Your garbage disposal breaks down food into particles small enough to pass through your plumbing system, but it shouldn’t be used as a trash can. There are food items and other waste that never should go through your disposal unit. Barkley Blevins Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning in Lexington, KY, will recommend things to keep out of your sink to avoid damaging equipment and clogging pipes.

5 Items to Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal

1. Oils

When you pour grease down your kitchen sink, it will coat components of your garbage disposal and plumbing system and potentially clog your pipes.

2. Eggshells 

It’s a myth that eggshells sharpen the blades of a garbage disposal. In reality, they get caught under the blades and are ground to grit that could cause a clogged pipe, requiring assistance from a plumber.

3. Inorganic & Inedible Materials

You never should put non-food items in your garbage disposal. Paper, plastic, aluminum, and other manufactured materials, no matter how small, could not only damage your equipment but create plumbing blockages. Food remnants like bones and fruit pits also should not go down your sink because they can harm your garbage disposal’s blades.

4. Pasta

Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and beans turn into mush in your garbage disposal. These substances can stick to the blades and pipes and solidify, creating a clog that’s almost impossible to eliminate.

5. Dairy

Dairy items like cheese and butter also are dangerous for your garbage disposal, as they will coat parts and pipes as well as create odors. They also can introduce mold to your system.

Whether you have something trapped in your drain or need emergency service for a malfunctioning garbage disposal, Barkley Blevins Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning will provide a reliable solution. Visit their website to learn more about their services, including water heater installation and HVAC repair. To schedule a visit from a technician, call (859) 252-3519.