Hello Folks – it’s me, your local TriBeCa plumber, who would really like to spend one Thanksgiving season without hearing from a panicked homeowner who’s sure they (or their beloved visiting relative) has killed their garbage disposal. So with that in mind, here’s a list of Favorite Holiday Foods that shouldn’t go into the garbage disposal:
#1 Don’t Do It: Turkey Bones
Turkeys are very bony birds, with large thigh and drumstick bones in addition to the carcass. Bones are hard. Putting turkey bones into your garbage disposal can cause the grinding blades to chip and even shatter (not good) and it can also cause the motor to have to work much too hard, potentially damaging the garbage disposal’s motor. Chicken wing bones are also Not Great for the disposal.
#2: Don’t Do It: Squash, Pumpkin, & Tough Stringy Veggies
Cooked squash and pumpkin has the ability to cling and block up the garbage disposal that puts any other vegetable absolutely to shame. We’re not sure if it’s because people really don’t like squash and so they’re trying to sneak massive quantities into the disposal, but let me tell you, that orange stuff gets in the disposal and never wants to leave. Skip the holiday service call and toss the squash in the trash! Other problematic veggies include tough stringy things like artichokes, asparagus, and the skins and husks from garden favorites.
#3: Don’t Do It: Mac and Cheese!!!!
Pasta is indeed the closest thing humanity has to a perfect food. Whether it’s Nana’s lasagna, Mom’s Mac and Cheese, or a cute little pasta salad with tortellini and olives, pasta adds elegance, style, and substance to the Thanksgiving table. But you put those noodles in the garbage disposal, get ready for a nightmare. Pasta swells when it absorbs liquid. Your garbage disposal is full of liquid. Swollen, gummy pasta can shut your garbage disposal down fast.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: GARBAGE DISPOSAL SAFETY
A garbage disposal contains motor driven grinding blades designed to reduce solid matter to shreds that easily fit down a household drain. Do not be sticking your hands in there. The garbage disposal will cut you and never even feel bad about it. If you have any doubts whatsoever about your ability to repair the garbage disposal, just call your TriBeCa plumber. They’ll handle the tough, messy job while you enjoy the post-meal conversations with your family and friends.
