In the event that your Compton rental home has a garbage disposal, you must already have the idea that it is one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen. Nonetheless, that fact does not automatically translate to it being able to handle all types of “garbage.” Even though most garbage disposals handle a lot of food scraps with ease, there are several things that must never put in a garbage disposal. Doing so could damage the disposal’s motor, blades, and more. To prevent expensive repairs and keep your garbage disposal working great, keep these items out of your kitchen sink.
- Coffee grounds. It may appear as though those coffee grounds would just slip right down your kitchen pipes, when in fact, they can build up in your pipes and create a nasty sludge. Attempting to grind them up with the disposal won’t do your disposal blades any good, either.
- Eggshells. Not everybody would find that eggshells should stay out of your garbage disposal, but they can trigger real problems. The shell’s thin membrane can get stuck around your disposal’s blades and prompt the whole thing to break down. It’s far better to just toss your eggshells in the trash instead.
- Fruit seeds and pits. Small, hard objects should never be put down your garbage disposal. Fruit seeds and pits are without question, in this category. If you can’t cut the seeds or pit with a knife, your garbage disposal won’t be able to grind it up, either.
- Popcorn kernels. Just like fruit seeds, popcorn kernels are too hard for your disposal blades to grind. Those kernels will get stuck in your disposal’s machinery and cause the entire thing to seize up. Getting them back out can be a real nightmare, too.
- Bones and seafood shells. Very small bones and seafood shells might slip through the disposal without too many problems, but larger ones will make a mess of your plumbing and your disposal unit, too. Most bones are too hard and dense for the disposal to break down. They will clog your pipes.
- Potato peels. It is tempting to simply wash your potato peels down the drain and let your disposal try to chew them up. But potato peels are full of starch, which will cause them to clump together in a thick paste that can clog your pipes. The same holds true for rice.
- Fibrous vegetables. Any type of vegetable that is stringy should be kept away from your garbage disposal. Celery, pumpkin, lettuce, artichokes, and asparagus can all get wrapped around your disposal’s blades. This can give rise to expensive plumbing repairs.
- Nuts. In many ways, your garbage disposal blades are a lot like a blender. Whatever you stuff down there will get ground up. When you grind nuts, the end product is nut butter, which is sticky and not at all good for your disposal or your pipes. It can stick to the walls of your pipes and the inside of your disposal, creating clogs and other sorts of issues.
Aside from these eight items, a good rule of thumb for guaranteeing that your garbage disposal is working properly is if you wouldn’t dump it down the drain, don’t put it in the disposal. By knowing what you shouldn’t put in a garbage disposal, you can avoid unnecessary maintenance calls and repairs. Your landlord will love you for it!
If you’re currently looking for a rental home or need help managing your Compton rental property, contact Real Property Management Choice at 310-928-9728 to speak with a professional Compton property manager now!
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