Thanksgiving & Your Garbage Disposal
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, a feast. However, the aftermath of this grand meal can spell trouble for your garbage disposal if you're not careful. Understanding which foods are likely to cause clogs can save you from a plumbing disaster. Let's dive into the top foods that you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal this Thanksgiving.
Turkey Bones
Turkey bones are notorious for causing issues in garbage disposals. These bones are incredibly hard and can easily damage the blades of your disposal. When the blades are compromised, they lose their efficiency, making it difficult to grind up even softer foods. This can lead to larger pieces of food getting stuck in your pipes, causing a blockage. Additionally, the bones can get lodged in the disposal itself, leading to a complete breakdown of the unit. It's best to dispose of turkey bones in the trash to avoid these costly repairs.
Turkey Skin
While turkey skin may seem harmless, it can actually create significant problems for your garbage disposal. The skin is greasy and can wrap around the blades, causing them to slow down or stop altogether. This not only creates an immediate clog but can also lead to motor burnout if the disposal is left running. Over time, the grease from the skin can solidify in your pipes, leading to more severe blockages. To keep your disposal running smoothly, it's best to throw turkey skin in the trash rather than down the drain.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple at any Thanksgiving table, but they can be a nightmare for your garbage disposal. When mashed potatoes are washed down the drain, they can form a thick paste that clogs your pipes. This paste can harden over time, making it difficult for water to flow freely. The starchy nature of mashed potatoes means they are particularly good at sticking to the sides of your pipes, creating a blockage that can be tough to remove. To avoid this, scrape leftover mashed potatoes into the trash before rinsing your dishes.
Pasta and Rice
Pasta and rice are other starchy foods that can cause significant issues for your garbage disposal. These foods expand when they come into contact with water, which can lead to blockages in your pipes. Even small amounts of pasta or rice can swell and create a clog that prevents water from draining properly. Additionally, these foods can become sticky when wet, making it easier for them to adhere to the sides of your pipes. To prevent these problems, it's best to dispose of pasta and rice in the trash rather than the garbage disposal.
Celery
Celery is a common ingredient in many Thanksgiving dishes, but its fibrous nature makes it a poor candidate for the garbage disposal. The long, stringy fibers in celery can easily tangle around the blades of your disposal, causing them to jam. This not only creates an immediate clog but can also damage the motor if the disposal is left running. Over time, the fibers can accumulate in your pipes, leading to more severe blockages. To keep your disposal running smoothly, it's best to throw celery scraps in the trash.
Pumpkin and Squash
Pumpkin and squash are popular ingredients in many Thanksgiving recipes, but their fibrous strands and seeds can cause significant issues for your garbage disposal. The fibers can wrap around the blades, causing them to jam, while the seeds can get stuck in the disposal or your pipes, creating a blockage. Additionally, the tough skin of these vegetables can be difficult for the disposal to grind up, leading to further problems. To avoid these issues, it's best to dispose of pumpkin and squash scraps in the trash.
Turkey Drippings
Turkey drippings are a common byproduct of Thanksgiving dinner, but they can cause significant problems for your plumbing. When liquid fat is washed down the drain, it can solidify in your pipes, leading to blockages. This is particularly problematic in colder weather, as the fat can harden more quickly. Over time, these blockages can become severe, requiring professional intervention to remove. To avoid these issues, it's best to let turkey drippings cool and solidify before disposing of them in the trash.
Gravy and Sauces
Gravy and sauces are another common cause of clogs in garbage disposals. These liquids can congeal and stick to the sides of your pipes, creating blockages over time. Additionally, the fats and oils in these liquids can solidify, leading to more severe clogs. Even small amounts of gravy or sauce can accumulate in your pipes, causing water to drain slowly or not at all. To prevent these problems, it's best to dispose of gravy and sauces in the trash rather than down the drain.
Potato and Carrot Peels
Potato and carrot peels are common kitchen scraps, but they can cause significant issues for your garbage disposal. These peels can form a thick mass that clogs your pipes, preventing water from draining properly. Additionally, the peels can become slippery when wet, making it easier for them to adhere to the sides of your pipes. Over time, these blockages can become severe, requiring professional intervention to remove. To avoid these issues, it's best to dispose of potato and carrot peels in the trash.
Apple Cores and Pits
Apple cores and pits are another common cause of clogs in garbage disposals. The hard pits can damage the blades of your disposal, leading to a loss of efficiency and potential motor burnout. Additionally, the cores can get stuck in the disposal or your pipes, creating a blockage. Even small amounts of apple cores or pits can accumulate in your pipes, causing water to drain slowly or not at all. To prevent these problems, it's best to dispose of apple cores and pits in the trash rather than down the drain.
Don't Hesitate to Reach Out to SWAGS Plumbing and Rooter This Holiday Season
As Thanksgiving approaches, it's important to be mindful of what you're putting down your garbage disposal. By following the tips provided in this blog, you can avoid common mistakes that lead to costly plumbing repairs. If you do encounter any garbage disposal problems this Thanksgiving, Swags Plumbing And Rooter is here to help. Our team of professional plumbers is experienced in handling all types of plumbing issues, from clogs to replacements. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your plumbing is in top shape for the holiday season.
Call SWAGS Plumbing and Rooter now at (408) 706-2808 or send us a message online.