Five Foods You Shouldn’t Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Prevent Clogged Drains in Your Wilmington Home

Garbage disposals are great for reducing kitchen waste and making clean-up easier, but they aren't designed to handle everything you might want to throw at them. Certain foods can cause damage to the blades, block the drain, or even lead to more serious plumbing issues. These repairs can be costly and inconvenient, disrupting the peace and comfort of your home in Wilmington.

Our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wilmington and Brunswick County believes prevention is better than cure. That's why we're committed to helping our community in Wilmington understand the best practices for garbage disposal use. By knowing what not to put down your garbage disposal, you can avoid common issues and keep your system running smoothly.

Here are five foods that you should avoid putting in your garbage disposal:

1. Coffee Grounds

It's a common misconception that coffee grounds are safe for your garbage disposal. After all, they seem harmless enough, right? They're small and soft and even help eliminate odors. However, the reality is quite different.

Coffee grounds tend to clump together when wet. Instead of being chopped up and washed away, they can accumulate in the disposal unit and the drain pipes, creating a thick, sludge-like substance over time. This isn't just a problem for your garbage disposal; it can cause clogs further down your plumbing system.

The issue arises because coffee grounds don't break down like most organic materials. While water and the grinding action of the disposal can break them into smaller particles, these particles easily stick together, especially when combined with fats or oils that might also be present. Over time, this forms a stubborn mass that can block water flow and lead to significant plumbing issues.

2. Eggshells

Eggshells are another common item that often mistakenly ends up in the garbage disposal. While some believe eggshells can help sharpen disposal blades, this is a myth. In fact, eggshells can cause many problems for your garbage disposal and plumbing.

The main issue lies in the thin, sticky membrane inside the eggshell. When ground up, this membrane can become wrapped around the disposal's blades. This not only dulls the blades over time but can also cause the mechanism to jam or run less efficiently.

3. Grease, Fats, and Oils

When these substances are poured down a drain, they cool and solidify. Instead of flowing smoothly through your plumbing system, they stick to the sides of pipes, gradually building up layer by layer. Over time, this can narrow the pipe diameter, reducing water flow and leading to slow drains or complete blockages.

Moreover, grease, fats, and oils can cause further problems by trapping other food particles that pass through the drain. This accelerates the build-up and increases the likelihood of clogs. Blockages caused by fats and oils often require professional attention to resolve and can even lead to significant damage to your plumbing system.

Instead of pouring grease, fats, and oils down the drain, let them cool and solidify, then scrape them into a sealable container and dispose of them in the trash. It's a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble down the line.

4. Pasta and Rice

When you cook pasta or rice, you'll notice that they absorb water and swell in size. The same thing happens when these foods end up in your garbage disposal or drain. Over time, even small amounts of pasta or rice can accumulate and continue to expand each time water runs through the disposal.

The expanded pasta or rice can cause jams in the garbage disposal itself, preventing it from operating properly. These foods can also form clogs in the pipes leading away from the disposal. These clogs can be difficult to remove and may require the services of a professional plumber.

5. Bones and Hard Shells

Bones and hard shells, such as those from seafood like oysters, clams, or crabs, can pose significant challenges for garbage disposals. They are much harder and denser than the food waste that garbage disposals are typically designed to handle. The blades in a garbage disposal are designed to break down soft, biodegradable food waste. They are not equipped to handle the hardness of bones and shells, which can cause them to become dull or even break.

Because the disposal has to work harder to break down these materials, it can lead to motor burnout. The motor in a garbage disposal isn't designed to handle the strain of grinding up hard substances like bones and shells. Over time, this can wear out the motor, leading to costly repairs or replacement.

Trust Our Wilmington Plumbers for Drain Cleaning and Repairs

If you're dealing with issues related to your garbage disposal, clogged drains, or other plumbing concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wilmington and Brunswick County. Our team of skilled and licensed plumbers in Wilmington is dedicated to solving all your plumbing problems, including drain cleaning.

Request a job estimate today!