You might think garbage disposals have the power to chew through almost anything, given their telltale roar. No matter how quickly those blades churn through most materials, however, there are some items that should never be put into a disposal. To avoid the need for serious plumbing repairs, here are five items you should keep out of your sink.

What To Keep Out of Your Garbage Disposal

1. Celery

Although a garbage disposal’s blades are sharp enough to slice through many vegetables, it can’t quite handle celery’s fibrous material as easily. The stringy fibers get tangled in the blades, requiring a bit of professional plumbing repair to get the appliance running smoothly once again.

2. Coffee Grounds

There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Your garbage disposal, however, might feel differently. Coffee grounds appear to wash down the sink easily, but they can collect inside the disposal and in the drain pipes over time. After a while, you’ll be left with a thick sludge that will clog your drain and make it difficult for your disposal’s blades to spin.

3. Fruit Pits

If you’re expecting a satisfying grind after putting a fruit pit down the disposal, prepare to be disappointed. Pits are incredibly tough and won’t be chewed up by the blades. Instead, they’ll dull the blades’ edges and will pile up in your drain until some needed plumbing repairs remove them.

4. Egg Shells

Despite rumors to the contrary, egg shells don’t sharpen disposal blades. Instead, the thin membrane on the inner part of the shell can get stuck around the rotating mechanisms of the appliance the grind things to a halt. Toss them in the compost pile instead as an eco-friendly (and disposal-friendly) alternative to your usual compost items.

5. Anything That Isn’t Food

If it isn’t biodegradable, it shouldn’t go down your disposal. Follow this golden rule, and you should be able to avoid most disposal-related issues. Even seemingly innocuous paper products such as napkins and paper towels can damage the appliance and require plumbing repairs.

Many of the above mentioned items can also wreak havoc on your home’s drain lines and, if applicable, your septic system.

If your garbage disposal has been acting up lately, the pros of Pelner-Williams Plumbing & Heating LLC in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, are your source for plumbing repairs. From broken disposals to clogged drains, malfunctioning water heaters, and much more, the plumbing contractor has the experience and skills necessary to handle a wide range of residential and light commercial repairs and installations. Visit our website for more information on the services we provide, or call (715) 424-7800 to schedule repairs.