Think Before You Toss: Foods and Items That Can Ruin Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen tool, but it’s not a catch-all for every type of waste. Tossing the wrong items down the drain can lead to clogs, dull blades, and even motor failure. Should you need drain cleaning in Surprise, AZ, Trident Plumbing & Drain is always ready to help. Here are some common foods and items you should avoid putting down the drain to keep your disposal running smoothly.

Fibrous and Starchy Foods

Certain foods, like celery, potato peels, and corn husks, contain tough fibers that can wrap around the disposal blades and jam the motor. Similarly, starchy foods such as pasta and rice expand with water, creating a thick paste that can lead to a clogged drain and block your pipes.

Grease, Fats, and Oils

While grease and oil may seem harmless in liquid form, they solidify as they cool, creating sticky buildup inside your pipes. Over time, this can lead to major blockages, requiring professional drain snaking to fix the problem. Instead, dispose of grease in a container and throw it in the trash.

Coffee Grounds and Eggshells

Contrary to popular belief, coffee grounds don’t wash away easily—they clump together and form a thick sludge in your pipes. Eggshells, on the other hand, can break into tiny, sharp fragments that get caught in grease buildup, worsening clogs. When these issues arise, professional drain cleaning services can help clear your pipes and prevent further damage.

Bones and Hard Objects

Your garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle hard materials like bones, fruit pits, or seafood shells. These can dull the blades or even break the disposal’s internal components, leading to costly drain repair or replacement.

Non-Food Items

Plastic, paper, and metal should never go down your disposal. Even small bits of packaging or twist ties can cause serious damage to the motor and blades. Always check for any foreign objects before running your disposal to avoid the need for clogged drain repair later on.

Call the Experts for Help

If your garbage disposal is acting up or you suspect a clog, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Trident Plumbing & Drain is the drain cleaning company you can call on for prompt drain cleaning and plumbing services. Contact us today to keep your kitchen running smoothly!