Garbage disposals are incredibly convenient appliances, but they’re not invincible. Misusing your disposal can lead to clogs, jams, and even serious damage. To keep your disposal running smoothly, it’s essential to know what not to put down the drain. Here are 45 of the most common items that are guilty of destroying garbage disposals. By avoiding these items, you can extend the life of your disposal and prevent costly repairs.
- Eggshells
- Why: Eggshells create granular waste that sticks to pipes and blades, causing clogs. Over time, the fine particles can accumulate and lead to significant blockages.
- Coffee Grounds
- Why: Coffee grounds clump together and create blockages in the plumbing. They form a dense, pasty substance that can be difficult to clear out.
- Fibrous Vegetables (e.g., Celery, Asparagus)
- Why: Fibrous strands can tangle around the blades and cause the motor to jam. This can lead to costly repairs or replacement of the disposal unit.
- Pasta and Rice
- Why: These foods expand with water and can clog pipes and the disposal unit. Their starchy nature makes them sticky and prone to forming blockages.
- Grease, Oil, and Fat
- Why: Grease solidifies as it cools, leading to significant blockages in the pipes. Even small amounts can accumulate over time and create major clogs.
- Potato Peels
- Why: Starchy peels can form a paste-like substance that clogs the disposal and pipes. The sticky residue can also attract other debris, worsening the blockage.
- Bones
- Why: Even small bones can damage or dull the blades and jam the motor. This can result in expensive repairs and decreased efficiency of the disposal.
- Fruit Pits
- Why: Hard pits from fruits like peaches and avocados are too tough for the disposal to handle. They can cause the blades to jam or break, leading to significant damage.
- Non-Food Items (e.g., Plastic, Metal)
- Why: These items can cause serious mechanical damage to the disposal and pose safety hazards. Non-food items are not designed to be processed by the disposal’s blades.
- Corn Husks
- Why: Fibrous and tough, they can easily wrap around the blades and cause jams. This can impede the disposal’s function and require professional repair.
- Onion Skins
- Why: Thin skins can slip past the blades and create a tangled mess in the drain. They can also contribute to clogs further down the plumbing system.
- Artichokes
- Why: Their leaves are tough and fibrous, making them difficult for the disposal to process. They can cause the disposal to jam or run inefficiently.
- Shellfish Shells (e.g., Clams, Oysters)
- Why: These hard shells can dull or break the blades and damage the disposal. The sharp edges can also create blockages in the pipes.
- Large Amounts of Vegetable Peels
- Why: Can create a dense mass that clogs both the disposal and the pipes. The sheer volume can overwhelm the disposal’s capacity.
- Nuts and Seeds
- Why: Hard and dense, they can damage the blades and lead to blockages. The disposal is not designed to handle such hard materials effectively.
- Paper Products
- Why: These materials are not biodegradable in the same way food waste is and can cause clogs and mechanical issues. They can also wrap around the blades and motor.
- Bread and Pastries
- Why: These can form a sticky, doughy mass that clogs the disposal and pipes. The sticky residue can trap other debris, exacerbating the problem.
- Meat Scraps
- Why: Fatty and stringy, meat scraps can lead to clogs and foul odors. The fat can solidify, while the strings can wrap around the blades.
- Stringy Fruits (e.g., Pineapple)
- Why: The fibrous texture can wrap around blades and jam the disposal. This can cause the motor to overheat and fail.
- Fish Scales
- Why: Small and sticky, scales can clog pipes and reduce disposal efficiency. They can also cause unpleasant odors if not properly disposed of.
- Pumpkin and Squash Seeds
- Why: Hard seeds can damage blades and create blockages. The tough outer shell is difficult for the disposal to break down.
- Pits from Cherries, Olives, and Plums
- Why: These small, hard objects can cause significant damage to the blades. They can also become lodged in the disposal, requiring professional removal.
- Glass or Ceramic Fragments
- Why: These can shatter and severely damage the disposal and pipes. They pose a serious safety hazard if not properly handled.
