Philadelphia’s Drain Cleaning & Sewer Line Experts

Your garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen tool, but it’s important to know what can and can’t go down the drain. Using your garbage disposal properly keeps it in top shape and prevents clogs, odors, and costly repairs. Here’s a guide from our team at Guaranteed Plumbing & Heating to what’s safe to put in your disposal and what you should avoid.

What’s Safe to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

1. Soft Food Scraps
   Soft foods like fruit scraps, vegetable peels, and small pieces of cooked meat are generally safe for your garbage disposal. These materials break down easily and don’t strain the disposal’s motor. Cutting large pieces into smaller bits before disposal helps it work efficiently and reduces wear on the blades.
2. Citrus Peels
   Citrus peels from oranges, lemons, and limes are not only safe but also beneficial for your disposal. They help clean the blades and leave a fresh scent. Just add small pieces and let cold water run while operating the disposal to prevent buildup.
3. Cold Water and Ice Cubes
   Cold water keeps food particles moving through the pipes, preventing clogs. Ice cubes can also be used to clean and sharpen the disposal blades. Just drop a few cubes in with cold water to help clear out any stuck-on food residue.
4. Small Amounts of Dish Soap
   A few drops of dish soap with cold water is safe and can help keep the disposal clean. It’s especially useful after processing greasier foods, as it helps wash away residue.

What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

1. Grease, Oil, and Fats
   Grease, oil, and fats may go down the drain as liquids, but they harden as they cool, coating your pipes and blades. Over time, this can create serious clogs and foul odors. Dispose of these in a sealed container in the trash rather than pouring them down the drain.
2. Fibrous Vegetables
   Vegetables like celery, asparagus, and corn husks have long, fibrous strands that can get tangled in the disposal blades. This not only strains the motor but can also lead to jams. Instead, toss these into the compost or trash.
3. Eggshells and Coffee Grounds
   Contrary to popular belief, eggshells and coffee grounds don’t sharpen disposal blades. Eggshells can create tiny, sandy particles that get stuck, while coffee grounds can clump together, creating sludge in the pipes. It’s best to keep these items out of your disposal.
4. Pasta, Rice, and Bread
   Foods like pasta, rice, and bread expand when they come into contact with water. Putting these down the disposal can lead to a sticky, starchy mess that clogs your pipes over time. These are best disposed of in the trash – or you could be calling for drain cleaning sooner rather than later.
5. Bones, Pits, and Large Seeds
   Hard items like bones, fruit pits, and large seeds are too tough for your disposal to break down and can damage the blades. Even small bones from chicken or fish can cause problems. Always dispose of bones, pits, and seeds in the trash to avoid damage.

Contact Us for Drain Cleaning in Philadelphia Today

Using your garbage disposal correctly not only protects the appliance but also helps prevent costly plumbing issues down the line. For more advice or if you’re experiencing issues with your garbage disposal or drains, reach out to Guaranteed Plumbing & Heating today. Our team is here to help keep your kitchen running smoothly and efficiently.