How Not To Use A Disposal

As a Plumber, the most problematic household appliances I've seen are disposals. It's not that the disposals themselves are faulty, it's the way they've been used that creates issues. A popular misconception is that disposals can be used like a trash can. This is not true; Disposals should be used with proper judgment.

5 Items that do not belong in the disposal:

1. Rice and potato pearls: Everyone with real-life experience knows that dry rice and potato pearls swell up when exposed to water. When these items are dumped carelessly down the disposal, they are exposed to water very quickly because the disposal connects to the sink drain. Whenever water is run in the sink, it flows down the drain and combines with the leftovers from the disposal. The pipes underneath the sink fill up with swollen rice/potatoes and clog the drain. These items can easily be disposed of in the trash can.

2. Coins: This one should come as no surprise. Coins are too solid and cannot be broken down. In fact, as the rattle around in the disposal, they are liable to get stuck and jam up the machinery. In such cases, one may be able to unjam it oneself or hire a professional plumber.

3. Grease and Oil: Just as these products will eventually clog regular sink drains, they still clog the drain after going through the disposal.

4. Fruit Pits and Seeds: Like coins, these items are too solid to put through the disposal and they too could jam the disposal. In the best-case scenario, they rattle around in there forever.

5. Garbage (such as wipes, paper towels, tissue, etc.): Although the disposal can grind these items to shreds, it's still unwise to put them down because they get gummy or sticky when wet. If large quantities are used, they can cause a clog further down the line.

   
   

   The Lesson

   The moral of the story is, if it doesn't seem wise to put it in the disposal, don't. Avoiding these things, and others like them, will save the average homeowner precious time and resources. Need help with your disposal? Call Apex Plumbing today! (435) 213-7146