The disposal in the kitchen sink can be a wonderful, time-saving appliance, but it can’t handle every piece of garbage. The plumbers at A-1 Tri-County Plumbing, of Seguin, TX, explain that while the disposal can chop up most of the foodstuffs you wash off the dishes, there are some materials that will damage the plumbing system. Here, they share a few items you should avoid washing down the drain. 

Plumber Shares 5 Materials You Shouldn’t Put Down the Disposal

1. Grease

Oils and grease might seem benign when washed down the kitchen drain with lots of hot water, but it’s best to avoid putting this fatty substance down the sink. Grease clings to everything, from the pipes to disposal blades, and can quickly create unpleasant clogs. When this happens, you will need to call a plumber for drain cleaning.

2. Bones

If you can’t chop food waste up with a knife, then the disposal blades probably can’t handle it either. If chicken bones or other hard materials like fruit pits end up in the drain, you could end up with a broken disposal.

3. Egg Shells

While some believe that chopping up egg shells can help sharpen disposal blades, that’s not true. The sticky membranes inside the egg shells can get tangled up in the blades and create a mess. You should toss these in the trash or compost instead.

4. Fibrous Veggies

Veggies might seem like another safe waste for the sink, but fibrous ones can get entangled in the blades and burn out the motor. Avoid putting celery, corn, and asparagus down the drain to keep the disposal running. 

5. Starchy Foods

You also shouldn’t put soft, starchy foods like pasta, rice, beans, and potatoes down the drain. These foods expand when they encounter water and can create clogging issues in the pipes.

Even the most vigilant homeowners can end up with unpleasant sink clogs, but when this does happen, call in a plumber. The professionals at A-1 Tri-County Plumbing can quickly clear the issue so your disposal is running properly. They offer both residential and commercial plumbing services, from pipe replacement to water heater repair. For more information about their team, visit their website or call (512) 353-8656.