If you want to keep your pipes clean and clog-free, here are some tips to help you avoid costly repairs. As your trusted plumber in Birmingham AL, Plumbing Professionals wants you to be aware of what you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal to prevent damage. While many perishable items are safe and acceptable, some things should be disposed of in the trash bin.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds may seem harmless. However, the grounds stick together, forming a mass that can completely block the pipe. As your go-to plumbing company, we suggest disposing of this material in other ways, like making a compost heap for your plants.

Oil and Cooking Grease

Oil and grease may seem to go down easily, but people often forget that they will, at some point, cool down and solidify. This is the beginning of a potentially expensive blockage that you can avoid, or else you’ll need plumbing repairs.

Bones

After a good piece of fried chicken or fish, you might be tempted to shuck the bones down your disposal. However, we advise against getting rid of the bones in this manner as they can cause your disposal’s blades to become dull and less effective. The bones might also get stuck in the pipes and slowly cause a backup in the drain.

Non-Food Garbage

Your garbage disposal is not meant to dispose of items such as papers, napkins, and plastic wraps. Never put non-food items as doing so can cause significant and irreversible damage to the unit. Once this happens, contact Plumbing Professionals for plumbing services immediately.

Eggshells

Eggshells seem fragile and harmless, yet they become finely ground in the garbage disposal and can build up over time within the pipes. They also contain a thin membrane around the shell which can wrap around the blade and cause damage. Instead of putting this down your garbage disposal, you may want to consider adding this to your compost pile.

If you need emergency plumbing services, Plumbing Professionals will be more than happy to assist you. With our proven solutions, we will help you keep your plumbing in good working order for years. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment.