Did you know?

In case some of you were not aware of should and should not be put in a disposal, I am posting today to help you out a bit. I was aware that potato peels should not be put down a disposal, but I learned last night that pasta shouldn't be put down one either. My landlord told me pasta was no good for disposals. In my mind, I considered them great disposal products since they are so soft. Well, that just goes to show you I know nothing about disposals and pipes for that matter. So, Thomas and I googled what should and should not be put in a disposal. Here is a top 10 list for you from Terry at Waldman Management Group. Thanks Terry.

Terry's Top Ten Garbage Disposal Killers.

• 10. Zip lock bags, aluminum foil, or any other packaging items. (Yes, this has happened.)
• 9. Silverware or cooking utinsels. (Like we do that intentionally).
• 8. Banana, apple or any fruit peel or core. (I'm not the only non fruit eater!)
• 7. Avocado peel or core. (This one might send the disposal into orbit.)
• 6. Sweet corn husks, silt or cob. (Trash cans love these items.)
• 5. Bones from steaks, chops, chicken or other varments. (Also very good for trash cans.)
• 4. Grease and drippings. (Will require a disposal by-pass.)
• 3. Potatoes of any kind. (Your disposal is allergic to all starch items.)
• 2. Pasta noodles of any kind. (These starches could lead to disposal cardiac arrest)
  

And the number one killer of Garbage Disposals is....

• 1. RICE!!!! (Your disposal should start screaming at the sight of Rice.) (Instant death!)

Oh, and here are a few pointers for successful disposal use.

• Never run the disposal with out first turning on the water.
• If your disposal becomes clogged or making unusual sounds. Never insert your hand or any other object into the disposal.
• If your disposal becomes unusable, please forward a work request to the Maintenance Department.
• A disposal is not a “trash eater” only small amounts of food should be inserted into the disposal.
• Excess food and waste should be put in a trash can.
• Remember to always turn off the disposal when not in use.

I hope these are helpful. I had 8 of 10 under my radar of things to know, however I tragically didn't know the top 2 things that could clog your drain. Well, now I know--and knowing is half the battle. Stay tuned for my next blog: how to find a good, inexpensive plumber.