GOOD TO KNOW
It’s true, garbage disposals can break up nearly any organic material you put down them. But that’s all they do — they break things apart into smaller pieces.
The problem exists on the other side of the connection where food leaves the blades and enters your plumbing on its way to the sanitary sewer system. This system is designed to manage the flow of wastewater exiting your home, not the scraps and shreds of food leftover on your dinner plates.
When these substances are washed down the drain, they cling to pipe walls. Building up over time, they block the flow of wastewater and lead to sewer backups into homes, onto streets, down storm drains and into local waterways. This is especially a problem for those living in apartments, condominiums and other high-density housing.
GOOD TO DO
- The best way to protect your pipes and prevent costly blockages and backups is to always be mindful of what you wash down the drain and avoid feeding the garbage disposal.
- Thoroughly scrape plates into the trash or compost bin before washing.
- Wipe pots, pans and cooking utensils with a paper towel prior to washing.
- Use a strainer in your sink drain to catch any food particles that attempt to escape; throw the scraps collected into the trash or compost bin.
- Never pour oil, drippings, sauces or dressings down the drain. Absorb these substances with a paper towel and toss into the trash.
- Pour used cooking grease into an empty, heat-safe container like a soup can. Freeze and toss it out with the garbage.
