4 Items to Never Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

It takes a lot of moving parts for your garbage disposal to do its job. When you force the wrong items down, any one of these can be damaged, and a broken appliance is just the first issue you’ll face. Some substances can create worse problems further down your septic system. Be mindful of everything that goes down the drain so you can avoid significant plumbing issues.

What to Keep Out of Your Garbage Disposal

1. Rice & Pasta

Don’t let their size fool you—rice and pasta can create serious septic system problems. Starchy foods will absorb water once inside your garbage disposal and piping. They’ll then expand and clog the pipes. Further water exposure will turn them into a sticky paste that will be difficult to remove from crevices and bends in the pipes.

2. Grease, Fats & Oils

Cooking grease, fats, and oils are a few of the most stubborn substances to clean up. Flushing them down the garbage disposal may seem fine. However, once there, they’ll coat parts and pipe linings, which can create clogs. They’ll then snag other passing debris, adding more strain to your device’s motor. Further down your septic system, they’ll create severe blockages. Eventually, pressure can build up and burst the pipe. Always pour these into a metal container and toss them in the trash.

3. Bones

Garbage disposals aren’t designed to break up bones or most solid substances. They’ll dull their blades trying to do so, and the motor may burn out if these bones become stuck. If the protective flap on your drain is broken, bone chips can fire back into your kitchen and cause severe injuries to anyone using the sink. You can add them to a compost bin to convert into fertilizer instead.

4. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds won’t flush as easily as you think. Alternatively, they’ll collect inside the garbage disposal, cause blockages, and create a foul odor. Those that are flushed into piping will contribute to backups in the plumbing that can cause unsanitary conditions inside your home.

If you’re already dealing with septic system issues, turn to All Clear Pumping & Sewer. As Jefferson City, MO’s, most trusted septic service, these professionals take every step to keep customers’ systems running efficiently. They offer 24/7 emergency assistance with septic system repairs, pumping, commercial sewer cleaning, and more. Call (573) 443-2660 to schedule an inspection and visit their website to learn more about their services.