8 Foods To Never Put Down A Garbage Disposal

When it comes to utilizing a garbage disposal in your new home, it’s crucial to understand which foods are off-limits. After all, you want to ensure your appliance runs efficiently without causing any issues or damage. A garbage disposal is an electrically operated device fitted to the waste pipe of a kitchen sink for grinding up food waste.

While these modern kitchen appliances make getting rid of food waste more effortless than ever, not all foods can be put through your garbage disposal without consequence. In fact, feeding the wrong foods to your garbage disposal could lead to clogged pipes or damaged blades. To avoid costly repairs and ensure a smooth-running machine, it’s essential to know which foods should NOT go down your garbage disposal.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common offenders and what makes them problematic.

How much do garbage disposals cost?

The cost of a garbage disposal can vary significantly, influenced by the brand, model, and features you’re looking for. On average, standard models typically fall within the $100 to $300 range, while high-end options can reach prices exceeding $500 or even more. Moreover, installation expenses should also be considered, as these costs can vary depending on the complexity of your plumbing system.

By comparing prices and features, you’ll be able to find a disposal that meets both your budgetary needs and performance expectations.

How much would it cost to have my drain fixed by a plumber?

When it comes to fixing a garbage disposal by hiring a plumber, the costs can vary greatly depending on the unit’s condition and the plumber’s hourly rate. On average, service calls to repair a garbage disposal typically range from $75 to $200. However, if replacement parts or the entire unit needs to be replaced, the cost could increase significantly in some cases, replacing the unit might actually be more cost-effective than attempting repairs.

As such, it’s always a good idea to consult with your plumber and obtain an estimate before any work begins, ensuring you receive fair rates for the services provided.

Here are eight foods to never put down a garbage disposal:

When it comes to fixing a garbage disposal by hiring a plumber, the costs can vary greatly depending on the unit’s condition and the plumber’s hourly rate. On average, service calls to repair a garbage disposal typically range from $75 to $200. However, if replacement parts or the entire unit needs to be replaced, the cost could increase significantly in some cases, replacing the unit might actually be more cost-effective than attempting repairs.

As such, it’s always a good idea to consult with your plumber and obtain an estimate before any work begins, ensuring you receive fair rates for the services provided.

Fibrous Vegetables.

When it comes to garbage disposals, some seemingly harmless vegetable scraps can cause more trouble than they are worth. Take celery, corn husks, asparagus, and kale stems, for instance. While they may not appear to be a problem at first glance, their fibrous texture can lead to issues with your disposal’s performance. As the fibers break loose during processing, they can easily become entangled with the blades, potentially causing jams or even burning out your motor.

To avoid these problems altogether, it’s best to steer clear of feeding these veggies into your garbage disposal.

Grease and Oil.

Grease and cooking oil can cause significant disruptions to your plumbing infrastructure. Improperly disposed of, these substances can lead to the formation of clogs or even complete pipe blockages, which in extreme cases can result in system-wide failures. One of the primary issues with grease and oil is that they tend to stick to blades and other moving parts within garbage disposals, quickly causing pipes to become clogged.

To avoid these problems, it’s essential to take steps to prevent the accidental introduction of oil or grease into your plumbing system.

Potato Peels.

When it comes to food waste, some culprits are more notorious than others. Potato peels, in particular, can be a real nuisance. At first glance, they may seem harmless, but beware – these seemingly innocent scraps have a tendency to stick together and form a sticky paste that can quickly clog your pipes and lead to messy backups. This issue arises regardless of the potato-based dish you’re preparing: whether it’s loaded baked potatoes, hash brown casserole, or grandma’s classic mashed potatoes.

It’s essential to keep those peels out of the garbage disposal. The starch in the peels is remarkably sticky, which can impede the blades’ movement and lead to severe consequences if not addressed.

Coffee Grounds.

However, using coffee grounds to eliminate odors might not be the best solution after all. In fact, doing so can lead to serious problems for your garbage disposal system. The coffee grounds can accumulate in pipes and potentially cause blockages, which could have severe consequences on your plumbing. One of the main issues is that coffee grounds don’t dissolve effectively in water like other food waste does.

Instead, they tend to clump together over time, building up until they eventually create a blockage in your drain system. This can be particularly problematic if left unchecked, leading to costly and inconvenient repairs.

Bones.

While your garbage disposal may seem indestructible, bones can pose a significant threat to its longevity. Large bones, in particular, can cause irreparable damage to the blades or even lead to motor burnout, resulting in costly repairs. Manufacturers’ claims about grinding bones effectively are often exaggerated, and it’s generally wiser to dispose of them in the trash rather than risking damage to your disposal.

