Thanksgiving fills the kitchen with food, and much of it ends up near the sink. A little prep helps your disposal cope.
This guide covers how to prevent garbage disposal clogs before guests arrive, and when to call plumbers in Maryland for help.
Why the Holidays Strain Your Plumbing
The City of Rockville counts sauces, gravy, and salad dressings as fats, oils, and grease (FOG). It warns that FOG can trap solids, form hard deposits, and clog pipes. That can cause basement backups, sewer overflows, and costly damage to property.
Baltimore County adds that garbage disposals, additives, and hot water will not prevent FOG buildup. FOG collects on the inside walls of pipes and builds up over time, eventually restricting flow.
Keep Grease, Oil and Fat Out of the Sink
Pour cooled drippings into an empty can, not down the drain. Baltimore County suggests keeping a small can in the freezer, then discarding the full can in the trash. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing. We also list cooking oil and fat among the things a disposal cannot handle.
Know What Your Disposal Cannot Handle
Our disposal guidance also lists:
- Fibrous produce such as lettuce, cabbage and spinach
- Meat bones
- Flour and coffee grounds
- Paints, chemical cleaners and medicines
Scrape Plates Before You Wash
Rockville advises scraping food into the trash can before wa