- Rubber Bands
- Why: They can wrap around the blades and motor, causing jams. This can lead to the disposal malfunctioning or breaking down completely.
- Stringy Dairy Products (e.g., Cheese)
- Why: Sticky and stringy, dairy products can form a gooey mess that clogs the disposal. The residue can also attract other debris, creating further blockages.
- Coconut Shells
- Why: Extremely tough and fibrous, coconut shells can damage the blades and motor. They can also create blockages that are difficult to clear.
- Popcorn Kernels
- Why: Unpopped kernels are hard and can damage the blades. They can also become lodged in the disposal, leading to jams.
- Seafood Shells (e.g., Crab, Lobster)
- Why: Similar to other shellfish shells, they are hard and can break or dull the blades. The sharp edges can also create blockages in the pipes.
- Cherry Tomatoes and Grapes
- Why: Small and slippery, they can escape the blades and create clogs. Their skins can also contribute to blockages further down the drain.
- Animal Bones
- Why: Larger bones from beef, pork, or lamb are too hard for the disposal to handle. They can cause significant damage to the blades and motor.
- Avocado Skins
- Why: Tough and leathery, avocado skins can wrap around the blades and cause jams. They can also create blockages in the pipes.
- Large Fruit Peels (e.g., Watermelon, Cantaloupe)
- Why: Thick and fibrous, these peels are difficult for the disposal to process. They can lead to jams and blockages.
- Shells from Nuts (e.g., Walnuts, Pecans)
- Why: Hard and dense, these shells can damage the blades and create blockages. The disposal is not designed to handle such tough materials.
- Hair
- Why: Hair can wrap around the blades and create a tangled mess. It can also lead to clogs further down the drain.
- Stringy or Fibrous Meat (e.g., Beef, Pork)
- Why: The fibrous texture can wrap around blades and jam the disposal. Fatty deposits can also solidify and create blockages.
- Large Quantities of Cooked Vegetables
- Why: Even if they are soft, large amounts can overwhelm the disposal. They can create a thick mass that clogs the pipes and blades.
- Art Supplies (e.g., Clay, Paint)
- Why: Non-food items like clay or paint can harden and create blockages. They can also damage the disposal’s blades and motor.
- Oatmeal
- Why: Oatmeal expands with water and can form a thick, gluey mass that clogs pipes and the disposal unit. The sticky residue can attract other debris, worsening the blockage.
- Flour
- Why: When combined with water, flour can form a paste that clogs the disposal and pipes. It can also coat the blades, reducing their efficiency.
- Gelatinous Foods (e.g., Jell-O)
- Why: These foods can coat the blades and pipes, leading to clogs. Their sticky texture makes it difficult for the disposal to process them effectively.
- Tea Bags
- Why: The string and staple from the tea bag can wrap around the blades and cause jams. The tea leaves can also contribute to blockages in the pipes.
- Whole Citrus Fruits
- Why: While small amounts of citrus peel can help freshen the disposal, whole fruits are too large and fibrous. They can jam the blades and create blockages.
- Hard Shells from Crabs or Lobsters
- Why: These shells are extremely tough and can damage the blades. Their sharp edges can also create blockages and pose safety hazards.
- Celery Stalks
- Why: Celery stalks are fibrous and can wrap around the blades, causing jams. They can also contribute to clogs further down the drain.
- Corn Cobs
- Why: Corn cobs are tough and fibrous, making them difficult for the disposal to process. They can cause the blades to jam and create blockages.
By being mindful of what you put down your garbage disposal, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your kitchen running smoothly. Remember, not all waste is suitable for your disposal, and taking care of it properly will save you time and money in the long run.
If you’re experiencing issues with your garbage disposal and you live in South Florida, don’t hesitate to contact Flamingo Plumbing. Our expert team is ready to assist you with all your plumbing needs, ensuring your home’s plumbing system functions efficiently. Reach out to us today for reliable and professional plumbing services.