In fact, if something can’t be cut with a knife, it’s unlikely that disposal blades will be able to grind it down either.

Pasta and Rice.

When it comes to cooking pasta and rice, many of us have a common habit: dumping the leftovers down the garbage disposal. However, this seemingly harmless act can actually lead to a multitude of problems as the disposal grinds away at these expandable foods, they transform into a thick paste that prevents water from flowing freely through your pipes.

This not only hinders the proper functioning of your disposal but also increases the risk of clogs and blockages, potentially causing your disposal to come to a grinding halt altogether.

Eggshells.

Despite the common misconception, it’s crucial to avoid placing eggshells into your garbage disposal. These shells can stick to the blades, generating a fine powder-like substance that quickly accumulates and clogs your pipes and drains. When eggshell particles are introduced into your pipework, they tend to bond with any existing debris or sludge, accelerating the formation of blockages in your garbage disposal system.

This unexpected issue can arise swiftly, highlighting the importance of proper waste management practices when it comes to handling eggshells.

Fruit Pits and Seeds.

While designed to handle soft food waste, garbage disposals can be vulnerable to damage from harder objects like peach pits, mango seeds, or avocado pits. These rigid materials can put excessive strain on the blades or motor, leading to issues such as bending, breaking, or overheating. Moreover, small fruit pits and seeds can pose a hidden threat by slipping through the disposal’s blades undetected and entering your pipes, potentially causing clogs further down the line.

Other things to never put down a garbage disposal

While designed to handle soft food waste, garbage disposals can be vulnerable to damage from harder objects like peach pits, mango seeds, or avocado pits. These rigid materials can put excessive strain on the blades or motor, leading to issues such as bending, breaking, or overheating. Moreover, small fruit pits and seeds can pose a hidden threat by slipping through the disposal’s blades undetected and entering your pipes, potentially causing clogs further down the line.

Should you use hot or cold water in a garbage disposal?

When it comes to grinding waste with your garbage disposal, Smith and Keen recommends using cold water exclusively. This is because hot water can cause fats and oils to solidify, causing them to cling to the blades and accelerate wear on the motor system. In contrast, cold water helps prevent these substances from sticking and reduces the likelihood of damage.

After grinding has finished, it’s a different story – running hot water through the sink afterwards can actually aid in drying processes, making the disposal easier to clean and maintain.

Here are a few more points about garbage disposal’s you should know:

Garbage disposals, while convenient for disposing of small food waste, aren’t equipped to handle larger volumes or non-food items. It’s crucial to scrape excess waste into a trash can before using the disposal. In fact, it’s best not to rely on them as the primary means of waste management; regular maintenance is also essential to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly. This includes cleaning it with an ice cube and rock salt mixture or citrus peels every now and then.

Avoiding harsh chemicals down the drain is equally important, as they can harm blades and pipes over time. Not everyone may be suitable for garbage disposals; however, if you have a septic system, these devices can contribute to solid build-up in the tank, requiring more frequent maintenance than standard plumbing systems. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about noise levels, look for models specifically designed to be quieter or consider hiring a professional plumber to install your unit.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to keep your garbage disposal in top shape and simplify kitchen life.

How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal:

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and odor-free garbage disposal, there are several methods you can employ. One approach is to combine equal parts of water and rock salt in an ice cube tray, then run the resulting mixture through your disposal while it’s operational. This will help dislodge any debris that may be clinging to the blades, as well as provide a scrubbing action courtesy of the salt content.

Another method involves using citrus peels, such as lemon or lime, which you can chop up and feed into your disposal while it’s running. The acidity in these peels will work to break down grease buildup, leaving your disposal smelling fresher than ever. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, mixing one cup each of baking soda and vinegar can provide excellent results.

Allow this solution to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing the disposal with hot water to flush away any remaining build-up or neutralize any lingering odors. This combination will work to break down buildup while neutralizing odors. Alternatively, you can opt for commercial cleaners specifically designed for garbage disposals and follow their instructions carefully, be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward with cold water.

It’s essential to avoid certain foods when using your garbage disposal, as they can cause unpleasant odors and costly repairs. Foods like grease, bones, and fibrous vegetables should be avoided at all costs. Additionally, practicing good habits like using hot water during use and regularly cleaning the disposal after each use will help ensure its continued performance and extend its lifespan for years to come.