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Disposals vary in their ability to grind up food and waste. Some disposals can break down bones, some are good for your septic tank, and other just plain stink. Let us help you choose the next one...
What can you really put down the garbage disposal?
There’s an on going debate since the invention of the garbage disposal: What can I put down my disposal and what items should I avoid? In an effort to keep you one step ahead of disaster here are a few tips for keeping the garbage disposal running smooth for years to come.
Eggshells: This is a confusing one since they are brittle, disappear easily, and make the great crunching noise as they go down. So you ask how can they be bad for the disposal? Well, they really aren’t. Today’s workhorse disposals can handle them. Where they can do damage is further down the line. Combine with enough bacon grease and eggshells form breakfast and you have the recipe for a drain clog.
Pro Tip: A couple eggshells down the drain won’t cause instant disaster when washed down with cold water and no grease. Always use cold water to solidify and chop any grease that happens to go down.
Corn husks: Fresh summer corn from the farmers market is always so delicious. For some reason some of us out there think it’s okay to put husks and silk down the drain. But anything stringy and fibrous (artichoke leave, celery, chard, asparagus ends, potatoes skins, etc) can cause serious drain backups. Besides just drain clogs fibrous foods have a tendency to get jammed in the motor and can at times permanently damage the disposal.
Pro Tip: It in doubt, throw it out. Or better yet learn about composting and contribute these items to the pile.
Lemon Peel: I remember my mom always using this trick. Citrus is a natural cleanser – excellent for de-stinking your sink. Over time a film scum can form in the grinding chamber, causing an unpleasant odor. A bit of lemon, orange, or grapefruit rind will help deodorize and clean the disposal’s blades.
Pro Tip: Once every two weeks sharpen the disposal blades by grinding a few ice cubes. Another inexpensive cure for odor is to sprinkle a bit of basking soda in the grinding chamber. Most importantly, never let food sit in the disposal and always run steady stream of water when grinding.
If none of this advice helps you avoid the perils of disposal failure give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. Bellows Plumbing, Heating, & Sewer 831-477-7150 for Santa Cruz County or 408-866-4620 for Santa Clara County, or 415-460-1264 for Marin County
Posted: by Jason S
Tags: Drain, Sewer, Clogs, Preventative Maintenance
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For service or general questions contact one of our local branches:
Santa Cruz: 831-477-7150
Santa Clara: 408-866-4620
Marin: 415-460-1264
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