Top 5 Items to Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal This Holiday
The holiday season brings with it a flurry of festivities, feasts, and gatherings, often resulting in an abundance of food waste. While it might be tempting to dispose of all leftovers and scraps down the garbage disposal, not all items are suitable for this kitchen appliance. Misuse can lead to costly plumbing repairs and a disrupted holiday season. To ensure your garbage disposal runs smoothly throughout this festive time, it’s important to know what to avoid putting down the drain.
In this article, we will discuss the top five items to steer clear of when using your garbage disposal this holiday season. Understanding which materials can damage your disposal will not only help you preserve this valuable appliance but also protect your plumbing system during one of the busiest times of the year.
Top 5 Holiday Items That Can Damage Your Garbage Disposal
During the holidays, it’s common to prepare elaborate meals that generate a variety of food scraps. However, certain items can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. First on the list are fibrous vegetables, such as celery, asparagus, and onion skins. These tough fibers can tangle around the disposal’s blades, leading to clogs and mechanical failures. Instead of sending these down the drain, consider composting or throwing them in the trash.
Another common culprit is starchy foods, particularly potatoes, pasta, and rice. When disposed of in a garbage disposal, these items can expand and create a thick paste, leading to blockages. Especially during the holidays, when large quantities of food are often prepared, it’s essential to dispose of these starchy remnants properly, either by putting them in the trash or composting them to prevent potential plumbing disasters.
Protect Your Plumbing: What Not to Dispose This Season
In addition to fibrous and starchy foods, certain food items can be particularly detrimental to your garbage disposal system. For example, bones and pits from fruits can cause significant damage to the blades. Bones are too hard for the disposal to handle, while pits can jam the mechanism, leading to costly repairs. It is advisable to discard these items in the trash rather than risking damage to your disposal unit.
Lastly, grease and oils should never be put down the garbage disposal. While they may seem liquid and harmless, fats can harden within the pipes, leading to serious clogs. Even small amounts can accumulate over time and create significant plumbing issues. This holiday season, instead of rinsing grease down the disposal, allow it to cool, then dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash to maintain a healthy plumbing system.
Taking a few precautions with your garbage disposal during the holiday season can save you a great deal of hassle and expense. By steering clear of fibrous vegetables, starchy foods, bones, fruit pits, and grease, you can ensure that your disposal operates efficiently and your plumbing remains free of clogs. As you enjoy the festivities and indulge in delicious meals, remember to treat your garbage disposal with care to avoid unwanted surprises. With these tips in mind, you can focus on celebrating the season without the worry of plumbing mishaps. R&R HVAC, 951.239.0369