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Most people have the impression that the garbage disposal can handle any residential waste and that the plumbing system can also process any item send down the drain.
Such assumptions are wrong because there are items that are not supposed to be put down the disposal to ensure the functionality and longevity of the unit.
Although, the type of disposal in your home determines to a more significant extent what you can put down and the modern disposals can grind more types of food than the older models.
With that being said, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh has put together those specific items that should not be allowed to pass through the garbage disposal and some tips on how to take care of the unit.
Grease, fat, and oil
Dumping grease down your drain or garbage disposal should be avoided at all costs. They have been identified to easily clog up the disposal because they solidify into a gelatinous glob with time.
Grease and oil are meant for the trash can, and this information should be communicated to every member of your household.
Eggshells
There is a film-like membrane inside the eggshells that can wrap around grinding and other moving parts of the disposal.
More so, homeowners should disregard the rumor that they sharpen blades rather the eggshells potentially damage your disposal and should be sent to the trash can.
Animal Bones
Animal bones are highly prohibited to go down the garbage disposal. Most manufacturers specify it in the manual of their products. It does not matter the model or make of the unit, do not put bones in your disposal.
Fibrous foods and veggies
With the layer of mushy gunk in fibrous fruits and vegetables, they can coat or slow down your garbage disposal. Fibrous foods include corn husks, onions skin, potato peels, celery, and asparagus. You should avoid sending them down your garbage disposal if you want the unit to last as long as possible.
Starchy foods
Some starchy foods have negative effects on the kitchen drain because of their ability to become sticky when they are cold. To avoid experiencing frequent clods, they are better thrown directly into the trash can.
Nonfood materials
The drain is designed to handle water and biodegradable materials, so non-food items are not allowed to go down your drain. Things like bottle caps, rubber bands, string, cigarettes butts, sponges, wood, metal and plant clippings should be separated from the food items and sent to the trash can.
Other things that shouldnt be allowed the drain are coffee grounds because they can accumulate in your plumbing to because of clogs. You should not also throw pits or seeds and round hard items that are difficult to be ground by the garbage disposal.
You shouldnt also allow bleach or drain cleaners to go down your drain because they destroy the pipes. Call plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh, when your garbage disposal is acting up or your plumbing is system is not flowing appropriately.