Many people treat their garbage disposal as if it's invulnerable. Unfortunately, these people often end up needing a plumber to deal with a broken disposal. The truth is, you should never flush certain items down the kitchen sink, no matter how confident you are in the garbage disposal.

4 Items You Should Never Put Down a Garbage Disposal

1. Fat, Oil, or Grease

Oily substances cause all manner of plumbing troubles and never belong down the drain. They tend to adhere to the sides of the drain pipe and collect hair and food particles, eventually causing an expensive clog. Instead, wait until the grease cools, collect it in a jar or plastic tub, and throw it into the trash.

2. Large Bones

A garbage disposal can handle small bones, such as those of fish or some parts of a chicken. However, ham or beef bones are too large and too hard for the disposal to handle. They could dull or damage the blades or even burn out the motor.

3. Potato Peels

Potato peels, especially in large quantities, can overwhelm a garbage disposal and cause it to jam. To avoid a plumber repair visit, collect your peels and dispose of them in a garbage can.

4. Stringy Foods

Stringy, fibrous foods can wreak havoc on your disposal. Items like celery, corn husks, onion peels, and some types of leafy vegetables can wrap themselves around the blades and cause the mechanism to choke. These items should be composted or thrown out, instead.  

If you're careful with what you put down your garbage disposal, you're much less likely to need a plumber to repair a clogged kitchen sink. However, if you do need plumbing service, be sure to call A+ Family Plumbing in Onalaska, WI. They serve businesses and homes throughout La Crosse County and also specialize in water heater repair, pipe leaks, drain cleaning, and sewer cleaning. Visit their website to submit a contact form or call (608) 783-5558 to speak to a friendly, knowledgeable plumber.