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It’s a misconception that kitchen sink garbage disposals can handle nearly anything put down them. While it is effective at handling small amounts of food waste from dishes, there are some things you shouldn’t put down the sink if you want to avoid future plumbing problems. Below are a few to keep in mind. 

What Not to Put Down Kitchen Sink Drains

1. Bones

Garbage disposal blades can chop meat but they cannot safely cut through bones from chicken, lamb, beef, or pork. They are too hard for the blades to handle. Not only can bones damage your disposal, but they can also lead to other plumbing problems, such as clogs in the drain. It’s better to throw them in the garbage.

2. Medicine

Medications may not cause plumbing problems that will require immediate repairs, but they will create significant issues if you dispose of them down the drain. Flushed pharmaceuticals can contaminate water supplies as they travel through the sewage system. They can also seep into nearby lakes and streams and damage local eco-systems.

3. Eggshells

plumbing problemsMany homeowners use eggshells to sharpen garbage disposal blades, but they can do more harm than good. The membranes inside eggshells can stick to the blades and wrap around the impeller or rotor and reduce the efficiency of the disposal.

4. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds are an effective way to reduce unpleasant odors, but they should never be put down a smelly garbage disposal—the grounds will form a thick paste that will easily clog your drains. Instead, use the coffee grounds as compost in your garden or dispose of them in the trash.

5. Cooking Oil

Though it’s tempting to dump used cooking oil down the drain, it is a quick way to produce a fatberg in your plumbing system. Fatbergs are dense collections of grease and fat that combine with moisture. A little bit of grease going down the drain isn’t harmful as long as you flush your kitchen drain with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda, but it’s best to avoid dumping large amounts.

 

Keep your kitchen sinks clean and clear of clogs by turning to the professionals at Ray’s Heating, Plumbing & Electric. As Salmon, ID’s, go-to plumbing repair experts, you can count on them to find a solution to all of your plumbing problems. With over 45 years of service, this family-owned and -operated company provides residents throughout Lemhi, Custer, and the surrounding areas with reliable, affordable services, including everything from water heater repair to electrical services. To speak with a friendly staff member about your needs, call (208) 756-3649 or visit them online today.

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