You probably know that flushing paper towels is a big no-no, but many people aren’t aware their kitchen sink can also pose a threat to their plumbing. Everyday food waste that you might be inclined to pitch in the garbage disposal can cause clogs and other issues. Before you need to call a plumber for drain cleaning, learn about the items that should never go down your kitchen sink.

3 Types of Food Waste That Shouldn’t Go in the Sink

1. Fibrous Vegetables

Vegetables might not clog your pipes, but they can seriously damage a garbage disposal. The stringy nature of vegetables like asparagus, celery, and fennel make it a better candidate for the trash. Otherwise, the fibers may catch in the disposal blades, jamming it and potentially damaging the motor.

2. Grease

In some large cities, waste fats going down the drain have caused “fatbergs,” congealed masses of grease and other oils that can clog the sewers. To prevent a miniature version of this problem in your pipes, keep all grease and leftover oil out of the pipes. To deal with it, wait until it congeals in the pan and wipe it out. You can also pour the hot grease into a waste container, like a discarded can, and pitch it in the trash once it has cooled.

3. Dry Grains

Rice, quinoa, oats—every grain expands as it absorbs water, which is why dry grains should never go down your drain. As they expand, they may jam your pipes—some grains are also sticky, making them more likely to adhere to pipe walls. The same rule goes for pasta, which is extra sticky thanks to the starches and gluten from the wheat flour. Play it safe and toss discarded dry grains in the trash to avoid a drain cleaning.
 

Even if you’re careful about what you put down your drains, you might find yourself needing drain cleaning from time to time. When that happens, call the professionals at American Rooter in Watertown, CT. For nearly 40 years, they’ve been the go-to source for video pipe inspections, septic system cleaning, drain unclogging, and sewer line repair throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online or call (860) 274-7338.