Garbage disposals add convenience to our lives. We just throw all of our leftover food down the drain and voila, gone! Right? Well, not so fast. These modern inventions are designed to help us dispose of food waste with greater ease, but they aren’t indestructible. Here’s a quick list of what you shouldn’t put down the disposal and tips for keep it in tip top shape for years to come.

What Not to Put Down the Garbage Disposal

In general, food items that are hard, fibrous or starchy shouldn’t go into the garbage disposal. Hard objects could damage the blades, making them dull and less effective at breaking down food. Large food bits also become jammed in the disposal.

Foods to Avoid Putting in the Garbage Disposal

Grease and Oil: Oils are not easily broken down in the disposal. Grease can create a grimy slime inside the device and pipes. If you absolutely have to pour greasy substances down the garbage disposal, do so along with cold water and keep it running for 30 seconds to a minute to push the grease through.

Pasta and Rice: Pasta and rice contain starch, which can adhere to disposal blades and cause them to stop working. You should never put uncooked pasta or rice down a disposal.

Potato Skins: Potato skins seem innocent enough but they can turn into a pipe-clogging, gummy, glue-like substance in your garbage disposal.

Keep It Small

It’s not a good idea to put whole pieces of food in the disposal. So before you toss that overcooked steak down the drain, cut it up into bite-size portions first. If it’s not possible to get the item into smaller pieces, put it in the compost bin or trash can instead. If you’re unsure about whether or not a food item can go in the disposal, consult your user’s manual for a list of food items and substances to avoid. Meanwhile, anything that’s not a biodegradable food item should never go in the garbage disposal.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Dallas is the best in the business. Our plumbing service is available in Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin County, and surrounding metroplex areas. If you need expert garbage disposal repair, give us a call. Our Punctual Plumbers strive to provide the highest level of competence, honesty, integrity, and consideration with every service call.