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Can I Put Cooking Grease Down the Garbage Disposal?

Dealing with leftover cooking grease can be challenging. After a big meal or cooking session, you might be tempted to pour it down the garbage disposal. However, doing so can cause significant damage to your plumbing system.

In this blog post, the plumbing experts at AirCo discuss why grease is harmful to your garbage disposal and how you should safely dispose of it instead of sending it down your disposal.

Why You Shouldn’t Put Grease Down the Garbage Disposal

Pouring cooking grease or oil down your garbage disposal might seem like a fast cleanup solution, but it can lead to more significant problems for your plumbing. Here’s why it’s a bad idea:

• Difficult clogs: As grease cools, it solidifies. When it coats your pipes, it can cause significant blockages that restrict water flow. Over time, these clogs can build up and completely block your plumbing.
• Serious damage: Grease doesn’t just remain in your garbage disposal; it moves through your pipes, causing blockages. These clogs can create pressure, leading to leaks or even bursts in your plumbing system.
• Costly repairs: When grease clogs or damages your plumbing, you could face expensive repairs or even need to replace your pipes.

And no, running hot water while pouring the grease down the disposal won’t prevent these issues. That’s a myth that could cost you big time in the long run.

How Should Homeowners Dispose of Grease?

Rather than pouring grease down the drain, homeowners should practice safe disposal methods. After cooking, allow the grease to cool and solidify. Once hardened, scrape it into the trash.

Keep an old can or jar handy specifically for collecting grease after cooking. Once the container is full, throw it away. If there’s only a small amount of grease left after cooking, you can use paper towels to absorb it before tossing it in the garbage.

Ways To Keep Your Garbage Disposal in Good Condition

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your garbage disposal lasts the long term. Here are a few ways to protect your garbage disposal from unnecessary damage:

• Avoid non-disposal-friendly items: In addition to grease, avoid sending fibrous vegetables (like celery), eggshells, coffee grounds, or bones down the garbage disposal. These can damage the blades or clog the system.
• Run cold water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal to help flush out any food particles.
• Clean it regularly: Clean your disposal by grinding up ice cubes or small citrus peels. This helps sharpen the blades and leaves your disposal smelling fresh.
• Schedule plumbing maintenance: Regular plumbing maintenance can catch any small issues with your garbage disposal before they become big problems.

Choose AirCo for Garbage Disposal Services in the DFW Area

If you’re having trouble with your garbage disposal, AirCo is here to help. With over 30 years of local plumbing experience and same-day service availability, our team can quickly provide the effective garbage disposal repairs you need to regain total functionality.

We strive to deliver convenient, cost-effective solutions to every customer, offering rapid response times with no overtime charges or additional fees for night or weekend services.

Schedule garbage disposal repairs in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX, by contacting our team online today.