Garbage disposals are convenient yet sensitive appliances that handle most foods and related waste, but they can’t process everything. If you are new to garbage disposal use, educate yourself on what never belongs in this oft-used appliance with this guide from the plumbers at Sandollar Services in Port Aransas, TX.

Review the following with your family to avoid severe, often foul-smelling garbage disposal clogs:

• Egg Shells: Egg shells feature a stringy membrane capable of wrapping around your garbage disposal and clogging the pipes.

• Bones: Chicken and other animal bones belong nowhere near the appliance. They are extremely difficult to break down and will cause serious if not permanent damage.

• Grease, Fat, & Oil: Cooking fat, grease, and oil will eventually cause your drain to clog. All three solidify after sitting for a short time and create challenging plugs.

• Pasta & Rice: Pasta and rice expand in water. Uncooked or not, if either land in your garbage disposal, they will expand and result in aggravating clogs.

• Coffee Grounds: The grounds of your favorite java blends will cause the garbage disposal’s blades to wear down prematurely.

• Pits & Seeds: As with bones, pits and seeds are very difficult for the appliance to break down. They end up sitting in the appliance and blocking the path of other food waste.

• Potatoes: The starch in potatoes and potato skins result in serious garbage disposal clogs.

Keep this list in mind every time you use your disposal, and consider purchasing a special bin to separate this waste from the rest of your trash. And if you do run into an issue, rely on the plumbers at Sandollar Services. They will identify the problem quickly so you can continue to enjoy a functional home. Call (361) 749-4274 to schedule drain cleaning, or visit the plumbers online for more information.