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As a homeowner, it’s up to you to know what types of food can and cannot safely be put down your garbage disposal. While you might assume that all food waste is the same, some can clog up your kitchen sink and damage the blades of your garbage disposal, causing major plumbing problems. To avoid the need for emergency plumbing repairs, avoid putting the following items in your disposal. 

3 Liquids & Foods That Don’t Belong in Your Disposal

1. Grease or Oil

After cooking a hot meal using grease or oil, you might be tempted to pour them down your drain. This seems logical because both are liquids, but they can cause some of the most severe plumbing problems. Grease from cooked meat and cooking oil will solidify when they cool and build up in your pipes, causing backups and blockages. Rather than pouring them down the drain, move them into a metal container that you can throw away in the garbage later.

2. Pasta & Rice Water

plumbing problemsAfter you’ve boiled pasta or rice on the stove, you probably pour the remaining liquid down the drain. While it’s only liquid, small particles of pasta or rice can often stick to the side of the pot until they are washed away in the sink, potentially swelling up in the disposal. Instead, home cooks can reuse the pasta water to make sauces or gravy, as the residual starch helps thicken and smooth homemade mixtures. 

3. Coffee Grounds

Sediments from used coffee grounds will accumulate in your pipes over time, causing it to clog. Because they are so coarse, they can be exceptionally difficult to remove. To avoid such plumbing problems, use your old coffee grounds as natural lawn fertilizer or compost for your garden.

 

While it might seem safe to pour any liquid down the drain, some have the potential to cause serious plumbing problems. Homeowners in Savannah, GA, know that T.M.T. Service Repairs is the only name to call when it comes to plumbing repairs. Whether you are dealing with a severe clog in your kitchen sink or have noticed that your garbage disposal has become inefficient, their team of expert plumbers can handle the challenge. Since 2012, they have been the area’s trusted leader for everything from HVAC and plumbing repairs to pressure washing. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (912) 656-1062 to schedule an appointment.

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