Top Tips to Prevent a Garbage Disposal Clog During the Holidays
With loads of holidays coming up, your kitchen is bound to see some extra action. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, holidays that take place during this time of year can be a real strain on your home’s plumbing. There are few things worse than a garbage disposal clog putting your dinner plans on hold. As we head into the first of many holidays this season, follow these tips to help prevent a garbage disposal clog straight through until the new year.
1. Keep Inorganic Material Out of Your Garbage Disposal
No, we don’t mean veggies treated with pesticides. “Inorganic” in this case refers to things that are not made of living material. To put it simply, if it is not animal or vegetable, do not put it in your garbage disposal. Things like plastic packaging, twist ties, aluminum foil, rubber bands, and kitchen twine are all common in kitchens, especially around the holidays, and none of them have any business going through your garbage disposal. These materials can dull your disposal’s blades, wrap around its impeller, or get stuck.
2. Throw Turkey Bones in the Trash
This goes for all bones, as well. Garbage disposals are not designed for grinding or chopping material to the degree that most people expect. Turkey, ham, beef, and chicken bones can all dull or break your unit’s blades. Throwing bones down the drain — even small ones — can cause a garbage disposal clog, taking your kitchen sink out of commission. Some homeowners follow this rule of thumb: if you cannot break it up with your teeth, your garbage disposal cannot, either.
3. Dispose of Fats and Oils Properly
Whether you are deep-frying a turkey or cooking a pan of bacon, do not pour any excess fats, grease, or oils down the drain. These fats, when cooled, can solidify and seriously clog your sink. Some folks try extreme measures to resolve clogs on their own, but chemical drain cleaners, pipe snakes, and other measures can do much more harm than good. Harsh unclogging methods can damage your plumbing, and you should never try to remove a blockage manually. If you experience a garbage disposal clog, call the experts at Metcalf Plumbing.
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Metcalf Plumbing is a customer-focused plumbing contractor serving residential and commercial clients throughout the Catonsville, Ellicott City and surrounding areas. From water heater installation, sump pump installation and repair to water and sewer line replacement, Metcalf Plumbing is a trusted resource to call on when you need help with your plumbing services. We are not commission-based and we provide honest, upfront costs with a thorough inspection of your system and suggested next steps. Our trained and courteous technicians are standing by to provide quality comfort at competitive prices. You can call us at 410-242-311 and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!