A garbage disposal unit offers exceptional convenience for any homeowner, so it would serve you well to know how to take care of it properly. If you don’t, you might require the services of a plumbing contractor regularly. According to American Rooter, a trusted drain cleaning service provider in Watertown, CT, there are several things you should not throw in your garbage disposal:

• Bones: Any plumbing contractor will tell you that bones will just end up spinning inside the garbage disposal unit. It will move with the motion of the blades without getting chopped to smaller bits. If they happen to get past the blades, they can get stuck in the drain pipes and cause future plumbing problems.

• Coffee Grounds: Don’t be fooled by the size of coffee grounds. While it would seem like they should go down your drain pipes easily, that’s not usually the case. They can pile up inside and cause a sludge of a mess.

• Egg Shells: Some say egg shells are actually helpful because they can help sharpen the blades of the garbage disposal. But there are those who believe the membrane lining of the shells can cause damage by wrapping around the shredder of the machine. It’s better to err on the side of safety and avoid throwing them in.

• Fruit Pits: If you have ever tried cutting through a fruit pit with a knife, you know why it’s included on this list. It can be sliced, but only after a great deal of effort, which your garbage disposal unit might be unable to handle.

• Grease: This is common knowledge, and yet a lot of people still dispose of grease and oil by pouring it down the garbage disposal. Doing so can cause your drains to clog up.

Keep these things away from your garbage disposal unit if you want your machine to last. If you still end up with drain problems and need an expert plumbing contractor, get in touch with American Rooter. Call them at (860) 274-7338 or visit their website to learn more about the services they offer.