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Without a garbage disposal, people would be taking the trash out a lot more often. Food left in trash cans draws bugs and can begin to smell really unpleasant as soon as the next morning. The garbage disposal takes care of that problem, in many instances. Shove the uneaten food down the drain, flip the switch, and like magic, the food is cut up and sent on its way. Unfortunately, the garbage disposal isn't meant for everything and misuse of this handy appliance can lead to a major plumbing problem if you aren't careful. Here are some things that should never go down the disposal.
To avoid plumbing problems, avoid putting any kind of rice or pasta down the garbage disposal. These cannot be chopped up beyond a certain point, and that point won't be sufficient to take away its amazing water-soaking properties. Because of these properties, pasta and rice tend to swell up and get caught in the trap below the disposal. When enough bits accumulate, it can cause the trap to almost completely close, meaning a clog. Throw leftover rice and pasta in the trash. It won't attract bugs in the way other food items will and unless covered in a degradable sauce, it won't smell the next morning.
The next thing you should never put down the kitchen drain is grease of any kind. Doing it on a regular basis is just asking for a clog eventually. Grease will stick to the sides of the pipes and when it dries out, it creates a thick lard that water will not be able to penetrate. You can avoid some of the major kitchen plumbing problems by never putting grease down the drain. If it's a small amount of grease, seal it up in a jar and throw it out.
Chicken and steak bones should never go down in the disposal. This is a one way ticket to replacing the disposal altogether. The blades of the disposal are quite adept at cutting up smaller chunks of soft food, but they are not nearly strong enough to handle animal bones. Throw these out and save having to purchase a new garbage disposal system.
Most plumbing problems in the kitchen can be avoided by using some discretion when it comes to the use of appliances like the garbage disposal. Though it is one of the most helpful machines in the kitchen, don't expect it to do miracles. Sometimes, the trash can is the best alternative.
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