Foods that Can and Can’t Go Down Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is a powerful tool to make kitchen cleanup easy and keep food waste out of landfills. But you shouldn’t treat it like a garbage can. While it can handle most food you throw at it, there are certain kinds of waste you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal.

Foods You Shouldn’t Put Down Your Disposal

Fats, oils, and grease: Known as FOGs in the industry, this type of food waste may seem harmless, but it’s one of the leading causes of clogs in plumbing and sewers. FOGs often start as liquids, but they will usually congeal and stick to the insides of your pipes, causing stubborn clogs. Common FOGs include cooking oil, butter, peanut butter, bacon grease, salad dressing, mayonnaise, and ice cream.

Fibrous vegetables and fruit peels: Thin and/or stringy foods such as celery and fruit peels often slip through garbage disposals without being ground up properly. This can cause clogs further down your pipes. Particularly stringy foods can also wrap around your disposal’s impellers, causing jams or even motor burnout. Common foods in this category include celery stalks, asparagus, corn husks, onion skins, artichoke leaves, and fruit and vegetable peels.

Starchy foods: These foods absorb water and expand, turning into a thick paste that can clog your drain and hinder your disposal. Small amounts are okay, but you should avoid dumping large quantities down the drain. Examples include pasta, rice, potato peels, bread, and oatmeal.

Hard foods: Most garbage disposals can safely grind up hard foods, including small bones. But even smaller chunks of those foods can cause clogs further down your plumbing, especially if your pipes are older. That’s why we generally recommend against putting them down your disposal. Foods in this category include bones, fruit pits, seafood shells, coffee grounds, and eggshells.

Foods You Should Put Down Your Disposal

Your disposal can handle most foods not mentioned above. Generally, small amounts of soft food waste are safe to put down your disposal. Examples include cooked meat and fruit and vegetable scraps. Citrus rinds are also safe, and they can help freshen up your disposal and combat foul odors! You can also put ice cubes down your disposal to help clean the system and dislodge debris. Always remember to wash waste down a bit at a time rather than dumping large quantities down your drain, which can lead to clogs.

Robillard Plumbing Can Help

Do you have a clog in your garbage disposal or elsewhere in your plumbing? We can help. We use the latest tools and technology to clean your drain and free your pipes of pesky clogs. Located in Maple Grove, MN, we serve the entire northwest Twin Cities metro area.

Contact us today to schedule service!

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Smart Ways to Save Water This Summer

Summer in Minnesota is a time for lush lawns, refreshing dips in the pool, and enjoying the great outdoors. But with all that summer fun often comes a noticeable increase in your water bill. From keeping your garden vibrant to filling up the kiddie pool, our water usage tends to climb.

The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice your summer enjoyment to save money and conserve water. By implementing a few simple, smart habits and making minor adjustments around your home, you can significantly reduce your water consumption and keep more cash in your pocket. Let’s dive into some practical water-saving tips for a more efficient summer!

Outdoors: Where Most Summer Water Goes

A significant portion of summer water use happens outside your home. Here’s how to make a big impact:

• Water Wisely, Not Wildly:
  • Time it Right: Water your lawn and garden early in the morning or late in the evening. This minimizes evaporation from the sun and wind, ensuring more water reaches your plants’ roots.
  • Deep and Infrequent: Instead of daily shallow watering, water deeply but less often. This encourages deeper root growth, making your plants more drought-resistant.
  • Targeted Hydration: Consider using drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses for gardens and flower beds. These deliver water directly to the roots, dramatically reducing waste.
  • Mulch is Your Friend: Apply a layer of mulch around plants and trees. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduces evaporation, and suppresses weeds, meaning you’ll need to water less.
  • Smart Sprinklers: If you have an automatic sprinkler system, install a rain sensor. This device will automatically turn off your sprinklers when it’s raining, preventing unnecessary watering.
• Take Care of Your Pool:
  • Cover Your Pool: When not in use, cover your swimming pool. This simple step can reduce evaporation by up to 90%, saving thousands of gallons of water (and chemicals!).
  • Check for Leaks: Keep an eye out for leaks in your pool or its filtration system. Even small drips can add up to significant water loss over time.

Indoors: Small Changes, Big Savings

Even with outdoor activities, indoor water use still accounts for a large part of your bill. Here’s how to be more efficient inside:

• Fix Those Pesky Leaks:
  • Drips Add Up: A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year. A running toilet can waste thousands! These aren’t just annoying; they’re costly.
  • Toilet Leak Test: Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color appears in the bowl within 10–15 minutes, you have a leak that needs fixing.
  • Don’t Delay Repairs: Address any leaks immediately. Our master plumbers at Robillard Plumbing can quickly diagnose and repair leaks, saving you water and preventing potential water damage.
• Use Appliances Carefully:
  • Dishwasher & Washing Machine: Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Modern appliances are designed to be most efficient with a full load.
  • Choose Wisely: Opt for energy-efficient models when replacing old appliances. They often use significantly less water and electricity.
• Shower Smarter, Not Longer:
  • Shorter Showers: Aim for shorter showers. Even cutting a minute or two can save gallons.
  • Low-Flow Fixtures: Consider installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. These devices restrict water flow without sacrificing pressure, giving you the same experience with less water.
• Turn Off the Tap:
  • It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked: Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving, or scrubbing dishes. Don’t let water run unnecessarily.

Your Plumbing Health Matters

Beyond daily habits, ensuring your home’s plumbing system is in top shape can also contribute to water savings:

• Regular Check-ups: Scheduling periodic plumbing inspections can help identify hidden leaks or inefficiencies before they become major problems.
• Water Softeners: If you live in an area with hard water (like many parts of Minnesota!), a water softener can indirectly save water by making your appliances more efficient and reducing the need for excessive soap and detergent.

Enjoy a Water-Wise Summer!

By adopting these water-saving habits, you’ll not only contribute to environmental conservation but also enjoy noticeable savings on your utility bills. Every drop counts, and even small changes can make a big difference for your home and your wallet. Concerned about a leak, or want to explore water-saving upgrades for your home? Robillard Plumbing is here to help! Contact us today to schedule service.

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