9 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER PUT DOWN A GARBAGE DISPOSAL UNIT

Most kitchens in Oceanside have a garbage disposal unit attached just below a kitchen sink drain. As the name suggests, garbage disposal units are used to dispose of garbage. The units pulverize food waste into small bits so it can be washed down the drain without getting stuck.

The typical garbage disposal unit has a useful lifespan of ten to twelve years. How long it lasts depends a large part on what type of materials are placed in them. Placing the wrong types of food waste in a garbage disposal can result in clogs, leaks, and damage to the unit’s impeller plate and other components.

If you’ve been experiencing problems with your garbage disposal unit, call the Oceanside plumbers at 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration. We offer complete garbage disposal repairs in Oceanside and surrounding communities. If it’s time for a replacement, we can remove your old garbage disposal unit and install a new one.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL NO-NOS

Being aware of what you’re placing down your garbage disposal is one of the best ways to maintain your unit and avoid costly repairs or replacements. Here’s our list of items that should never be placed in a garbage disposal unit:

Grease, oils, and fats

These can congeal and clog your pipes, leading to water damage.

Coffee grounds

Wet coffee grounds can clump together, forming a paste that clogs your drain.

Animal bones

Bones can be difficult for the blades of a disposal to chop up; they can get stuck, especially in pipes with bends, and can dull the blades of your disposal.

Fruit pits

While small pits can get past the blades and clog the drain, larger pits may be too dense to cut through.

Fruit rinds

Rinds from cantaloupes, watermelon, pumpkins, and squash may be too thick to cut through, jamming the blades and clogging the drain.

Eggshells

The sticky membrane lining the inside of an eggshell can wrap around the disposal blades affecting their efficiency. In addition, the shells can break into small pieces that can be hard to flush out.

Fibrous vegetables

The long, fine strands of vegetables like celery, asparagus, and corn husks can get tangled up in the blades.

Starchy foods

Foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes expand when wet and can form a gelatinous paste that can clog your drains.

Non-food items

Paper, plastic, packaging foam, and other non-food materials can get stuck and cause jams, damage disposal blades and clog drains.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL REPAIRS IN OCEANSIDE

With proper care and maintenance, your garbage disposal unit can enjoy a long, useful life. Flushing the disposal with cold water during and after use and using natural cleaners like vinegar and baking water to eliminate odors and build-ups are two simple ways to keep your garbage disposal in top condition. If you’re dealing with clogged drains, jammed blades, or electrical issues, contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration for professional garbage disposal repairs in Oceanside.

You can reach us at 866-437-0205 or contact us online to schedule a service call from one of our licensed Oceanside plumbers.