the trash instead of your disposal.
4. Foods Rich In Fiber
Certain fibrous foods can cause clogs easily in your drain. Vegetables such as carrot peels and celery can overwhelm your disposal system and create thick clogs. Unless you want to call a plumber for help, it is best to put these food items in the trash instead of into your disposal system.
5. Seeds Of Any Kind
No matter what size the seed is, they should never be put down your drain into the garbage disposal. Larger seeds can end up bouncing around in the blades and cause them to damage your appliance. Small seeds can get stuck in the piping and lead to backups.
It is always important to be aware of what you put down your drains, even though you have a garbage disposal to use. Cutting down on the items you put into your disposal will ensure it works properly and no clogs form. If your water begins to drain slowly, call a professional plumber for assistance.