With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are gearing up for family gatherings and elaborate feasts. While it's tempting to toss those leftover scraps down the garbage disposal, doing so can lead to serious plumbing problems, especially during peak times like Thanksgiving.
Knowing what can and cannot go down the disposal is crucial for maintaining a smooth-running kitchen, and Mildren Plumbing is here to help Kalispell and Bigfork residents navigate this important facet of home maintenance.
Garbage disposals are handy tools that grind up food waste, making it easier for disposal through your plumbing system. However, they do have limitations. Understanding these limits can save you the trouble of clogs, backups, and costly repairs.
Safe Items for Your Garbage Disposal
Small Food Scraps: Soft fruits and vegetables like apple cores, and lettuce are generally fine.
Cooked Foods: Leftovers from dinnerware after a meal, particularly boneless meats and cooked pasta, can be disposed of as long as they aren’t too greasy.
Ice Cubes: They can actually help keep the disposal clean and even sharpen the blades.
Citrus Peels: In moderation, these add a refreshing scent and help deodorize your unit.
What to Avoid Putting Down the Disposal
Grease and Oils: These substances solidify as they cool, leading to significant blockages.
Bones: Chicken or turkey bones can damage the blades and cause clogs.
Large Scraps: If large pieces can't fit easily in your mouth, they likely shouldn’t go down the disposal.
Potato Peels and Coffee Grounds: Both can create a gooey sludge that builds up and clogs your pipes.
Fibrous Vegetables: Items like celery and corn husks can entangle around the blades, leading to mechanical issues.
Egg Shells: These can create a gritty residue that clogs your plumbing instead of sharpening the blades.
Rice: This will pass through the disposal and plug up your line if too much rice is put down the sink.
Non-Food Items: Always avoid putting wrappers, plastic, and other inedible materials down the disposal.
Tips for Proper Garbage Disposal Use
To ensure your garbage disposal operates smoothly, remember a few key habits. Always run hot water while using the disposal, as this helps flush waste down your pipes. And when you feed food into the disposal, remember that less is more—introduce small amounts gradually to avoid overloading the unit.
How to Unclog Your Garbage Disposal
If your disposal isn’t functioning well, there are steps you can take before calling for help. Start by turning off the disposal and unplugging it for safety. Then, try using a plunger to dislodge any blockage. If that doesn’t work, check for jammed debris by reaching inside with tongs– never stick your hand in there! However, if you notice persistent odors, unusual noises, or if the unit refuses to turn on, it may be time to call in the professionals.
As you prepare for your holiday festivities, keep in mind these guidelines for your garbage disposal. By being mindful of what goes down your unit, you can prevent unexpected plumbing issues. If you run into trouble or need routine maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mildren Plumbing. We’re just a phone call away– Bigfork residents can reach us at 406-837-3218, while those in Kalispell can dial 406-756-3218.