A summer get-together with family and friends can easily go down the drain when you run into an unexpected plumbing problem. The last thing that you want is to discover that your sink is backing up or that the garbage disposal has stopped working when you have a home or patio filled with guests. The good news is that you can avoid this common scenario by learning how to dispose of BBQ food waste.
Foods That Should Not Go Down the Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal’s blades can pulverize many types of foods, but there are several types of waste that it cannot handle. For instance, you should never toss meat bones into the garbage disposal along with watermelon rinds, potato skins, banana peels, and other similar items. In addition, liquid grease should not be poured down the drain. When it cools, it can congeal and create a messy blockage.
How to Dispose of These Foods
The easiest way to dispose of foods that cannot be tossed in the garbage disposal is to put them in the trash. Consider bagging meat bones in a separate plastic bag before putting them in a trash. Otherwise, take the garbage directly to your outdoor bin to prevent unpleasant odors in the home.
What to Do If Your Garbage Disposal Breaks
If you put items in the garbage disposal that it cannot handle, you may notice it humming or making an unusual sound when it runs. If this is the case, you should turn off the garbage disposal. Continuing to run it may burn out the motor. If you cannot remove the debris yourself or if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, contact a plumber for professional assistance.
As a rule of thumb, if you are uncertain about your garbage disposal’s ability to handle a specific type of waste, put the food waste in the trash bin instead. It is also helpful to keep a plunger and the phone number for your preferred plumber nearby.