The best part of a summer barbecue: the food.
The worst part of a summer barbecue: the clean-up.
It’s no surprise that many of us turn to our trusty garbage disposal for the dirty work. While your disposal can handle most things thrown its way, there are certain foods that can do real damage to both the appliance and your plumbing system. These include...
Barbeque ribs
Corn husks
Baked beans
Potato skins
Macaroni and cheese
These foods clog your drains because they contain lots of fiber, starch, and grease. These things don't always go all the way through your drain when you put them in the garbage disposal. When grease and starch build up in your pipes, they prevent other items from getting through and cause your drains to back up.
Barbeque Ribs
Barbeque ribs are a summertime staple. Just make sure you scrape your plate into a garbage can instead of using the garbage disposal. Bones can do a number to your unit’s blades and what manages to slip past will most definitely clog your drains. Oh, and those grease drippings shouldn’t go down your sink either. Rise off the drip pan with a hose in your garden.
Corn Husks
Corn is super fibrous. The stingy fibers will tangle up inside your disposal. Toss husks in the trash instead, or better yet, throw them in your compost pile--they make for a great natural fertilizer.
Baked Beans
Another great summertime side dish, baked beans take any outdoor barbecue to a whole new level. However, this side dish joins other starchy foods that are a big no-no for your plumbing system, including potato dishes, rice, and pasta.