What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, with all of its various feasting and merrymaking. Chances are, you’re going to be doing quite a bit of cooking for the occasion. Even if you’re not, though, you may be using your kitchen to help host the event. Times like this always put a lot of strain on the garbage disposal, which can cause problems if you’re not careful. If you want to keep your garbage disposal in ideal condition this year, read on for some tips.

Throw FOG Away

One of the biggest threats to your garbage disposal is FOG. FOG stands for fats, oils, and grease, all of which are common materials used in cooking. While these materials are in liquid form when they’re poured down the drain, they congeal into a semi-viscous muck as they cool. This muck sticks to the impeller in the disposal, and can jam it up if enough of it is allowed to build up. FOG can also stick to the walls of the drain pipe, restricting the flow of waste through it. If you’re using FOG in your cooking this year, freeze it and throw it away instead of pouring it down the disposal.

Hard Materials

Garbage disposals are not invincible, and they can’t deal with materials of a certain hardness. Things like bones, fruit pits, ice, etc. have the potential to break the impeller in the disposal. So, be sure to throw those materials away instead. If you’re not sure whether or not your garbage disposal will actually be able to break it down, err on the side of caution and throw it out instead.

Saddleback Plumbing provides garbage disposal maintenance and repair services throughout Trabuco Canyon, CA. If you need help keeping your garbage disposal in top operating condition, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.